Sometimes, you may find that Office 2016 does not meet your needs or is causing compatibility issues on your Windows 11 system. In such cases, rolling back to Office 2013 can be a practical solution.
This guide will walk you through the process of uninstalling Office 2016 and reinstalling Office 2013 step-by-step. Each step is explained clearly to help even beginners follow along without confusion.
By the end of this article, you will be comfortably able to switch back to Office 2013 and continue your work without interruption. Let’s begin with some important quick notes that you should be aware of before starting.
Following the steps carefully will ensure a smooth rollback without losing your data or settings.
Quick Note Before You Begin
- Backup Your Files: Although uninstalling Office should not delete your documents, it’s always safest to back up important files to avoid accidental loss.
- Product Keys and Licenses: Make sure you have the product key or license information for Office 2013 ready, as you will need it during installation.
- Close All Office Applications: Before starting, close Word, Excel, Outlook, and any other Office apps to avoid conflicts during uninstallation.
- Internet Connection: A stable internet connection may be required to download installation files or updates.
Step 1: Uninstall Office 2016
The first and most important step is to completely remove Office 2016 from your system. This is necessary to prevent conflicts between different Office versions.
- Click on the Start button and select Settings (gear icon).
- In Settings, click on Apps, then select Installed apps or Apps & features.
- Scroll through the list to find Microsoft Office 2016.
- Click on it, then choose Uninstall. Confirm any prompts to proceed.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation. This may take several minutes.
Note: If the standard uninstall does not work, Microsoft offers a support tool called the Office Uninstall Support Tool to remove Office completely.
Step 2: Use the Office Uninstall Support Tool (If Needed)
If Office 2016 does not uninstall properly via Settings, use the official tool designed to clean up Office installations.
- Go to the Microsoft Office uninstall support page.
- Download the Easy Fix tool provided on the page.
- Run the tool and follow the prompts to remove Office 2016 completely.
- Restart your computer after the process completes.
Step 3: Install Microsoft Office 2013
With Office 2016 removed, you can now install Office 2013. Make sure you have your installation media or download files ready.
- If you have a physical DVD or USB installer, insert it into your computer.
- If you have a digital copy, locate the setup file (usually
setup.exe) and double-click it. - Follow the installation wizard prompts carefully.
- When asked, enter your Office 2013 product key to activate the software.
- Choose the installation type (Typical or Custom). For most users, the Typical installation is recommended to get all standard Office apps.
- Wait for the installation to finish. This can take several minutes depending on your system speed.
- Once installed, restart your computer to finalize the setup.
Step 4: Update Office 2013
After installation, it is important to update Office 2013 to ensure you have the latest security patches and features.
- Open any Office 2013 program, such as Word or Excel.
- Click on File in the top-left corner.
- Select Account or Help (depending on the Office app).
- Click on Update Options and then choose Update Now.
- Allow the updates to download and install. This may take some time.
Keeping Office updated improves stability and security, so this step should not be skipped.
Alternative Method: Using System Restore
If you upgraded from Office 2013 to Office 2016 recently and have a system restore point from before the upgrade, you can restore your system to that point.
This method rolls back the entire system, not just Office versions, so it should be used cautiously.
- Press Win + S and type System Restore.
- Select Create a restore point from the search results.
- In the System Properties window, click System Restore.
- Follow the wizard to select a restore point dated before the Office 2016 installation.
- Confirm and allow your PC to restart during the restoration.
This is a more advanced option and may affect other programs or settings that changed since the restore point.
FAQs
Can I have both Office 2013 and Office 2016 installed at the same time?
It is generally not recommended to install multiple versions of Office on the same computer due to potential conflicts and activation issues. It’s best to uninstall one version before installing another.
Will uninstalling Office 2016 delete my documents?
No, uninstalling Office only removes the software. Your personal files such as Word documents and Excel spreadsheets remain untouched unless you manually delete them.
What if I don’t have my Office 2013 product key?
You will need the product key to activate Office 2013. If lost, check your purchase confirmation email, Microsoft account, or contact the retailer where you bought it. Microsoft does not provide product keys if you do not have proof of purchase.
Why is updating Office 2013 important after installation?
Updates fix bugs, improve security, and add features. Using outdated Office versions can leave you vulnerable to security risks and software errors.
Can I download Office 2013 from Microsoft?
Office 2013 is no longer available for retail download from Microsoft. You need your original installation media or licensed download links from your vendor.
When Nothing Works
If you encounter issues during uninstallation or installation that you cannot resolve, consider these options:
- Visit the Microsoft Support website for official troubleshooting guides.
- Use the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant tool to detect and fix Office problems automatically.
- Contact Microsoft customer support directly for personalized help.
- Consider professional IT assistance if the rollback process affects critical business operations.
Conclusion
Rolling back from Office 2016 to Office 2013 on Windows 11 involves a careful process of uninstalling the newer version and installing the older one. Remember to back up your files, have your product key ready, and update Office 2013 after installation for the best experience.
By following the detailed steps in this guide, you can avoid common pitfalls and ensure your Office suite works exactly as you need it. If you run into trouble, Microsoft’s tools and support resources are valuable aids to get you back on track quickly.
With patience and attention to detail, switching back to Office 2013 can be simple and stress-free.