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terencesumpter's avatar
terencesumpter
Copper Contributor
Aug 02, 2026

365 overwriting office 2024 activation credentials

I have a pre-installed 2024 Office pro on my PC, recently outlook(classic) was being problematic whereby the usual fixes were not working, consequently did the longer MS fix on line which was successful, however, now I come to use word, excel etc and am advised only have 2 days left on free trial of 365 ( I have never used or signed up for 365 nor do I wish to), I have signed out of my account, signed back in restarted etc etc all to no avail. In my account it tells me 'awaiting activation'. As this was pre-installed I do not have an activation code, I wonder if anyone has come across this issue and a remedy for it - any advice much appreciated - Terry

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1 Reply

  • Surya_Narayana's avatar
    Surya_Narayana
    MCT
    Aug 08, 2026

    hi terencesumpter​  It sounds like the Office repair may have changed or removed the activation information for your Office 2024 installation, and Office is now detecting Microsoft 365 instead.

    Since the PC came with Office 2024 pre-installed, the first thing I'd check is Settings → Apps → Installed apps and confirm which Office version is actually installed. Look for Office 2024 rather than a Microsoft 365 installation.

    If Office 2024 is still installed, open Word and go to File → Account and check what product is listed under Product Information. The important part is whether it says Office 2024 or Microsoft 365.

    If it shows Microsoft 365 and you never had a subscription, the online repair may have installed/reconfigured the Microsoft 365 version. In that case, you may need to reinstall the Office 2024 edition that came with the PC.

    Because it was pre-installed, the activation may be associated with the manufacturer's digital license or the Microsoft account used when Office was originally activated, rather than a physical product key.

    I wouldn't start a Microsoft 365 trial just to get past the message, as that could make the activation situation even more confusing. If you can share the exact Product Information shown in Word → File → Account, it should help determine which Office installation is currently active.