Miscellaneous topics that do not fit into specific categories.
Hi Mark,
Office leaves behind residual files and registry entries even after using the uninstall tool.These remnants include activation data and configuration files, which cause the installer to detect an old version and reinstall it.
The Troubleshooter removes most components but doesn’t always clear hidden folders or registry keys tied to licensing.
What You Can Do is:
Run the Official Removal Tool Again
Use Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant to remove Office completely.
Manually Delete Leftover Files
Remove these folders:
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office
C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office
%ProgramData%\Microsoft\Office
%LocalAppData%\Microsoft\Office
Restart your PC.
Clear Registry Entries
Open Registry Editor (regedit) and delete:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Office
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office
Back up your registry before making changes.
Reinstall the Correct Version
Download the latest installer from account.microsoft.com/services using your Microsoft account.
Avoid using old setup files they may default to Office 2019.
Let me know how it goes, Happy to help!