License & Subscription Issues

How to Fix Microsoft Office Third-Party Software Notices Message

Natalie Taylor Oct 26, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to know the meaning of the red-bordered Third-Party Software Notices message in Microsoft Office and how to clear it.

How to Resolve the Microsoft Office Third-Party Software Notices Message

Product: Microsoft Office
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Opening or actively using Microsoft Office applications.
Observed behavior: A red-bordered message titled 'Third Party Software Notices and Information' appears, acting as an excessive prompt regarding licensing or available updates.

Before you start

Ensure your device is connected to the internet and save any open documents before initiating an Office update or repair.

Solution 1Recommended

Install Pending Microsoft Office Updates

The primary cause for this message is a pending software update. Installing it will satisfy the prompt and remove the notice.

Microsoft occasionally uses this notification to prompt users to install updates that contain new third-party components or critical licensing changes. Completing the update cycle is usually the quickest way to resolve it.

Open an Office application

Launch any Microsoft Office application, such as Word or Excel, and create a new blank document.

Navigate to the Account menu

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

Check for updates

Under the Product Information section, click on 'Update Options' and select 'Update Now' from the drop-down menu. Wait for the updates to download and install.

Install Pending Microsoft Office Updates

Verify Licensing: Once the update is complete, restart the application to confirm the notice is gone and your Office license remains fully activated.

Solution 2

Perform an Online Repair of Office

If Office fails to open or the update does not remove the notice, use the built-in Windows repair tool.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office to Avoid Update Interruptions

If you find Microsoft Office's licensing prompts and mandatory update notices intrusive, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, ad-free, and highly compatible workspace without aggressive software notices.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
2. Install and Launch: Run the installer, which takes only a few moments, and open the WPS Office application.
3. Open Your Files Directly: Drag and drop your existing Microsoft Office documents into WPS to continue working immediately with zero compatibility issues.

Seamlessly open, edit, and save Microsoft Office formats like .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx.Completely free to use with a familiar, easy-to-navigate interface.Lightweight installation that avoids excessive background update prompts.All-in-one suite combining Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and PDF tools in a single window.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Third-Party Software Notices message mean my license is invalid?

Not necessarily. While it is related to licensing and third-party components, it is most commonly triggered when a new update is pending installation. Updating the software usually resolves the issue.

Can I permanently disable these third-party update notices in Office?

There is no official setting to disable this specific notice, as Microsoft uses it for mandatory compliance and licensing checks. Keeping your Office applications up to date automatically will minimize the appearance of these prompts.

Is this red-bordered notice a security threat or malware?

No, the 'Third Party Software Notices and Information' message is a legitimate system notification from Microsoft. It simply informs users about the open-source and third-party code integrated into the latest Office updates.

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