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How to Remove Microsoft 365 Advertisements After a Work Discount Purchase
Question details
The user needs to stop advertisements and upgrade prompts in Microsoft 365 after purchasing a work discount license.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Using Microsoft Office applications or Outlook.com after purchasing a discounted work license.
- Observed behavior
- Unexpected advertisements and upgrade prompts continue to appear, often triggered by multiple installations, expired trials, or incorrect account logins.
Ensure you have your work discount order details and the exact Microsoft account credentials used for the purchase ready before proceeding.
Uninstall Duplicate or Trial Versions of Microsoft 365
Removing expired trials or conflicting installations prevents Office from mistakenly showing upgrade prompts.
Often, a new computer comes with a pre-installed trial of Microsoft 365 Family. If you installed your work discount version without removing the trial, the system may detect the expired trial and trigger advertisements.
Press the Windows key, type 'Apps and Features' (or 'Installed apps' on Windows 11), and press Enter.
Scroll through the list or use the search bar to look for 'Microsoft 365' or 'Office'. Identify any versions that are not your purchased work discount version.
Click on the duplicate or trial version, select 'Uninstall', and follow the on-screen prompts to remove it completely.
Reboot your PC to ensure all conflicting background services are fully cleared.
Verify Your Licensed Account in Office Applications
Ensure you are actively signed in with the Microsoft account associated with your work discount purchase.
Review Subscription Status Online
Confirm your work discount license is active and correctly linked to your account, especially if ads appear in Outlook.com.
Try WPS Office for an Ad-Free Experience
If Microsoft 365 license issues and upgrade prompts are disrupting your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a highly compatible, lightweight, and free alternative that lets you view, edit, and create documents without the hassle of complex subscription management.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS website and download the free version of WPS Office.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions to set up the software.
- 3. Open Your Files: Launch WPS Office and open your existing Word, Excel, or PowerPoint documents directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why am I seeing ads in Outlook.com despite having a Microsoft 365 subscription?
This usually happens if you are logged into Outlook.com with a different Microsoft account than the one used to purchase your work discount subscription. You can resolve this by logging out and signing back in with the correct licensed account.
Can having a trial version installed alongside my paid version cause upgrade prompts?
Yes. When multiple versions of Microsoft 365 or Office are installed, the system may detect the expired trial version instead of your active license, triggering persistent upgrade advertisements.
How do I find out which Microsoft account is linked to my work discount purchase?
You can check your original purchase confirmation email from your employer or the discount program provider. Alternatively, log in to account.microsoft.com and check the 'Services & subscriptions' page for each of your Microsoft accounts.
Will uninstalling a duplicate Office application delete my personal files?
No. Uninstalling Microsoft 365 or any Office application from Windows 'Apps and Features' only removes the software. Your personal documents, spreadsheets, and presentations will remain safely stored on your device.
