How to Sign In on a New Device After Reaching Microsoft 365 Limits
Question details
The user needs to sign in to Microsoft 365 on a new device but has reached the maximum allowed number of concurrent devices linked to their account.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Setting up or migrating to a new device when the Microsoft 365 subscription has already hit its concurrent sign-in limit.
- Observed behavior
- The user is prevented from activating or fully using Microsoft 365 apps on the new device until an older device is properly removed from the account device list.
Ensure you have your Microsoft account login credentials handy and access to a web browser to manage your active devices online.
Remove an Old Device via Microsoft Account Dashboard
Sign out and manually remove a previously used device from your Microsoft account online to free up a slot for your new device.
Microsoft 365 allows you to stay signed in on multiple devices concurrently. Once you reach this limit, simply signing out on an old device from the app might not immediately clear the slot. You need to manage your devices directly from your Microsoft Account portal.
If you still have access, open any Office app like Word or Excel on the old device, click on your profile picture or 'Account' in the top corner, and select 'Sign Out'.
Open a web browser and go to the official Microsoft Account page (account.microsoft.com). Log in using the email and password associated with your Microsoft 365 subscription.
Click on the 'Devices' tab on the top navigation bar or your account dashboard to view all hardware currently linked to your Microsoft 365 subscription.
Locate the specific old device you no longer wish to use for Office. Click 'Remove device' or 'Sign out' next to it, and confirm the action when prompted.
Open a Microsoft 365 application on your new device and enter your login credentials. The system will now recognize the newly freed slot and successfully activate your subscription.
Avoid Subscription Limits with WPS Office
If you are tired of managing rigid device limits and subscription tiers in Microsoft 365, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a robust, highly compatible office suite without the hassle of restrictive concurrent device caps.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installer for your specific operating system (Windows, Mac, or Linux).
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded executable file and follow the straightforward on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
- 3. Open Your Microsoft Files: Launch WPS Office and simply open or drag-and-drop your existing Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files to continue working immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Microsoft 365 say I have reached my device limit?
Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscriptions allow you to be signed in on up to five devices simultaneously. If you attempt to sign in on a sixth device, you will trigger a 'limit reached' error until an older device is removed from your account.
Will uninstalling Office automatically remove the device from my account?
No, simply uninstalling the Microsoft 365 applications from your computer or phone does not automatically free up the sign-in slot. You must manually remove the device via your Microsoft account dashboard online.
What happens to my files on the old device when I sign out remotely?
Your locally saved files will remain safely on the old device and will not be deleted. However, you will not be able to create or edit files using the Microsoft 365 desktop apps on that device, and it will stop syncing to OneDrive until you sign back in.
How long does it take to sign in on the new device after removing the old one?
Usually, the change registers almost immediately. However, if there are server delays, it might take a short while for the device list to sync. Restarting the Office application on your new device usually forces a refresh.
