Update License button in Microsoft 365 apps

What is the Update License button? What does it do? 

The Update License button appears in the backstage of a Microsoft 365 app. In an app such as Word, Excel, or PowerPoint, select the File menu, and then select Account. Under Product Information, select the Update License button.

When you select the Update License button, you'll be guided through a few simple steps to ensure the license on the device is up to date. This may be useful immediately after a new purchase or entitlement occurs. 

Why do I see the Update License button? Does this mean my license is out of date? 

The Update License button appears in all Microsoft 365 apps beginning with version 2401 (Build 17231.20194). The presence of this button does not imply that the current license is out of date. The button may not appear for certain activation methods, such as shared computer activation licensing mode.

Normally the product license for Microsoft 365 apps will be refreshed in the background automatically, but it can take up to 72 hours for new purchases or entitlements to be reflected. The Update License button is a quick and convenient way to immediately update the license.

I get a "Couldn't Update License" error in Microsoft 365

If you go to the Account tab of your Microsoft 365 apps and select Update License you might get an error message that reads Couldn't update license and offers Error Code: 44. This is almost always caused by being signed in with an account other than the one that has the license you're trying to update.

Why am I asked to sign in? 

Signing in is required to ensure that the license update process uses the correct account associated with this license. 

Why do I need to restart my Microsoft 365 apps? 

Closing all apps and restarting ensures that all apps have access to the current license. 

How do I know if the license update was successful? 

If successful, the license update process will prompt to restart any Microsoft 365 apps that are open. If there was an issue obtaining an updated license, a dialog will be shown with an error message and error code. 

To confirm the product license currently in use in any Microsoft 365 app, open the File menu and choose Account. Under Product Information, the name of the currently licensed product and included apps will be shown. ​​​​​​​

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