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Will an Office 2021 Update Upgrade to Microsoft 365?
Question details
The user wants to know if accepting a routine software update notification in Office 2021 will convert their perpetual, one-time-purchase license into a recurring Microsoft 365 subscription.
- Product
- Microsoft Office 2021 Professional
- Device & OS
- Windows 10
- Scenario
- Receiving a standard software update prompt while using Office 2021 applications.
- Observed behavior
- An update notification appears, prompting the user to close active Office applications or restart the computer, causing concern about an unintended subscription upgrade.
Before proceeding with any update, you can verify your current license type by opening Word or Excel, clicking on 'File', and checking the 'Account' section to confirm you own a perpetual Office 2021 license.
Safely Install the Standard Office 2021 Update
Apply the routine security and feature updates meant specifically for your Office 2021 version without worrying about unwanted subscription charges.
Standard Office 2021 updates only provide essential security patches, bug fixes, and stability improvements. Microsoft will never automatically convert your one-time perpetual purchase into a recurring Microsoft 365 subscription without your explicit consent, offer selection, and payment confirmation.
Save all open documents, spreadsheets, and presentations to prevent any data loss.
Close any running Office applications (such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) as listed in the notification prompt.
Click 'Update Now' on the notification banner or follow the on-screen instructions to let the installer run.
If prompted by the system, restart your Windows 10 computer to finalize the installation of the update files.
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- 1. Download the software: Visit the official WPS website and click the free download button.
- 2. Run the installer: Launch the setup file and follow the simple on-screen instructions.
- 3. Open existing files: Seamlessly open, edit, and save your existing Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if I have Office 2021 or Microsoft 365 installed?
Open any Office application, click on 'File' in the top-left corner, and select 'Account'. Under the 'Product Information' section, it will explicitly state whether you have a Subscription Product (Microsoft 365) or a perpetual one-time purchase (Office 2021).
Will Microsoft ever force my Office 2021 to become Microsoft 365?
No. Office 2021 is a perpetual license, meaning you own it forever. While Microsoft will eventually stop providing security updates after its end-of-support date, the software will not forcibly convert into a paid Microsoft 365 subscription.
Why does the update notification ask me to close my apps?
The update process needs to replace core application files to apply security and performance improvements. Closing Word, Excel, or PowerPoint ensures these files are not currently in use, allowing the update to install successfully.
Can I disable Office 2021 updates entirely to avoid these prompts?
Yes, you can disable updates by navigating to 'File' > 'Account' > 'Update Options' and selecting 'Disable Updates'. However, this is not recommended, as keeping updates enabled ensures your computer remains protected against the latest security vulnerabilities.
