License & Subscription Issues

How to Check if You Have Microsoft 365 or Office Professional 2021

Maira Mehtab Sep 21, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to verify their active Microsoft Office license because a Microsoft 365 icon is showing in the Start menu despite having purchased Office Professional 2021.

Product: Microsoft Office
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Verifying the installed Office version and subscription status to ensure no unexpected future billing.
Observed behavior: A Microsoft 365 icon appears in the Start menu instead of an Office Professional 2021 shortcut.

Before you start

Ensure you are logged into your computer with the Microsoft account you used to purchase or activate your Office Professional 2021 software.

Solution 1Recommended

Verify Installed Product and License Information

Check the built-in account settings within any Microsoft Office desktop application to confirm your exact license type.

The Microsoft 365 icon is often pre-installed or included with Windows system updates. Its presence in your Start menu is essentially a shortcut portal and does not automatically mean you have an active Microsoft 365 subscription or that you will be billed for one.

Open an Office Application

Launch Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint from your computer's Start menu or desktop shortcut.

Navigate to the Account Menu

Click on 'File' located in the top-left corner of the application window, then select 'Account' (or 'Office Account') from the bottom of the left-hand sidebar.

Review Product Information

Look at the right side of the screen under the 'Product Information' heading. This section will explicitly state whether your activated product is 'Microsoft Office Professional 2021' or 'Microsoft 365'.

One-Time Purchase Verified: If 'Office Professional 2021' is listed, your software is a one-time purchase, and you will not receive any recurring subscription bills from Microsoft.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Avoid Subscription Confusion with WPS Office

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1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the Microsoft 365 icon appear if I only bought Office 2021?

Windows 10 and Windows 11 operating systems frequently include a standalone Microsoft 365 app by default. It functions as a web portal rather than representing the actual desktop software you purchased.

Will I be charged a subscription fee for the Microsoft 365 app?

No. Simply having the Microsoft 365 app icon installed on your computer does not mean you have an active subscription, nor will you be billed unless you explicitly signed up for a trial or plan.

How do I remove the Microsoft 365 icon from my Start menu?

You can easily remove it by right-clicking the Microsoft 365 icon in your Start menu and selecting 'Unpin from Start', or you can select 'Uninstall' to remove the portal app completely.

Can I use my Office Professional 2021 software offline?

Yes. Once you have completed the initial online activation process, Office Professional 2021 is a perpetual license that can be used fully offline without an internet connection.

Login & Account Issues