FIXED: Error: “Microsoft Office cannot find your license for this application” and application closes in Office 2016 (Build: 16.0.7167.2040)

Anonymous
2016-09-14T21:33:54+00:00

Issue:

When opening an Office application, you may see the following error message:

"Microsoft Office cannot find your license for this application. A repair attempt was unsuccessful or cancelled. Microsoft Office will now close."

IMPORTANT: This error appears if you have this Office 2016 build: 16.0.7167.2040. If you don’t have this specific version and you’re getting this error, or you’re getting a different error, we recommend you create a new post. To check your Office version, choose the Uninstall a program option in the Windows Control Panel, find your Office program in the list and check the version number.

Status: Fixed

This licensing issue has been resolved in Office 2016 version 16.0.7167.2055 or later. To get the latest update, please run an online repair of Office 2016:

  1. Restart your computer. Don’t open any Office applications when you’re back on your desktop.
  2. Run an online repair of Office from the Control Panel.

IMPORTANT: Please choose the Online Repair option instead of Quick Repair. If you run Quick Repair, the latest build version doesn’t get installed. 3. Restart the computer again and open the Office application. 4. Click File > Account, and verify the Office version under Office Updates in the Product Information section. It should be a newer version than 16.0.7167.2040.

If you’ve done the above step and you continue to get the same error message, please do the following:

  • Choose the Uninstall a program option in the Windows Control Panel, find your Office program, and check the Office version.
  • If the Office version isn’t 16.0.7167.2040, create a new post with the error you’re getting along with the exact Office build version.
Microsoft 365 and Office | Install, redeem, activate | For home | Windows

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  1. Anonymous
    2016-09-16T21:03:58+00:00

    I gave up on my one-sheet being held hostage by word 16 and paid to download office 365... LOL.  Don't waste your time or money, it doesn't work one iota better.  I can reboot all day, but if the program doesn't stay open long enough to update, what's the point?  First it's an error and has to close, then it's an email that says it isn't correct, then it's a product key... I think the real problem is incompetence within Microsofts own walls.

    I finally used an old copy of my paper on a flash drive, downloaded it on my tablet, emailed it to my iPad, installed 365 on my iPad, it didn't work... So I took a screen shot of the paper on flash, cropped it in photos, and could finally get back to work, although not as I needed to.  As ridiculous a solution as the ones you suggest!

    So basically they hold your docs hostage until you pay for their new and unimproved 365, and then screw you one more time to make sure you remember they're Microsoft.... I remember, I remember.  

    Diane M Bassett

    17 Hours Tracking Down Our Runaway

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  2. Anonymous
    2016-09-16T20:30:25+00:00

    Hi Ashley, may I ask what version of Office do you have? We'd love to really hear how this solution is working or not working for our customers.

    Thanks,

    Michelle

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  3. Anonymous
    2016-09-16T19:38:39+00:00

    I have also rebooted several times and I'm still unable to follow the proposed fix because it keeps shutting down. What's the answer?

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  4. Anonymous
    2016-09-16T18:42:43+00:00

    Hello,

    I have rebooted several times and I am up to date on the last Office version and I am still getting this message.  Can anyone help?

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  5. Anonymous
    2016-09-16T16:56:06+00:00

    Hi Pete,

    The root cause of the problem is turned off in the later build so upgrading to version .2060 would solve this issue. Have you tried restarting your computer then opening up any Office 2016 application? If you're experiencing the error message pop up after restarting, we would love to get more info from you and help you diagnose this issue further.

    Thanks,

    Michelle V.

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