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Will Microsoft Word 2016 or 2019 Work on Windows 11?
Question details
Users want to know if older versions of Microsoft Word (such as 2016 or 2019) are compatible with Windows 11 and how to transfer their licenses.
- Product
- Microsoft Word 2016 / 2019
- Device & OS
- Windows 11
- Scenario
- Upgrading to a new Windows 11 PC and attempting to install an existing copy of Word 2016 or 2019.
- Observed behavior
- Need to determine if the specific Word license type allows for installation and activation on a new Windows 11 operating system.
Check your license type before proceeding. Only retail or transferable licenses can be moved to a new device; licenses that came preinstalled (OEM) on your old computer generally cannot be transferred.
Transfer and Install Word on Windows 11 via Microsoft Account
Use this method to install Word 2016 or 2019 on your new Windows 11 PC if you purchased a transferable retail license.
If you bought a standalone copy of Word or an Office suite linked to your Microsoft account, you can transfer it to a new computer. Ensure you uninstall or deactivate it from the old computer first.
Uninstall Microsoft Word or Office from your old computer to free up the license for your new Windows 11 device.
On your new Windows 11 PC, open a web browser and sign in to account.microsoft.com using the credentials associated with your Office purchase.
Click on the 'Services & Subscriptions' tab at the top of the page to view your digital licenses.
Locate Word 2016, Word 2019, or your specific Office version in the list, and select the 'Install' option to download the setup file.
Run the downloaded installer, follow the on-screen prompts, and sign in when prompted to activate the software on your new machine.
Try WPS Office: A Free Alternative for Windows 11
If your Word 2016 or 2019 license is preinstalled (OEM) and cannot be transferred to your new Windows 11 PC, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a highly compatible, robust, and completely free productivity suite without requiring expensive upgrades.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package for Windows.
- 2. Install on Windows 11: Run the installer and follow the quick setup wizard to install the suite on your new PC.
- 3. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Writer and seamlessly open, edit, and save your existing Word documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a preinstalled Word 2016 license on my new Windows 11 laptop?
Generally, no. Preinstalled (OEM) licenses are permanently tied to the motherboard of the original computer and cannot be legally transferred to a new device.
Do I need to uninstall Word 2019 from my old PC before installing it on Windows 11?
Yes. For a single-device retail license, you must completely uninstall the software from the old PC to ensure successful activation on your new Windows 11 computer.
Are there any known compatibility issues between Word 2016 and Windows 11?
Word 2016 is generally compatible with Windows 11 and runs smoothly. However, because it is an older version, it will not receive new feature updates and may eventually fall out of extended support.
Where do I find my digital license for Word 2019?
You can locate your digital license by signing into account.microsoft.com with the email address used to purchase the software, then navigating to the 'Services & Subscriptions' section.
