License & Subscription Issues

Do You Need Microsoft 365 If You Own Office 2016?

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to know if they are required to upgrade to a Microsoft 365 subscription if they already own a one-time purchase of Microsoft Office 2016.

Product: Microsoft Office 2016
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Continuing to use or restoring an existing Office 2016 license on a current or new computer without paying for a new subscription.
Observed behavior: The user possesses a one-time purchase of Office 2016 and wishes to avoid upgrading to the subscription-based Microsoft 365 while ensuring their current software remains functional.

Before you start

Ensure you have access to the Microsoft account used to purchase Office 2016 or have your 25-character product key ready before attempting to reinstall or transfer the software.

Solution 1Recommended

Continue Using Office 2016 on the Original Device

Office 2016 is a perpetual license, meaning it does not expire. You can keep using it on the originally licensed computer without needing Microsoft 365.

Because Office 2016 was sold as a one-time purchase, you are not obligated to subscribe to Microsoft 365 to keep using the software on the computer where it was originally installed and activated.

Open an Office application

Launch any Office 2016 application, such as Word or Excel, on your current computer.

Verify your activation status

Click on 'File' in the top left corner, then select 'Account'. Under the Product Information section, ensure it says 'Product Activated' for Microsoft Office 2016.

Support Lifecycle: While the software will continue to function indefinitely, keep in mind that Microsoft has ended mainstream support for Office 2016, meaning it no longer receives new feature updates.

Solution 2

Transfer Office 2016 to a New Computer

If you purchased a retail copy of Office 2016, you can transfer it to a new device. However, OEM copies preinstalled on a PC cannot be transferred.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Use WPS Office as a Free Alternative to Microsoft 365

If your Office 2016 license was an OEM copy that cannot be transferred to your new computer, you don't have to pay for an expensive Microsoft 365 subscription. WPS Office provides a completely free, highly compatible, and lightweight alternative for all your document, spreadsheet, and presentation needs.

1. Download the software: Visit the official WPS website and click the free download button for your operating system.
2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded installer file and follow the quick setup wizard to install the suite on your computer.
3. Open your existing files: Launch WPS Office and directly open your older Office 2016 documents without needing any file conversion.

Seamless compatibility with Microsoft Office formats including .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx.100% free to use for core office tasks with no mandatory recurring subscriptions.Familiar ribbon-style user interface that makes switching from Office 2016 effortless.Lightweight application that installs quickly and runs smoothly even on older hardware.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my Office 2016 stop working if I don't buy Microsoft 365?

No. Office 2016 is a perpetual, one-time purchase license. It will continue to function on your licensed device indefinitely, even if you never subscribe to Microsoft 365.

How do I know if my Office 2016 license is an OEM copy?

If Microsoft Office 2016 was already installed and activated on your computer when you bought it from the store or manufacturer, it is almost certainly an OEM license. Retail licenses are typically purchased separately.

Can I transfer a preinstalled Office 2016 license to my new laptop?

No. Preinstalled (OEM) licenses are legally tied to the motherboard of the original computer they were activated on and cannot be transferred to a new laptop.

What happens if I lose my Office 2016 product key?

If you purchased a digital copy, your license is likely linked to your Microsoft account and can be managed online. If you purchased a physical copy and lost the key without linking it to an account, you may not be able to reinstall the software.

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