Fix Microsoft 365 License Update Prompt Won't Disappear
Question details
The user is unable to clear the 'Update License' prompt in Microsoft Word despite having successfully renewed their Microsoft 365 Personal subscription.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Opening and using Microsoft Word after a recent Microsoft 365 subscription renewal.
- Observed behavior
- Word continuously displays an 'Update License' prompt asking to restart Microsoft 365 apps, but restarting the application does not make the prompt disappear.
Make sure you have a stable internet connection so the Microsoft server can properly verify your recently renewed subscription status.
Clear Microsoft Credentials and Force Restart Office Processes
This is the most effective method, as old cached credentials often prevent Microsoft 365 apps from recognizing a newly renewed subscription.
Windows stores login credentials locally to speed up sign-ins. If the old subscription data is cached, Word will keep asking for a license update even after you renew online.
Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and select Task Manager. Find any running Microsoft Word or Office processes, right-click them, and select 'End task'.
Click the Windows Start menu, type 'Credential Manager' in the search bar, and hit Enter to open the utility.
Select 'Windows Credentials' and scroll down to the 'Generic Credentials' section. Click to expand any items related to 'MicrosoftOffice' or 'Microsoft', then click 'Remove'.
Reboot your Windows PC and open Word again to see if the license update prompt has been successfully cleared.
Run an Online Repair for Microsoft 365
Use this solution if clearing the credentials did not resolve the issue. An Online Repair fixes corrupted installation files that might be causing the license prompt to loop.
Avoid Subscription Hassles with WPS Office
If persistent Microsoft 365 license prompts disrupt your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides powerful tools for creating and editing Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files without the frustrating subscription verification errors.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website to download the free installation package.
- 2. Install the software: Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to set up WPS Office on your computer.
- 3. Open your files instantly: Double-click any existing Word, Excel, or PowerPoint document to open and edit it smoothly in WPS Office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Word say my license needs updating right after I renewed it?
This happens because your computer caches the old subscription status in the Windows Credential Manager. The local Microsoft 365 application fails to sync with the online server, requiring you to manually clear the credentials to force a refresh.
Will running an Online Repair delete my Office documents?
No. Running an Online Repair for Microsoft 365 only resets and replaces the application files (like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint). Your personal documents, spreadsheets, and presentations saved on your hard drive or OneDrive will remain completely intact.
Do I need to reinstall Microsoft 365 to fix the license prompt?
Usually, reinstalling is not necessary. Clearing the cached credentials in Credential Manager or running the built-in 'Online Repair' tool from Windows Settings resolves the issue in most cases. Reinstallation should be treated as a last resort.
