How to Remove Old Microsoft License Files from a Mac Before Installing Microsoft Office

Before You Begin

Close all Office apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote) and OneDrive. Also, check which account holds the license you'll use to reactivate by going to office.com/signin, so you don't get locked out later.

Method 1: Microsoft License Removal Tool (recommended)

This is the official tool. It deletes license files without affecting your documents or removing your apps.

1. Download it from Microsoft: https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=849815 — You'll get a file named Microsoft_Office_License_Removal.pkg.
2. Open the file .pkg from the Downloads folder. If macOS displays a “Unidentified Developer” warning, hold down Control, click on the file and select Open.
3. Click on Continue and follow the wizard.
4. Click on Install to complete the removal. You'll likely need to enter your Mac's administrator password.
5. When you're done, click Close.
6. Optionally, drag Microsoft Office License Removal from the "Downloads" folder to the Recycle Bin to remove the tool itself.

Removes Office 365/2016/2019/2021 licenses for Mac. After doing this, you can install (or reinstall) Office, open any app, and sign in to reactivate it.

Method 2: Manual Removal

Use this method if you want to delete everything manually or if the tool did not fully resolve the activation issue. There are two license files and some related support files.

The fastest way to remove the main license file is through Terminal (Applications → Utilities → Terminal):

sudo rm /Library/Preferences/com.microsoft.office.licensingV2.plist

Enter the administrator password when prompted (nothing will appear as you type—this is normal).

If you prefer to use the Finder, or if you also want to delete the related support files, go to Go to → Computer → Macintosh HD → Library and move the following files to the Recycle Bin, if they exist:

• In Preferences: com.microsoft.office.licensingV2.plist
• In LaunchDaemons: com.microsoft.office.licensingV2.helper.plist
• In PrivilegedHelperTools: com.microsoft.office.licensingV2.helper

Delete Keychain entries (both methods)

Old credentials in Keychain may cause an outdated license to be retrieved during activation. Open Keychain Access (Applications → Utilities), search for Microsoft and delete any Microsoft Office identity/license entries you find (for example, “Microsoft Office Identities Cache” and license-related items).

In conclusion

Restart your Mac, then install Office and follow the activation steps to activate it. Restarting is important: it completely clears the old license status before the new one is written.

A note about Method 2: sudo rm It does not allow for mistakes and deletes the item immediately, so double-check the path before pressing Enter. If you're not comfortable using the Terminal, the license removal tool performs the same task safely.