Microsoft Office 2016 license issue

Question

Microsoft Office 2016 license issue

Donna Maddi 0

How do I fix a Microsoft 2016 license issue?

It was working correctly a few days ago but starting today there is a license issue.

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4 answers

Your answer

Answer 1

Hi Donna,

Thank you for your additional information.

Please note that some of the images in your comment are not showing on the forum, so I cannot see the exact error messages displayed in them. If possible, please upload the screenshots again through the private message so we could look into the issue further.

User's image

Since the issue started recently, it may be related to the behavior described in Microsoft’s KB5002907: Optional update for out-of-date Microsoft 365 Apps installations article. Microsoft notes that some devices running Office 2016 or Office 2019 may unexpectedly show the product as unlicensed after this update is installed. However, we would need to confirm whether KB5002907 is installed on your computer before determining whether it applies to your case.

Please open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View update history, then check whether KB5002907 is listed and let me know its installation date.

Let me know how it goes!

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Stefan Blom 353.4K MVP Volunteer Moderator

How do I fix a Microsoft 2016 license issue? It was working correctly a few days ago but starting today there is a license issue.

Try signing in with the account that stores the info for your Office 2016 product. Maybe you already did this, but it is worth testing again. Other reports in the forum indicate that Office may become unlicensed and that reactivation does work.

Donna Maddi 0 Reputation points

2026-09-25T14:51:45.5533333+00:00

I tried to submit a response to Microsoft's questions but I received a message that my answer was deleted?????
Stefan Blom 353.4K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator

2026-09-25T14:54:17.1233333+00:00

I tried to submit a response to Microsoft's questions but I received a message that my answer was deleted?????

You have posted the same response repeatedly, so some of those duplicates have been deleted, yes. However, the information you provided is available as Comments under the Answer from Norah-L.
Stefan Blom 353.4K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator

2026-09-25T14:56:52.6333333+00:00

If you need further assistance with (re-)activation, have a look at https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/activation/activate-microsoft-perpetual-products-using-the-product-activation-portal .
Donna Maddi 0 Reputation points

2026-09-25T20:39:25.4133333+00:00

Thank you. I went to that website, followed all of the steps, supposedly activated Office 2016. Got a confirmation that I was all set but the issue still exists. Then I was able to enter my phone number for a call back. I was transferred 6 times to several folks and tech support, after more than an hour on the phone the call ended. No one called me back and I have no way to contact MS tech support. then I get an email that my case has been resolved. UUUUURGH!

Answer 4

Norah-L 10,995 Microsoft External Staff Moderator

Hello Donna Maddi,

A sudden license warning can have several causes, a few more details are needed before recommending the correct steps.

Could you please provide the following details so we can narrow down the issue?

What is the exact license or activation message shown? Please include any error code or share a screenshot with personal information hidden.
Open Word or Excel and select File > Account. Under Product Information, what Office 2016 edition and activation status are shown?
Did anything change recently, such as a Windows or Office update, hardware replacement, system restore, or another Office installation?
Was Office purchased with a Microsoft account, activated using a product key, or provided by your work or school?

I look forward to your reply so we can look into this further.

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Donna Maddi 0 Reputation points

2026-09-25T14:28:45.1033333+00:00
Thank you for responding, here are the answers to your questions:

This morning I received this error msg.

This error is new and I do not use One Drive at all. When I try to open Excel or Word I get this error and it started yesterday:

2. I am not able to perform to select File because of the error above.

There have been no changes to computer or Office software. I am still using Windows10.

Yes, I purchased Office 2016 through a Boeing's discount program.

Thank you for responding, here are the answers to your questions:

This morning I received this error msg.

This error is new and I do not use One Drive at all.

When I try to open Excel or Word I get this error and it started yesterday:

2. I am not able to perform to select File because of the error above.

There have been no changes to computer or Office software. I am still using Windows10.

Yes, I purchased Office 2016 through a Boeing's discount program.
Donna Maddi 0 Reputation points

2026-09-25T14:48:32.3166667+00:00