How to get my Microsoft apps working

Hi,

Thank you for reaching out. I’m happy to help you get this sorted out.

To better assist you, could you please confirm which subscription you have, such as Microsoft 365 or Office 2024? Also, are you using macOS or Windows?

In the meantime, please make sure you are signed in with the same Microsoft account used to purchase or renew the subscription. Then, go to https://account.microsoft.com/services and check that your Microsoft 365 or Office subscription shows as active and not expired.

Follow these steps to get the apps working again and stop the subscription message.

1. Confirm the subscription is active
   • Go to https://account.live.com and open the Subscriptions section.
   • Verify that the Microsoft 365 or Office subscription shows as Active.
   • If it is not active, renewal is required before desktop apps will work.
2. Make sure the correct account is used in the apps
   • Open any Office app (for example, Word). If it opens only in read‑only or shows subscription messages, continue.
   • Go to File > Account (or Office Account in Outlook).
   • Under User Information, sign out of all accounts listed.
   • Select Sign in and sign in with the same account that shows the active subscription at https://account.live.com.
3. Refresh the license in the desktop apps
   • In the same File > Account screen, look for an option such as Update license or similar.
   • Select it and sign in again with the account that has the active subscription.
   • Close and reopen the Office apps and check if they now open normally.
4. Check that the subscription type includes desktop apps
   • If the subscription is Microsoft 365 Basic, it does not include desktop apps like Word or Excel; only web and mobile apps are included.
   • In that case, desktop apps will stop working when the previous plan ends. To use desktop apps again, upgrade to a plan such as Microsoft 365 Personal or Family.
5. If apps still won’t open or keep looping to subscription
   • Uninstall Office from Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
   • Then sign in at https://www.office.com with the account that has the active subscription and reinstall the apps from there.

References:

• A subscription notice appears when I open a Microsoft 365 application
• Account or subscription verification errors activating Microsoft 365 Apps
• Why do I need an account to sign in to Microsoft 365 or Office?
• When opening Word or Excel, getting a 'subscription canceled' message but I have renewed my Office subscription - Microsoft Q&A
• I am unable to open and create documents - Microsoft Q&A