why I can't use my office again?

Question

why I can't use my office again?

carmen hoamea 5

Since my PC upgrades last version of windows, I can`t use microsoft office

Bulldog 4,865 Reputation points

2026-08-25T22:21:54.7033333+00:00

We'd like to help, but you haven't given us any information that we can use to detect a problem. All we know is that you can't use Microsoft Office. We don't even know what version of Office you have, or how you can't use it.

2 answers

Your answer

Bulldog 4,865 Reputation points

2026-08-25T22:21:54.7033333+00:00

We'd like to help, but you haven't given us any information that we can use to detect a problem. All we know is that you can't use Microsoft Office. We don't even know what version of Office you have, or how you can't use it.

Answer 1

Hi, @carmen hoamea

To help narrow down the issue:

What happens when you open Word or Excel? Do you see an error such as "Unlicensed Product," an activation message, or does the app not open at all?
When you sign in at https://account.microsoft.com/services, is your Microsoft 365 or Office license listed as active?
Press Windows + R, type winver and press Enter. What Windows version and OS build are shown?

In the meantime, if your subscription or Office license is listed as active, open Word or Excel and go to File > Account. Make sure Office is signed in with the same Microsoft account that owns the license.

You can also try repairing Office: Settings > Apps > Installed apps > Microsoft 365/Office > three dots > Modify > Quick Repair.

If Quick Repair does not help, you can try Online Repair next.

Click "Add comment" to let me know.

Thanks!

Answer 2

Eileen Otto 0

I am having the same problem and Microsoft is of no help whatsoever. My computer updated and it was gone along with all of my letters etc. Have the receipt that I purchased it at Costco (one time purchase no subscriptions etc.) and it just disappeared. Microsoft states I never had it. They are lying because I have used it since 2-03-2021. I wonder how many people are having this same problem?

Eileen Otto 0 Reputation points

2026-08-25T23:32:56.2666667+00:00

I have been on the phone with Microsoft several times over the last couple of weeks they are of zero help. I purchased Microsoftt Office on 2-3-2021 for my then new MAC computer. It worked fine until one day it was gone and so were all of my documents. I have the receipt from Costco which I gave them for it but they refuse to help me they say I need the key. Well I do not have the key.
Stefan Blom 353.9K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator

2026-08-26T07:55:32.9466667+00:00

@Eileen Otto

Which specific Office product did you purchase from Costco?

In most cases, after the initial setup, your product should be associated with a Microsoft account from which you can reinstall Office, if necessary.

Note that your question will get more attention if you start a new thread, by using the Ask a question option. The thread in which you have replied is about Office for Windows.
Eileen Otto 0 Reputation points

2026-08-28T11:54:26.88+00:00

I purchased Microsoft Word. A one time payment in perpetuity. I do not have to renew. One day it just disappeared from my MAC. I have the receipt from Costco. I have written letters etc., with this Microsoft Word (all disappeared also) since I purchased it on 2-03-2021. I have the receipt from Costco. No one would. help me. No I do not have the key. I have Costco's number that described it #398212182716010 which comes up as Microsoft Word. It was a one time payment. The Microsoft worker on the phone case #7107785093 initially told me I had to send copies of the receipt which I went to Costco and got and sent them to her. Now she says I need the key which I do not have. This is not ok. I purchased the product. It was a one time purchase that had no subscription and did not need to be renewed. I sent in the receipt and I need someone to assist me as this has been going on for weeks. Can you assist?
Eileen Otto 0 Reputation points

2026-08-28T11:55:13.5366667+00:00

It states I do not have a subscription and that I have to purchase a subscription which is ridiculous!
Stefan Blom 353.9K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator

2026-08-28T12:00:51.42+00:00

Eileen, since the July updates, you'll need a Microsoft Office license that lets you run Office version 16.83 or later (this excludes Office 2019 which can no longer be used) and you also need macOS version 12 or later. See https://www.brandwares.com/bestpractices/2023/03/most-recent-office-you-can-run-best-practices/ and https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/lifecycle/officeinstall/update-m365-office-macos-ios .