How to Sign In to Office with a Personal Account After Graduation
Question details
The user needs to switch their Office activation from an expired school account to a newly purchased personal account on a Mac.
- Product
- Microsoft Office
- Device & OS
- Mac
- Scenario
- Attempting to use Office applications with a new personal account after graduating and losing access to a school account.
- Observed behavior
- Office applications continue to display the former school account and block sign-in attempts with the newly purchased personal Microsoft account.
Ensure you have the login credentials for your new personal Microsoft account ready and completely quit all running Office applications before beginning.
Use the Microsoft License Removal Tool on Mac
Clear out the old school account data using the official license removal tool so you can activate Office with your new personal account.
On a Mac, simply uninstalling and reinstalling the Office applications does not delete the hidden license files. You must remove these files securely to prompt the software to ask for new login credentials.
Navigate to the official Microsoft Support website and download the Microsoft Office License Removal Tool (.pkg file).
Open the downloaded .pkg file from your Mac's Downloads folder and follow the on-screen installation prompts to execute the license removal process.
Once the tool finishes running, restart your Mac to ensure all cached keychain data and background processes are cleared.
Launch any Office application, such as Word or Excel. When the 'What's New' or activation window appears, click 'Get Started' and sign in using your newly purchased personal Microsoft account.
Use WPS Office as a Hassle-Free Alternative
Avoid complex license removals and subscription renewals. WPS Office is a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative that lets you create, view, and edit documents seamlessly without activation hurdles.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package for Mac.
- 2. Install the application: Open the downloaded file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
- 3. Open existing files: Launch WPS Office and open your previous school or personal documents instantly with perfect formatting retention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will removing the Office license delete my saved documents?
No. The license removal tool only clears the activation and account data associated with your old school account. Your personal documents, spreadsheets, and presentations remain completely safe and untouched on your Mac.
Why does Office still show my old school account after I reinstall it?
On macOS, Office license files and account credentials are saved securely in the system Keychain and hidden library folders. Simply dragging the applications to the Trash does not remove these files, which is why the license removal tool is required.
Can I use both my school and personal accounts in Office?
While you can add multiple connected services (like different OneDrive accounts) within the Office apps, the software's primary license must be tied to a single active subscription. If your school license has expired, you must activate the software using your personal account first.
