Fix Issue Free E5 Developer in Word on Windows

This guide walks you through license & subscription issues using Microsoft-supported steps first, with WPS only where it genuinely helps.

Problem Description: Issue Free E5 Developer

I need help with my “Microsoft Developer Program - FREE E5 Developer Sandbox Subscription”. I have enrolled myself into the Microsoft Developer Program and got access to the E5 Sandbox through my Visual Studio subscription benefit. When I activated the sandbox and launched, it created an Administrator account. The admin account is <>@onmicrossoft.com I am trying to launch my E5 sandbox through the link as given in attachment. I am able to get authenticated via my password. The issue is only with the 2nd level MFA authentication. I am not getting the codes to my Authenticator app. I also tried through the alternate email ID. Alternate Email: <>@domain.com I am not getting the codes through alternate email ID as well. I enrolled for a FREE Developer E5 Sandbox through Visual Studio subscription. I am able to get authenticated via my password. The issue is only with the 2nd level MFA authentication. I am not getting the codes to my Authenticator app. I also tried through the alternate email ID. How can this be resolved OR Which Microsoft support team can help me in resetting the MFA for this E5 sandbox tenant so that I can get the codes in the Authenticator app. If this is not the right group to get help. can I please suggest me the appropriate group for help? Please note that I enabled the FREE E5 Developer sandbox through VS subscription benefits. Can someone please help me to resolve this issue? Have a nice day!!

Quick Answer for Office Won't Complete Task

Since your password is correct but you are stuck at second-level authentication and self-service recovery via alternate email is not working, this requires a manual reset from Microsoft's backend identity team.

Likely Causes Behind Common License Triggers

• The Microsoft account or license context may not match the purchase or device.

• Cached credentials, outdated builds, or damaged local components can trigger license & subscription issues.

• A file-specific corruption or add-in conflict can mimic a broader application failure.

Recommended Solution: Installing Office on a New PC

When to use this: Apply these steps when the symptoms match and you can access the relevant Microsoft account or administrator.

1. Contact Microsoft 365 Business Support using the phone number for your country from the Customer service phone numbers page.

2. When calling, clearly explain your situation, including the MFA issue on your E5 Sandbox, that your password is correct, and that self-service recovery has failed.

3. The support team will need to escalate the issue to the backend identity team to perform the reset.

Alternative Solutions for Broader License Workarounds

1. Retry the Microsoft-side steps after restarting the app and device.

2. Test the same action in a private browser session or a new blank file to isolate account vs file issues.

3. Capture exact error text and screenshots before contacting Microsoft Support or your administrator.

Working with WPS Office: Using WPS While Office Is Unavailable

WPS Office cannot replace Microsoft account, activation, or cloud fixes for this scenario. It remains one of the best free Microsoft Office-compatible alternatives for opening and editing local files.

1. Download and install WPS Office from the official website.

2. Open local Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or PDF files in the matching WPS app.

3. Save a working copy locally while Microsoft-side issues are resolved.

4. Return to Microsoft Office after the primary fix succeeds.

If you need a practical local workspace in the meantime, try WPS Office.

Prevention Tips for Avoiding Repeat License

• Keep one primary Microsoft account for subscriptions and Office sign-in.

• Install updates for Office and Windows before retrying failed workflows.

• Back up important files before repair, reset, or reinstall actions.

• Register more than one MFA method and keep recovery contacts current.

FAQs About Issue Troubleshooting FAQ

Can WPS Office fix this license & subscription issues issue directly? Only when the WPS steps match the formatting or file task. Account, activation, and cloud issues stay on the Microsoft side.

Should I reinstall Office before trying these steps? Not first. Confirm account, license, and the exact error before reinstalling.

What should I send to Microsoft Support? The affected account email, device type, Office version, exact error text, and screenshots with personal data hidden.