If you use Microsoft 365 on a Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC, sooner or laer you will get the "Couldn’t update license" error that shows codes 29 or 44. This prevents Microsoft 365 from verifying or refreshing your subscription license, which means Office apps will stop working properly or limit functionality. Since this is a major issue, this guide will show you how to fix the problem.

What Causes of Office Error Code 29?

Couldn’t update license
You can continue using Microsoft 365 and try again. If issues persist, please contact Microsoft support.
Error Code: 29

• Corrupted or outdated Microsoft 365 license cache.
• Office being signed out automatically in the background.
• Switching between multiple Microsoft accounts on the same device.

In these cases, Office cannot validate the stored license token even though the subscription is active.

What Causes Office Error Code 44?

Couldn’t update license
Error Code: 44

• Office is signed in with a Microsoft account that does not own the subscription.
• A Microsoft 365 license has been removed, reassigned, or changed by an administrator.

Office can communicate with Microsoft servers but cannot link the signed-in account to a valid license.

How to Fix Microsoft 365 Couldn’t Update License Error 29 or 44

Here are six effective solutions to fix these license update errors on your Windows 10 or 11 PC.

Sign Out and Sign In with the Correct Microsoft Account

You might be signed in with the wrong account. Make sure your Office account and your Microsoft Store accounts are the same one. If they are different Microsoft programs and apps usually stop working.

• Open any Microsoft 365 app, such as Word or Excel.
• Click File in the top-left corner.
• Select Account from the left menu.
• Under User Information, click Sign out.
• Close all Microsoft 365 apps.
• Reopen any Office app and click Sign in.
• Sign in using the Microsoft account associated with your subscription:
• For home users, use the account with an active Microsoft 365 Personal or Family subscription.
• For business users, sign in with the work or school account assigned the Microsoft 365 Business or Enterprise license.
• Restart the app and check if the error persists.

Clear Microsoft 365 License Cache

• Close all Microsoft 365 apps.
• Press Win + R, type %localappdata%, and press Enter.
• Navigate to Microsoft > Office > 16.0 (or 15.0 / 14.0 on older systems).
• Open the OfficeFileCache folder.
• Delete all files inside this folder but do not delete the folder itself.
• Restart your PC.
• Open any Microsoft 365 app and sign in if prompted.

Repair Microsoft 365 Installation

• Press Win + I to open Settings.
• Go to Apps > Installed apps.
• Locate Microsoft 365 in the list.
• Click the three-dot menu next to it and select Modify.
• Choose Quick Repair and click Repair.
• If the issue continues, repeat the process and select Online Repair instead.
• Restart your PC after repair completes.

Update Windows and Microsoft 365

Update Windows:

• Open Settings > Windows Update.
• Click Check for updates.
• Install all available updates.

Update Microsoft 365:

• Open any Microsoft 365 app.
• Click File > Account.
• Under Product Information, click Update Options.
• Select Update Now.
• Restart your PC after the updates install.

Use Microsoft 365 Activation Troubleshooter

• Press Win + S, search for Get Help, and open the app.
• In the search box, type Activate Microsoft Office.
• When the Microsoft 365 Activation troubleshooter appears, select Yes to run it.
• Follow on-screen instructions.
• Restart your PC and check the Office apps.