Microsoft Word is showing “View Only (Unlicensed Product)”

This usually happens when Office is signed in with the wrong account, when multiple Office versions are installed, or when the bundled license was never properly linked to the Microsoft account used for activation.

Try these steps in order:

1. Check the Microsoft account used in Word
   • In Word, go to File > Account.
   • Sign out of all accounts shown there.
   • Restart Word and sign in again with the Microsoft account that was used when the ASUS bundled Office was first activated.
   • If the wrong account is used, Office can show Unlicensed Product.
2. Verify the license is attached to the account
   • Go to Services & subscriptions at https://account.microsoft.com/services.
   • Sign in with the same Microsoft account.
   • Office Home & Student or the included Office product should appear there.
   • If it does not appear, that account is not the one linked to the bundled license.
3. Check for multiple Office installations
   • Open Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
   • Search for office.
   • If more than one Office version is installed, uninstall the version not being used.
   • Restart the PC, then open Word again and sign in.
   • Multiple Office installs can cause activation conflicts.
4. Run an Online Repair if the license is listed but Word is still unlicensed
   • Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps > Microsoft Office > three dots > Modify > Online Repair.
   • Restart the PC after the repair.
   • This is recommended when the Office installation or activation state is damaged.
5. Check basic activation blockers
   • Close all Office apps.
   • In Windows, open Date and time settings and make sure Set time automatically is enabled, and the correct time zone is selected.
   • Open Word once using Run as administrator.
   • If needed, update Office from the app.
6. If the screen specifically shows Microsoft 365 but the laptop included a lifetime Office license
   • The installed product may be the Microsoft 365 build instead of the bundled perpetual license, or there may be an activation conflict.
   • Removing extra Office installations and then signing in again with the original activation account is the supported first step.
7. If the bundled Office license is missing from Services & subscriptions
   • Contact ASUS with the laptop serial number and proof of purchase so they can verify the preinstalled license.
   • Do not buy another license before that check.

If nothing is fixed, Word will stay in reduced functionality mode: documents can still be opened and printed, but editing and creating new files will be blocked.

• Unlicensed Product and activation errors in Office | Microsoft Support
• A subscription notice appears when I open a Microsoft 365 application | Microsoft Support
• My microsoft office home & student not working - Microsoft Q&A