How to Fix Microsoft Office License Expired and Compare Purchase Options
Question details
The user needs to resolve an 'unlicensed product' message in Microsoft Office due to an expired license and wants to understand the differences between Microsoft 365 subscriptions and one-time Office purchases.
- Product
- Microsoft Office
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- An 'unlicensed product' error is displayed because a Microsoft 365 subscription has expired or the software is not properly activated.
- Observed behavior
- Microsoft Office applications restrict functionality and display an unlicensed product or subscription expired warning.
Before purchasing a new license, verify which Microsoft account is currently signed into your Office applications to check your existing subscription status.
Verify and Renew Your Microsoft 365 Subscription
Resolve the unlicensed product error by checking your subscription status and renewing it if necessary.
If you are using Microsoft 365, your software is subscription-based and requires an active billing cycle. When the subscription lapses, you will encounter the unlicensed product message.
Open any Office application, such as Word or Excel. Click on 'File' in the top left corner, then select 'Account' from the bottom left menu.
Look under the 'Product Information' section. It will display the Microsoft account currently signed in and notify you if the subscription is expired.
Open a web browser and go to the Microsoft account website. Sign in using the exact email address associated with your Office software.
Navigate to the 'Services & subscriptions' page. Locate your Microsoft 365 subscription and follow the on-screen prompts to renew your payment. Once processed, restart your Office applications to remove the error.
Switch to a One-Time Office Purchase
If you prefer not to pay a recurring subscription fee, you can buy a one-time license for Microsoft Office.
Use WPS Office to Avoid Expired License Issues
If you are tired of recurring subscription fees or expensive one-time Microsoft Office purchases, try WPS Office. It is a highly compatible, free, and lightweight alternative that lets you edit Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files without the hassle of expired licenses.
- 1. Download the WPS Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installer for your operating system.
- 2. Install and Choose Layout: Run the installer. Once installed, launch WPS Office and select your preferred workspace layout.
- 3. Open Existing Office Files: You can immediately open, edit, and save your existing Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files seamlessly without any subscription.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Microsoft 365 say unlicensed product?
This message typically appears when your Microsoft 365 subscription has expired, a recurring payment has failed, or you are signed in with a Microsoft account that does not hold an active license.
Do I need a product key for Office Home & Business 2021?
If you purchase your copy digitally directly from the Microsoft Store, your license is linked directly to your Microsoft account. You won't need a product key; simply sign in with the purchasing account to activate the software.
Does Microsoft 365 require an internet connection to work?
Yes, Microsoft 365 requires periodic sign-in and internet access to verify your active subscription status. However, saving to OneDrive is not strictly required; you can change your settings to save files to a local drive.
What is the difference between Microsoft 365 Family and a one-time purchase?
Microsoft 365 Family is a subscription that supports up to six users, providing each person with 1 TB of OneDrive storage and ongoing feature updates. A one-time purchase is a single payment for a single PC or Mac; it lacks subscription fees but does not receive major future feature updates.
