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How to Fix Microsoft 365 Asking You to Purchase Office Again
Question details
The user is receiving unexpected prompts to purchase Microsoft Office or a Microsoft 365 subscription, often on a computer that came with a preinstalled Office version.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Opening and attempting to edit documents in Microsoft Office applications.
- Observed behavior
- The application displays a message stating that the user needs to purchase Office again, and restricts document editing capabilities by placing files into read-only mode.
Make sure you have your Microsoft account login credentials handy, as you will need to sign in to verify your active licenses and subscriptions.
Verify Your Product License and Account Status
Check within the Office application to see exactly which account is signed in and what license is currently active or expired.
Before purchasing anything, it is important to confirm whether you are simply signed into the wrong account or if your subscription has genuinely expired.
Launch any Microsoft Office application, such as Word or Excel, and open a blank document.
Click on 'File' in the top-left corner of the application window, then select 'Account' from the bottom of the left-hand sidebar.
Look under the 'Product Information' section on the right side. This area will display the name of the Office product installed and its current activation or subscription status.
If the account listed does not match the one you used to purchase Office, click 'Sign out' and then sign back in with the correct Microsoft account credentials.
Determine if Your Preinstalled Office Was a Trial
Confirm whether the version of Office included with your computer was a temporary trial rather than a continuing subscription.
Edit Your Documents for Free with WPS Office
If your Microsoft 365 subscription has expired and you prefer not to purchase it again, WPS Office provides a powerful, free alternative. It seamlessly handles your existing files without requiring a paid subscription.
- 1. Download the Software: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installer for your operating system.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded setup file and follow the simple on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
- 3. Open Your Microsoft Files: Right-click any of your existing Word, Excel, or PowerPoint documents, select 'Open with', and choose WPS Office to start editing for free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still view my files if my Microsoft 365 subscription expires?
Yes, once your subscription expires, Microsoft Office applications enter a reduced-functionality mode. You can still open, view, and print your documents in read-only mode, but you cannot edit them or create new ones.
Why did the Office license on my new Dell computer expire?
Many new computers, including those from Dell, come with a preinstalled Microsoft 365 trial rather than a lifetime license. Once the promotional trial period ends, you are prompted to purchase a subscription to maintain editing capabilities.
How do I know if I have a perpetual license or a subscription?
Open any Office application, click on 'File', and select 'Account'. Under 'Product Information', it will explicitly state whether your software is a 'Subscription Product' (like Microsoft 365) or a one-time purchase (like Office 2021).
What should I do if I already paid but it still asks me to purchase?
Ensure you are signed in with the exact Microsoft account used to make the purchase. Go to 'File' > 'Account', click 'Sign out', and sign back in using the correct email address. If the issue persists, you may need to contact Microsoft Support.
