Office365 Abruptly Updated and New "Update License" Option Appears- Unsure What to Do

Thanks GreatMachine!

My MacBook Pro and iMac Pro each started displaying the 'Update License" message on the same day, following Office software updates. As in your case with Microsoft 365, the Office Home and Business 2021 for Mac product is not behaving as though it's unlicensed. It's currently Version 16.81.2 (24012814) on my iMac. The version on my MacBook is currently 16.81 (24011420) following an attempted reinstallation of a December 2023 release 16.80 which was prior to the "Update License" situation. During yesterday's reinstallation, the installer package mysteriously "upgraded" to January release 16.81 (24011420), which displays the "Update License" issue.

It's not a simple process to do a complete removal of all elements of the Mac Office software and reinstall it. To be foiled in my effort by the Installer software autonomously "updating" the product to a later version than I set it up for is quite peculiar and disturbing, The ball is squarely in Microsoft's court as far as I'm concerned.

I just checked my Dell laptops again and it does not have the 'Update License' message. I was incorrect in that it does have a TPM2.0 chip.

It has not updated to the last Microsoft 365 release. It's still on Version 2401 Build 17231.20182 C2R.

The laptop just updated to 17231.20194 C2R and now the 'Update License' message is there. No other changes. It's a bug in the latest release. Hopefully Microsoft is paying attention and fixes it in the next update.

Hi HamAndHands,

Unlike your Microsoft 365 product., my Microsoft Home and Business 2021 for Macs products are not subscription-based (e.g.,)where there are periodic (annual?) payments to use the software. My Office software are stand-alone, one-time purchases with no recurring subscription payments involved. That said, since approximately mid-January 2024, I am seeing a "Update License" link under the Word, Excel and PowerPoint "About" menu drop-down. Here's a sequential series of screen shots that illustrate what happens next ....

"Update License" link appears ....

Clicking on link opens pop-up window to "Sign in" to verify ....

This opens window to "Activate Office" ...

Don't have a work or school account and select my Personal account (which exists, is legitimate, and has my 2 licensed Office products ...

Clicking on the Personal Account selection immediately returns a pop-up stating "Couldn't update license Error code: 44"

I can log into my Microsoft account and see my 2 Office Home and Business 2021 products and download them to reinstall the software successfully. In an effort to resolve the Update license Error code: 44 issue, I have removed and reinstalled the software multiple times. I have also used the License Removal tool to delete the licenses and then reinstalled them. So far, nothing has worked, and I've spent many hours over many days without any signs of success. I am still able to use all of the Office for Mac applications without issue. Other Mac users have been experiencing the same Update License issue with error code 44. over the past week or two, and haven't been able to solve the problem.

You are the first person I've seen who's encountered the same "Update License" issue, but on a PC, rather than on a Mac. In my opinion, this is a cross-platform issue and is the result of a recent software update deployed by Microsoft. I do not anticipate that efforts by end-users will be able to resolve this Update License issue. Microsoft engineers will need to be engaged to solve this.

Okay. Just in case and it is a good idea anyway you could create a Recovery Code. Go to Advanced Security of your Microsoft Account (where you change passwords and setup two-Step verification. At the bottom of the page you can create a Recovery Code. Here is a direct link>https://account.live.com/proofs/manage/additional  You will need to sign in.

Hi HamAndHands Greetings! Thank you for posting on Microsoft Community. I will be happy to help. I am a user just like you and only trying to advice/ assist in the best possible way to resolve your issue.

I understand your concern about the new "Update License" option in Word and your hesitation to use it due to your uncertain subscription situation. Here's what I can share to help:

Possible Reasons for the Update License Option:

Automatic Office Updates: While you mentioned Office doesn't usually update automatically, recent changes or specific settings might have triggered an update, introducing the "Update License" option. Subscription Renewal or Change: If your family's Microsoft 365 subscription recently renewed or underwent a plan change, this option might appear to ensure proper license activation. Potential License Issue: In rare cases, a glitch or error with your family's subscription can cause license validation issues, prompting the "Update License" option.

What to Do: Gather Information:

Check your family's Microsoft 365 subscription details. Look for confirmation emails or invoices to understand the plan type, validity period, and member accounts included. Ask your family member whose account manages the subscription if they recently made any changes or received renewal notifications.

Explore Further: Try manual verification: Depending on your comfort level, consider carefully trying the "Update License" option with your Microsoft account credentials. Look for options to update within the same account you use for other Microsoft services. Remember: Only proceed if you understand the potential implications and have your family's consent if sharing their subscription.

Clarity is Key: Having open communication with your family member regarding the Microsoft 365 subscription helps avoid confusion and unauthorized changes.

Additional Tips: Before taking any action, back up your important documents stored in Word for peace of mind. If you choose to contact Microsoft support, be prepared to provide details like your family's subscription ID, your Microsoft account information, and any error messages you encounter. By gathering information, exploring options cautiously, and communicating openly, you should be able to resolve the "Update License" issue and continue using Word seamlessly. Good luck!

Hope this helps and answer your question. Give back to the Community. Help the next person who has this issue by indicating if this reply solved your problem. Click Yes or No below. Kind Regards -Adedayo