How to Cancel Microsoft 365 and Reinstall Office 2016
Question details
The user wants to cancel their Microsoft 365 Home subscription and revert to a previously purchased Office 2016 installation without losing access to Office applications.
- Product
- Microsoft 365 / Office 2016
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Switching from a subscription-based Microsoft 365 plan to a one-time purchase Office 2016 license.
- Observed behavior
- The user needs to ensure their Office 2016 license is still linked to their account and available for installation before terminating the active Microsoft 365 subscription.
Ensure you remember the exact Microsoft account credentials (email and password) originally used to purchase or register your Office 2016 license.
Verify Office 2016 License and Cancel Microsoft 365
Check your Microsoft account for the Office 2016 installation link before proceeding with the Microsoft 365 cancellation.
Before making any changes to your active subscription, it is crucial to confirm that your perpetual Office 2016 license is securely attached to your Microsoft account. If you cancel your subscription first and cannot find your Office 2016 license, you may temporarily lose access to your Office apps.
Go to https://account.microsoft.com/services in your web browser and log in with the Microsoft account associated with your Office 2016 purchase.
Scroll through your list of services and subscriptions to confirm that 'Office 2016' is listed and has an active 'Install' link.
Locate your Microsoft 365 subscription in the same portal, select 'Manage,' and choose 'Cancel subscription.' Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm cancellation.
After cancellation, click the 'Install' link next to your Office 2016 product to download the installer, then run the setup file to install the software on your computer.
Switch to WPS Office to Avoid Subscription Hassles
Tired of managing Microsoft 365 subscriptions and older Office licenses? WPS Office offers a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative that covers all your document, spreadsheet, and presentation needs without the subscription fees.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and click on 'Free Download' to get the installer.
- 2. Install the Application: Run the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to install WPS Office on your computer.
- 3. Open and Edit Files: Launch WPS Office and open your existing Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files directly without needing any file conversions.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have Microsoft 365 and Office 2016 installed on the same computer?
Generally, it is not recommended to have both a subscription version and a one-time purchase version of Office installed on the same device, as it can cause licensing conflicts. You should uninstall Microsoft 365 before installing Office 2016.
What happens to my OneDrive files if I cancel Microsoft 365?
If you cancel Microsoft 365, your OneDrive storage limit will revert to the free 5GB tier. If your files exceed this limit, you will not be able to upload new files until you free up space, though your existing files will not be deleted immediately.
Why can't I find my Office 2016 license in my Microsoft account?
You might be logged into the wrong Microsoft account. Ensure you are using the exact email address that was used to activate or purchase Office 2016 initially.
Will I get a refund if I cancel my Microsoft 365 subscription?
You may be eligible for a prorated refund if you cancel a monthly subscription within 30 days of purchase, or an annual subscription within the first month. Check the refund details provided during the cancellation process on your Microsoft account dashboard.




