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Fix Microsoft Word Not Opening on a New Laptop with Microsoft 365
Question details
The user is unable to open Microsoft Word on a newly purchased laptop that has Microsoft 365 preinstalled.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to launch pre-installed Microsoft Word desktop application on a brand new device.
- Observed behavior
- Microsoft Word fails to open, typically due to the absence of an active subscription, missing desktop-app entitlement, or incomplete installation.
Ensure you have the login credentials for your Microsoft account ready, and confirm whether you have previously purchased a Microsoft 365 Personal or Family subscription.
Verify Your Subscription and Reinstall Microsoft 365 Desktop Apps
New laptops often include trial versions or placeholders for Microsoft 365 that require proper activation or a full desktop installation from an active account.
Many PC manufacturers preinstall a stub or trial version of Microsoft 365. To use the desktop version of Word, you must have a Microsoft 365 Personal or Family plan. Basic plans may only provide access to the web versions of the apps.
Go to account.microsoft.com in your web browser and sign in with the Microsoft account associated with your software purchase.
Navigate to the 'Services & subscriptions' section on your account dashboard to confirm that you have an active Microsoft 365 Personal or Family plan.
If your subscription is active and includes desktop applications, click the 'Install Office' or 'Install premium Office apps' button to download the setup file.
Run the downloaded setup file and follow the on-screen prompts to install the full suite. Once completed, open Microsoft Word and sign in to activate the software.
Use WPS Office as a Free Alternative to Microsoft 365
If your new laptop's Microsoft 365 trial has expired or you prefer not to purchase an expensive recurring subscription, WPS Office is a powerful, lightweight, and completely free alternative that perfectly supports all Microsoft Word files.
- 1. Download and Install: Get WPS Office for free from the official WPS website and run the quick installer on your new laptop.
- 2. Open WPS Writer: Launch WPS Office and select 'Writer', the built-in word processor designed for creating and editing text documents.
- 3. Edit Your Documents: Click 'Open', select your existing .docx files, and start editing immediately without needing any paid subscription.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Microsoft 365 preinstalled but not working on my new laptop?
Laptop manufacturers often preinstall Microsoft 365 as a trial or promotional placeholder. To fully use desktop applications like Word, you must activate the software with a purchased license or sign in with an account that carries an active subscription.
Can I use Microsoft Word for free on my new laptop?
You can use a limited, web-based version of Microsoft Word for free through Office.com by signing in with a free Microsoft account. However, accessing the fully-featured desktop app requires a paid Microsoft 365 subscription.
How do I check if my Microsoft 365 subscription includes the desktop apps?
Log into account.microsoft.com, navigate to the 'Services & subscriptions' tab, and review your active plans. Microsoft 365 Personal and Family plans include the full desktop applications, whereas Basic plans usually only include the web and mobile versions.
What happens to my documents if I uninstall the preinstalled Microsoft 365?
Your documents are safely stored on your local hard drive or in your cloud storage (like OneDrive). Uninstalling the Microsoft 365 application will not delete your personal files, and you can still open them later using compatible free software like WPS Office.
