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How to Restore a Perpetual Office License After Starting Microsoft 365 on Mac
Question details
The user needs to revert to a previously purchased one-time perpetual Microsoft Office license after a Microsoft 365 trial has been installed or activated.
- Product
- Microsoft Office
- Device & OS
- Mac
- Scenario
- Trying to use a permanent, one-time Office license after accidentally starting or installing a Microsoft 365 trial subscription.
- Observed behavior
- The Microsoft 365 trial overrides the existing perpetual license configuration, making it difficult for the user to access their permanent Office suite on a Mac.
Ensure you have your original Microsoft account credentials or the 25-character product key that came with your perpetual Office purchase before removing any current installations.
Cancel the Trial and Restore via Microsoft Account
Use your Microsoft account's Services & subscriptions page to verify your perpetual license, cancel the trial, and reinstall Office.
When you start a Microsoft 365 trial, the software prioritizes the subscription license over your older permanent license. By removing the trial and reinstalling the software from your account dashboard, you can restore your original access.
Navigate to the Microsoft account subscription page in your web browser, log in, and cancel the ongoing Microsoft 365 trial to prevent future charges and clear the license conflict.
Go to the 'Services and subscriptions' section within your Microsoft account dashboard to view all products linked to your email.
Look for your specific one-time purchase Office license (such as Office Home & Student or Office Home & Business) in your list of owned products.
If the license is listed, click 'Install' to download the correct setup file. Run the installer on your Mac, open any Office app, and sign in with this exact Microsoft account to activate the perpetual license.
Restore Using a Product Key or Proof of Purchase
If your license isn't linked to a Microsoft account, you must locate the original product key or installation media to activate it.
Avoid Subscription Hassles with WPS Office
Tired of dealing with complicated software licenses, missing product keys, and unexpected subscription trials? WPS Office offers a powerful, lightweight, and free alternative to Microsoft Office. Enjoy a familiar interface without recurring fees or activation headaches.
- 1. Visit the WPS Website: Go to the official WPS Office website on your Mac to access the free download.
- 2. Download for Mac: Click the 'Free Download' button to get the latest macOS installer without needing an account or product key.
- 3. Install and Edit: Run the setup file and immediately start opening, editing, and saving your existing Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Microsoft 365 replace my perpetual Office license?
When you install Microsoft 365 or start a free trial, its subscription license configuration takes priority on your Mac. This temporarily overrides the activation status of your one-time perpetual Office purchase.
Can I use both Microsoft 365 and my perpetual Office license on the same Mac?
It is highly recommended against running both simultaneously. Conflicting license files and shared application folders can cause constant activation errors. You should fully uninstall Microsoft 365 before reinstalling your one-time Office suite.
What if my perpetual license is not showing in my Microsoft account?
If it is missing from the Services and subscriptions page, it may be linked to a different email address used at the time of purchase. If you cannot locate the correct account, you will need your original 25-character product key or valid proof of purchase to contact support for recovery.
