License & Subscription Issues

Does Upgrading from Microsoft 365 E3 to E5 Affect Office Apps?

WPS Content Manager Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to know if upgrading a Microsoft 365 license from E3 to E5 will alter, replace, or disrupt their currently installed Office desktop applications.

Does Upgrading from Microsoft 365 E3 to E5 Affect Office Apps?

Product: Microsoft 365
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: An organization or user is planning to upgrade their Microsoft 365 subscription tier from E3 to E5 and needs to understand the impact on existing local desktop applications.
Observed behavior: The goal is to ensure a smooth transition where existing Microsoft 365 applications remain fully functional while new E5 features are seamlessly unlocked and integrated.

Before you start

Before making changes to user licenses, ensure you have global administrator or billing administrator permissions in the Microsoft 365 admin center.

Solution 1Recommended

Understanding the Impact of E3 to E5 Upgrades on Office Apps

Upgrading to E5 does not disrupt your current Office apps; it simply unlocks additional premium backend features and services.

When you upgrade a user from Microsoft 365 E3 to E5, the core desktop applications (like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) remain exactly the same. There is no need to uninstall or reinstall the software on the user's device.

Instead of changing the local apps, the E5 license provisions additional backend services and premium capabilities. The user will retain the same application interfaces while gaining access to advanced security (Microsoft Defender), compliance tools, Power BI Pro analytics, and advanced voice features.

Assign the New License

Log in to the Microsoft 365 admin center, navigate to Users > Active users, select the user, and assign the new Microsoft 365 E5 license while removing the E3 license.

Update Office Apps (Optional)

Open any installed Office app like Word, go to File > Account > Update Options, and click 'Update Now' to ensure the application syncs with the newly provisioned license capabilities.

Verify Subscription Status

Under the 'Account' menu in any Office application, check the Product Information section to verify that it now reflects the Microsoft 365 E5 license.

Understanding the Impact of E3 to E5 Upgrades on Office Apps

Billing Support: If the new features do not appear after upgrading and syncing, you may need to contact Microsoft billing and licensing support for verification.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Looking for a Cost-Effective Alternative to Microsoft 365?

Enterprise licenses like Microsoft 365 E5 can be expensive. If your team primarily needs powerful document editing without complex enterprise add-ons, WPS Office provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and free alternative to Microsoft Office.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx)Significantly lower total cost of ownership compared to enterprise E3 or E5 licensesFamiliar tabbed user interface ensuring zero learning curve for your teamLightweight installation with robust offline capabilities

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to reinstall Office apps after upgrading to Microsoft 365 E5?

No, a reinstallation is not required. The existing Microsoft 365 Apps installed on your computer will automatically recognize the new E5 license upon the next background sync or restart.

What new features will I see in my Office apps with an E5 license?

While the core apps remain the same, you will gain access to integrations with Power BI Pro, advanced Microsoft Defender security features, and enhanced voice capabilities in Microsoft Teams.

Will my files and OneDrive data be affected during the license upgrade?

Your files, emails, and OneDrive data are completely safe during the upgrade. The transition only changes your licensing tier and adds features without touching your personal or corporate data.