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How to Fix Microsoft 365 Buy Banner When Opening OneDrive Excel Files
Question details
Users experience an issue where opening older Excel workbooks from OneDrive loads the free version of Excel, displaying a 'Buy Microsoft 365' banner despite the user having an active paid subscription.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to open existing Excel workbooks stored in OneDrive with a paid account.
- Observed behavior
- The file opens in the free Excel web version and prompts the user to purchase Microsoft 365.
Verify that your Microsoft 365 subscription is currently active and ensure you know the email and password for the exact account used to purchase it.
Install Microsoft 365 Desktop Apps and Open Locally
Resolve the subscription banner issue by installing the full desktop applications and opening your OneDrive files directly through them.
When files are opened directly from the OneDrive web interface without the desktop apps properly installed and linked, they default to the free web version of Excel. Installing the desktop suite authenticates your paid subscription.
Open your web browser and navigate to account.microsoft.com/services. Sign in using the Microsoft account associated with your active Microsoft 365 subscription.
Locate your Microsoft 365 subscription details on the dashboard and click the option to install the Microsoft 365 desktop apps onto your computer.
Launch the newly installed Excel desktop application. Navigate to 'File', select 'Open', and access your connected OneDrive to open the workbook without encountering the purchase banner.
Alternatively, download the workbook directly from your OneDrive web interface to your local hard drive, then double-click the file to open it in the authenticated desktop application.
Edit OneDrive Excel Files Seamlessly with WPS Office
Avoid subscription activation errors and recurring fees by switching to WPS Office. It serves as a highly compatible, free, and lightweight Office alternative that allows you to easily edit your existing spreadsheets without unexpected upgrade banners.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button for your operating system.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded installation file and follow the on-screen prompts to set up the software on your device.
- 3. Open Your Spreadsheets: Launch WPS Spreadsheets, click 'Open', and select your existing Excel files to start editing immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my OneDrive file open in the free version of Excel?
When clicking a file directly in the OneDrive web interface, it defaults to opening in Excel for the Web. If your desktop apps are not installed or your browser is not linked to them, you will see the free web version's limitations and upgrade banners.
How do I check if my Microsoft 365 subscription is active?
You can verify your subscription status by logging into account.microsoft.com/services. From there, you can view your active subscriptions, expiration dates, and available installation options.
Can I link my Excel desktop app to my OneDrive account?
Yes, you can connect your OneDrive to the Excel desktop application by opening Excel, clicking on 'File', selecting 'Account', and adding your OneDrive account under 'Connected Services'.
