License & Subscription Issues

Fix Microsoft Office Cannot Find Your License Error in Office 2016

Aamir Naveed Akram Oct 20, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to resolve a startup failure in Microsoft Office 2016 caused by an unverified license.

Product: Microsoft Office 2016
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to open and use Word, Excel, or PowerPoint desktop applications.
Observed behavior: The application immediately exits upon clicking, displaying the error message: Microsoft Office cannot find your license for this application. A repair attempt was unsuccessful.

Before you start

Ensure you have the login credentials for the Microsoft account originally used to purchase or activate your Office 2016 software.

Solution 1Recommended

Verify and Re-sign into Your Microsoft Account

Ensure your Office 2016 installation is properly connected to the correct active license online.

License errors often occur if the software attempts to validate against the wrong account or if the session has expired.

Check Your Subscription Online

Visit account.microsoft.com in your web browser and sign in. Navigate to the Services and subscriptions page to verify that your Office 2016 product is listed and currently active.

Sign Out of Office

If Microsoft Office manages to open briefly before closing, quickly click on the File menu, select Account, and click Sign Out.

Sign Back In

Relaunch the application and sign in again using the exact Microsoft account associated with your active license.

Verify and Re-sign into Your Microsoft Account

Solution 2

Run a Quick Repair

Fix minor corrupted installation or activation files without requiring an internet connection.

Solution 3

Perform an Online Repair

Thoroughly repair and reinstall Office files if Quick Repair fails to resolve the license error.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Experience

If your Microsoft Office 2016 license has expired, cannot be verified, or fails to repair, WPS Office provides a powerful, free, and lightweight alternative. Skip the complex activation errors and get back to work instantly.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and click the download button to get the free installer.
2. Install the Software: Run the setup file and follow the brief on-screen instructions to install the suite.
3. Open Your Existing Documents: Right-click any of your existing Microsoft Office files and select Open with WPS Office to continue editing flawlessly.

Free to use without encountering unexpected license errorsFully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formatsLightweight installation that runs smoothly on almost any deviceFamiliar user interface ensuring a seamless migration process

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Office 2016 say it cannot find the license?

This error generally occurs when the software's activation data is damaged, the license itself has expired, or the application is logged into a Microsoft account that does not own the product.

Will I lose my personal documents if I run an Online Repair?

No, running an Online Repair or Quick Repair only affects the Microsoft Office application files. All of your personal Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents remain safe and untouched.

What should I do if my Microsoft Office license has actually expired?

You will need to renew your subscription or purchase a new license through your Microsoft account. Alternatively, you can install a free productivity suite like WPS Office to continue opening and editing your files without purchasing a new license.

Can I fix the license error without an internet connection?

You can attempt the Quick Repair option in your system settings offline. However, verifying your account status or performing an Online Repair will require an active internet connection.

Login & Account Issues