How do I revert back to office 2016. I have tried to install 2016 from my account page but it always installs 365

John Lyons 0 Reputation points
2026-05-28T21:57:11.17+00:00

I have a version of office 2016 which shows on my account.

I have uninstalled 365 which I do not want.

I tried to install 0ffice 2016 directly form my account page.

All I get on the download is 365 which I do not want as it involves a subscription.

I do very little on the office 2016 which was always good enough for what I want.

Can you tell me why this is happening and hoe to get my office 2016 back

Microsoft 365 and Office | Word | For home | Windows
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  1. AI answer

    2026-05-28T21:57:40.5533333+00:00

    The behavior occurs because the installer from the account page is delivering the current Microsoft 365-based build instead of the perpetual Office 2016 build. To get back to Office 2016, remove the Microsoft 365/Click-to-Run installation completely and then install the correct Office 2016 product.

    Use these steps based on the available guidance:

    1. Completely remove Microsoft 365/Office 2016 Click-to-Run
      • On Windows, use the uninstall troubleshooter to fully remove Microsoft 365/Office 2016:
        1. Run the Microsoft 365/Office uninstall troubleshooter from the provided "Uninstall" tool.
        2. Follow the prompts and restart the computer when asked.
        3. If anything remains, follow the guidance to manually uninstall Office.
    2. Install the perpetual Office 2016
      • After the Click-to-Run/365 installation is removed, install the Office 2016 product that belongs to the perpetual license (not the Microsoft 365 subscription) using the steps in the Office 2016 download/install article referenced in the uninstall guidance.
      • If the installer still delivers Microsoft 365 instead of Office 2016, use the specific Office 2016 download/install path described in the Office 2016 article (for Office 2016/2019/2021) rather than the Microsoft 365 subscription entry.
    3. If the installer still switches to Microsoft 365
      • If a Microsoft 365 trial or subscription is still associated with the account, it can cause the “switch” behavior. In that case, remove Microsoft 365 from the device again using the uninstall troubleshooter and ensure only the Office 2016 product is installed by following the Office 2016-specific download/install instructions.

    If the issue persists even after using the uninstall troubleshooter and following the Office 2016 install article, contact Microsoft support from the account portal so they can verify the license type on the account and provide the correct Office 2016 installer.

    References:

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