I want to update the Microsoft license for college exam laptops

Question

Hey there, when I click the update license button with Microsoft 365 I get an error message [2603]

I need to update the Microsoft licensing agreements for college laptops so they are up to date for the current exam year.

I note that some laptops are old models, would that be an issue?

Any advice would be appreciated

Kind regards

Paul

Answer 1

Hello @Paul Kiernan, 

Good day! I hope you’re doing well. 

Based on my findings, error 2603 usually indicates that the device is unable to communicate properly with Microsoft's servers due to network or configuration issues. This can happen even if the internet appears to be working normally. Common causes include incorrect network settings, TLS/SSL settings not enabled, or interference from VPN, proxy, or firewall systems. 

Here are some steps you may want to try to resolve the issue: 

  1. Restore advanced network settings 

• Press Windows + R 
• Type: inetcpl.cpl 
• Go to the Advanced tab 
• Select “Restore advanced settings” 
• Click Apply > OK > Restart your device 

2. Reset TLS and Internet settings 

• In the same Advanced tab as the previous steps: 
• Scroll down to look for TLS 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3. Ensure they are checked. 

• If there is any change, click Apply > OK > Restart 

3. Disable VPN, proxy, or firewall temporarily 

• Turn off any active VPN 
• Disable proxy settings if enabled 
• Temporarily pause third‑party firewalls or security software 

These tools often block the connection needed for license updates. 

4. Sign out and back into Office 

• Open Word (or any Office app).  
• Go to File > Account.  
• Select Sign out.  
• Close all Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams).    

Reopen and sign in again with your licensed account   

5. Update Office 

• Open Word (or any Office app) > File > Account > Update Options > Update Now.   

 

6. Repair Office 

• Close all office apps completely.    
• Go to Control Panel > Program > Programs and Features    
• Right click on the Microsoft Office you've installed > Change.    

• Select Quick Repair first (fast and doesn’t require internet).    
• If the issue persists, run Online Repair (requires internet and takes longer).    

 

If the issue persists after completing the steps above, please check the following: 

• Make sure the device meets all the requirements to use Microsoft 365: Microsoft 365 system requirements - Microsoft Support 
• Confirm that the correct Microsoft 365 license is assigned in the Microsoft 365 Admin Center: Assign or unassign licenses for users in the Microsoft 365 admin center - Microsoft 365 admin | Mic…   

Please feel free to share any additional details if the problem continues. I’ll be happy to assist further. 

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