If you’re running Microsoft Office 365 on your Mac and have decided it’s time to uninstall it, you’re not alone. Whether due to persistent performance issues, incompatibilities, or a desire to revert to your licensed Office Suite version, the uninstallation process can be complex. This guide will help you navigate through the uninstallation of Office 365 and guide you on how to restore your licensed Office Suite efficiently.
Why Uninstall Office 365?
Before proceeding with the uninstallation, let’s discuss some reasons why you might want to uninstall Office 365:
Performance Issues
: Many users report that Office 365 can be slow and cumbersome on Mac, especially if multiple applications are being run simultaneously.
Compatibility Issues
: Depending on your operating system or hardware specifications, you may face compatibility errors. Older versions of Office may be better suited for your setup.
Cost
: Office 365 operates on a subscription model, which can add up over time. If you’re not using Office regularly, a one-time purchase could be more economical.
Personal Preference
: Some users prefer the simplicity of a standalone version without the additional features and requirements that come with a subscription service.
Licensing Problems
: If your subscription has expired or you’re experiencing issues with activation, reverting to a licensed version may be a viable option.
How to Uninstall Office 365 on Mac
The uninstallation of Office 365 from your Mac requires a systematic approach to ensure that all components are effectively removed. Here’s how to do it step-by-step:
Step 1: Close All Office Applications
Before you begin the uninstallation process, ensure all Microsoft Office applications are closed. This includes applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote.
Step 2: Use the Microsoft Office Uninstaller
Microsoft provides a dedicated tool for uninstalling Office applications. Follow these steps to access and use the uninstaller:
Locate the Microsoft Office Uninstaller
:
- Open “Finder” and navigate to “Applications > Microsoft Office > Office 365 Uninstaller.” If you cannot find it, you can also go to the Application folder and type “Uninstall” into the search bar.
Use the Uninstaller Tool:
- Double-click on the “Uninstall Office” icon.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process.
Step 3: Remove Remaining Files
After using the uninstaller, Office may leave behind residual files. To ensure a complete uninstallation:
Open Finder
:
- Click on “Go” in the menu bar and select “Go to Folder…”.
-
Type in
~/Library
and press Enter.
Delete Office Folders
:
Look for the following folders and delete them if they exist:
-
Containers
: Look for any folder named
com.microsoft
. -
Group Containers
: Look for
UBF8T346G9.Office
or
UBF8T346G9.OfficeOsf
. -
Preferences
: Look for files such as
com.microsoft.office.helper.plist
and delete them. -
Application Support
: Look for folders specifically related to Office, like
Microsoft
and
Office
.
Step 4: Empty the Trash
Once all files related to Office have been deleted, make sure to empty your Trash. This finalizes the removal process:
Step 5: Restart Your Mac
To refresh your system after uninstallation, it’s advisable to restart your Mac. This ensures that any residual processes related to Office are closed, and the system is working optimally.
Restoring Your Licensed Office Suite
After uninstalling Office 365 and confirming the removal, the next step is to restore your licensed Office Suite. This could be a version such as Office 2016 or earlier versions you’ve purchased previously. Here’s how to accomplish that:
Step 1: Obtain Your Product Key
If you’ve purchased a copy of Microsoft Office previously, locate your product key. This can be found in various places depending on how you acquired the software:
Step 2: Download Your Office Installer
Visit the Microsoft Office Website
: Go to the official Microsoft Office website and sign in with your Microsoft account.
Access My Account
: Click on “My Account” and go to “Services & subscriptions” where you can see your purchased products.
Download the Installer
: Find the licensed version of Office you want to install and choose the download option.
Step 3: Begin Installation
Once you’ve downloaded the installer, you can start the installation process:
Locate the Installer
: Go to the location where the installer file was downloaded, usually in the “Downloads” folder.
Open the Installer
: Double-click on the installer file to begin the installation process.
Follow On-Screen Instructions
: The installation wizard will guide you through the process. Select your preferred settings when prompted.
Step 4: Enter Your Product Key
During the installation process, you will be asked to enter your product key:
Input Product Key
: Type in the product key you located earlier and follow any further prompts to activate your license.
Complete Installation
: Once the installation is complete, you might need to restart your Mac again.
Step 5: Update Office
After successfully installing Office, ensure it is up to date:
Open an Office Application
: Open an application like Word or Excel.
Check for Updates
: Click on “Help” in the menu bar, then select “Check for Updates.”
Install Updates
: Follow the prompts to install any available updates to ensure you have the latest features and security patches.
Additional Considerations
Backup Important Files
If you decide to uninstall Office 365, consider making backups of important files, especially if you’ve saved them in OneDrive or directly within Office applications. Use alternative storage solutions or backup services to ensure you don’t lose important documents.
Switching to Alternatives
If you’re unsure about reverting to an older version of Office, consider exploring alternative productivity applications. Free or low-cost options such as Google Workspace, LibreOffice, or Apple’s iWork suite can serve similar purposes, depending on your needs.
Contact Support
If you encounter issues during the uninstallation or restoration process, don’t hesitate to reach out to Microsoft Support. They can provide troubleshooting assistance for both Office 365 and the licensed version of Office.
Conclusion
Uninstalling Office 365 from your Mac and restoring your licensed Office Suite is a process that requires attention to detail to ensure everything is removed and set up correctly. By following the steps laid out in this guide, you can transition smoothly between these two versions of Microsoft Office. Remember to have your product key at hand, keep your applications updated, and consider your needs when selecting the right version for you.
In a constantly evolving digital workspace, ensuring that your software serves your needs is key to maintaining productivity and efficiency. Whether you enjoy the simplicity of a standalone Office version or the collaborative features of Office 365, finding the right fit can make all the difference in your daily operations.