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Office 2021 will not update to 2024

Mike G 6 Reputation points
2025-09-29T02:44:35.51+00:00

I purchased a license for Office 2024, uninstalled 2021 and reinstalled 2024 from the download site and my install of 2021 remains and will not update. I've son this 3 times. License is properly listed in my account. Windows 11 fully updated

Microsoft 365 and Office | Install, redeem, activate | For business | Windows
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  1. Vivian-HT 16,345 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2025-09-29T03:39:31.0633333+00:00

    Dear @Mike G,

    Thank you for posting your question in the Microsoft Q&A forum.

    The issue where Office 2024 LTSC still shows as Office 2021 after installation is a known problem, especially if Office 2021 was previously installed on the device. This typically happens due to leftover license data from the earlier Office version/. Therefore, please try:

    • Close all Office applications.
    • Go to C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Office\Licenses (you may need to enable viewing hidden items). Also check: %LocalAppData%\Microsoft\Office\Licenses
    • Delete all files in the Licenses folder.
    • Open any Office app. You may be prompted to sign in or enter your product key; enter your MAK key again if needed.
    • Confirm that Office 2024 now appears in Product Information.
    • For more detailed information: Activate volume licensed versions of Office by using MAK

    Important: Each activation attempt (successful or not) can count against your MAK activation limit. There is no way to "return" or "deactivate" a MAK activation; once an activation is used, it is consumed, even if the installation was unsuccessful or later removed. If you reach your activation limit, you must contact Microsoft support to request additional activations.

    If the issue still persists, here are some troubleshooting steps I recommend you try again while waiting for investigating:

    Step 1: Completely Remove Old Office Versions

    • Use the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant (SaRA) or the Office Uninstall Support Tool to remove all traces of Office 2021 and older versions. Manual uninstall often leaves behind registry keys and license files that cause conflicts.
    • The steps to uninstall Microsoft 365 depend on the type of installation you have. The most common installation types are Click-to-Run and Microsoft Windows Installer (MSI). The other type is an Microsoft 365 installation from the Microsoft Store app. Select the Click-to-Run or MSI or Microsoft Store tab below and follow those uninstall steps for your installation type.
    • For more detailed instruction, please follow the Microsoft official guide here: Uninstall Microsoft 365 from a PC

    Important:

    • Run the troubleshooter on the same Windows PC with the Microsoft 365 or Office product you want to uninstall.
    • You need to be on Windows 10 or higher to run the troubleshooter.
    • If the Microsoft 365 uninstall troubleshooter doesn't completely uninstall Microsoft 365 or Office from your PC, you can try to manually uninstall Office.

    Step 2: Reinstall Office 2024 on a PC

    I hope this information is helpful. Please follow these steps and let me know if it works for you. If not, we can work together to resolve this.

    Note: Please understand that our initial response does not always resolve the issue immediately. However, with your help and more detailed information, we can work together to find a solution.

    Thank you for your patience and your understanding. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.

    I'm looking forward for your reply.


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