Technology

Uninstalling Microsoft Office

Last modified 3/22/2024

The Technology Support Center recommends that you uninstall your existing version of Microsoft Office before installing the latest version to avoid technical issues that may arise from having more than one version installed.

Before You Begin

The version of Microsoft Office that you download and install from Microsoft 365 will not replace any existing versions of Microsoft Office on your computer. While it is possible to run more than one version of Microsoft Office at the same time, the Technology Support Center recommends that you uninstall your existing version before installing the latest version to avoid technical issues that may arise from having more than one version of Microsoft Office installed.

If you choose to uninstall your current version of Microsoft Office, you should keep your product key on file. When you leave Illinois State, the version of Microsoft Office that you installed through Microsoft 365 will expire and will no longer work. After leaving the University, you may want to reinstall your previous version of Microsoft Office, which will require your product key.

Uninstalling Microsoft Office will not remove any documents, spreadsheets, presentations, etc. on your computer.

Windows 8

To uninstall your current version of Microsoft Office on Windows 8, do the following:

  1. In the Start field search, type Control Panel in the search box.
  2. Click Control Panel.

    Note

    If you do not see Control Panel, click Settings on the right.

  3. Click Programs.
  4. Click Programs and Features.
  5. Find the version of Microsoft Office you want to uninstall and click on it.
  6. Click Uninstall which is located near the top of the window.

Your current version of Microsoft Office will be uninstalled.

Windows 10/11

To uninstall your current version of Microsoft Office on Windows 10/11, do the following:

  1. In the Cortana search menu, type Control Panel.
  2. Click Control Panel.
  3. Click Programs.
  4. Click Programs and Features.
  5. Find the version of Microsoft Office you want to uninstall and click on it.
  6. Click Uninstall which is located near the top of the window.

Your current version of Microsoft Office will be uninstalled.

MacOS 

Before You Begin

If you have Microsoft Office 2021 already installed on your Mac, you have the most recent version and you do not need to uninstall it. You should uninstall Office on your Mac if you have Office 2019 or earlier.

The following requirements must be met before you begin the steps to uninstall Microsoft Office 2008:

  • You must quit all applications.
  • You must be logged on as an administrator.
  • Make sure anything contained in the Trash can be deleted.

To uninstall Microsoft Office, do the following:

Step 1: Quit all applications

  1. On the Apple menu, click Force Quit.
  2. Select an application in the Force Quit Applications window (You will not be able to force quit the FINDER. This is OK).
  3. Click Force Quit.
  4. Repeat Steps 1-3 for each active application.

Step 2: Use the Remove Office tool

  1. On the Go menu, click Computer.
  2. Double-click your hard disk icon. The default name will be Macintosh HD.
  3. Open Applications.
  4. Drag the Microsoft Office 2011 folder to the trash
  5. Empty the Trash Bin.
  6. Restart your computer.

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