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How to Fix School Microsoft Office Account Apps Not Working
Question details
The user is experiencing an issue where desktop Office applications like PowerPoint and Excel have stopped working with their school Microsoft 365 account, particularly following incorrect computer password attempts.
- Product
- Microsoft 365 Education
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Using desktop Office applications for schoolwork.
- Observed behavior
- PowerPoint and Excel stopped functioning, indicating a potential sync, sign-in, or license validation error.
Ensure you have a stable internet connection and your school email address and current password handy before attempting to re-authenticate.
Re-authenticate Your School Account
Resolve sync issues caused by password lockouts or system glitches by signing out and back into your Office account.
If you recently experienced a password lockout or entered an incorrect computer password multiple times, the cached credentials in your Office apps may have become corrupted. Signing out and logging back in will force the applications to verify your license anew.
Open any Office application like Word or Excel. Click on your profile picture or name in the top right corner and select 'Sign out'.
Close all applications and restart your computer to clear out any temporarily cached credentials.
Open an Office app and sign in using your school email and the correct password.
Verify Desktop Application Licensing
Confirm whether your school's Microsoft 365 Education subscription still includes access to desktop apps, as some only offer web access.
Utilize Office Online as a Workaround
If your subscription only includes web-based Office apps, access them directly through your browser.
Switch to WPS Office for Free Desktop Applications
If your school Microsoft 365 subscription doesn't include desktop applications or your license has expired, WPS Office offers a free, lightweight, and fully compatible alternative. You can edit documents, spreadsheets, and presentations natively on your device without needing a paid subscription.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office installation file.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the downloaded file and follow the simple on-screen instructions to install WPS Office on your computer.
- 3. Open Your School Files: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing .docx, .xlsx, or .pptx school assignments to start working immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my school Microsoft Office apps suddenly stop working?
This typically happens if your school's IT administrator changes the subscription tier, removing desktop app licenses, or if multiple incorrect password attempts caused your account credentials to fail synchronization with the desktop apps.
How do I know if my school provides desktop Microsoft Office apps?
Log into your Microsoft account online, navigate to your Subscriptions page under your account settings, and look for a license named 'The latest desktop version of Office'. If it is not listed, you only have access to the web versions.
Can I use WPS Office to complete my school assignments?
Yes, WPS Office is highly compatible with standard Microsoft Office formats like DOCX, XLSX, and PPTX, making it an excellent free desktop alternative for completing and submitting school assignments if your Microsoft license expires.
What should I do if my Microsoft 365 account gets locked?
If repeated incorrect password attempts lock your computer or Office account, wait for the lockout period to expire or contact your school's IT helpdesk to reset your password and unlock your account.
