If Microsoft Office 2024 is displaying as Office 2021 after installation and activation, it's usually caused by leftover license files from a previous Office installation.
Removing the old license data and activating Office again will usually resolve the issue.
Before You Begin
Before starting, make sure you have:
✅ Your Microsoft Office 2024 product key
✅ Administrator access to your Windows PC
✅ All Microsoft Office applications closed (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.)
Step 1 – Close All Office Applications
Close all Microsoft Office programs, including:
Word
Excel
Outlook
PowerPoint
OneNote
Any other Office apps
Step 2 – Open the Office Licenses Folder
Open File Explorer and browse to:
C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Office\Licenses
Can't find the ProgramData folder?
In File Explorer, select View (or Show on Windows 11), then enable Hidden items.
Step 3 – Delete the Existing License Files
Delete all files inside the Licenses folder.
Important:
Only delete the files inside the Licenses folder. Do not delete the folder itself.
Step 4 – Activate Office Again
Open Microsoft Word.
When prompted, do not sign in with a Microsoft account.
Select I want to enter a product key instead (or the equivalent option).
Enter your Microsoft Office 2024 product key.
Complete the activation process.
Step 5 – Verify the Version
After activation:
Open any Office application.
Go to File → Account.
Confirm that the product now displays Microsoft Office 2024.
Still Seeing Office 2021?
If Office still shows as Office 2021 after completing the steps above:
Restart your computer and check again.
Make sure no older Office licenses are installed.
If the issue persists, contact our support team and include a screenshot of File → Account so we can help you further.
💡 Tip: This issue only affects how the Office version is displayed. It does not usually affect Office functionality or activation.