License & Subscription Issues

How to Use the Office Version Included with a New Computer Instead of Microsoft 365

Chanuka Geekiyanage Sep 29, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to use the permanent Office edition that came with their new computer rather than subscribing to Microsoft 365 after the pre-installed trial expires.

How to Use the Office Version Included with Your New Computer Instead of Microsoft 365

Product: Microsoft Office
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Setting up a new computer or trying to access Office applications after a Microsoft 365 trial period has ended.
Observed behavior: Microsoft Word displays a notification stating that the Microsoft 365 trial has ended, preventing access to the included perpetual Office license.

Before you start

Verify your computer's purchase documentation or digital receipt to confirm whether your purchase included a perpetual Office license (like Office Home 2024) or just a standard Microsoft 365 trial.

Solution 1Recommended

Verify License and Reinstall the Included Office Version

Check your Microsoft account for the permanent license, uninstall the expired trial, and download the correct Office version.

Many new computers come with a pre-installed Microsoft 365 trial by default, even if you purchased a permanent version of Office with the device. To use your included version, you must associate it with your Microsoft account and remove the trial software.

Check your Microsoft account services

Navigate to https://account.microsoft.com/services in your web browser and sign in with your Microsoft account. Look for your included perpetual Office license (e.g., Office Home & Student) under the 'Products you've purchased' section.

Uninstall the Microsoft 365 trial

Open Windows Settings, go to 'Apps', and then 'Installed apps'. Scroll down to find 'Microsoft 365', click the three dots next to it, and select 'Uninstall'.

Install the included Office edition

Go back to your Microsoft account services page. Click the 'Install' button next to your permanent Office license. Follow the on-screen manufacturer or retailer instructions to download and run the installer.

Activate the software

Once installed, open Microsoft Word. When prompted, sign in with the exact Microsoft account associated with your Office license to activate the product.

Verify License and Reinstall the Included Office Version

Digital Licenses vs. Product Keys: Modern computers rarely include a physical product key card. Instead, the digital license is usually claimed and linked to the first Microsoft account you use to sign in during the initial Windows setup.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office: A Free, Lightweight Alternative

If your new computer only came with a Microsoft 365 trial and you prefer not to purchase a costly subscription, WPS Office is an excellent free alternative. It offers a familiar interface and allows you to continue working seamlessly without any subscription fees.

1. Download the installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the Free Download button.
2. Install the software: Run the downloaded setup file and follow the quick on-screen instructions.
3. Open your files: Launch WPS Office and open your existing Word, Excel, or PowerPoint documents directly.

100% free with no forced subscription trials.Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx).Lightweight installation that runs smoothly on any new computer.All-in-one interface integrating Document, Spreadsheet, and Presentation tools.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my computer came with a permanent Office license?

Check your original order confirmation, digital invoice, or the packaging of your computer. Look for specific terms like 'Office Home & Student 2021' or 'Office Home 2024'. If the documentation only mentions 'Microsoft 365 Personal/Family', it is a subscription trial.

Why does Word say my trial expired when I bought Office with my PC?

Computer manufacturers often pre-install a Microsoft 365 trial image on all devices. To use the perpetual license you bought, you must completely uninstall the Microsoft 365 trial version and download your purchased version from your Microsoft account.

Where can I find the product key for the Office version included with my computer?

Most modern computers use Digital Activation instead of physical product keys. The license is automatically attached to the hardware and will link to your Microsoft account when you first launch Office or set up Windows.

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