The “Microsoft 365 couldn’t update license” error with code 29 or 44 usually appears when Office apps such as Word, Excel, or Outlook fail to refresh or validate your Microsoft 365 subscription. As a result, Office may switch to reduced functionality mode, show repeated sign-in prompts, or block access to premium features.
This issue commonly occurs due to account sign-in problems, corrupted licensing files, disabled Office services, network restrictions, or conflicts with cached credentials. It can appear after a Windows update, Office update, password change, or switching between Microsoft accounts.
Fixing Microsoft 365 license error 29 or 44 in Windows 11 involves refreshing account authentication, repairing Office licensing components, and ensuring required services are running correctly. The steps below explain how to resolve the issue safely and restore your Office license.
How to Fix Microsoft 365 Couldn’t Update License Error 29 or 44
The methods in this section focus on fixing license synchronization, account authentication, and Office background services. Follow the steps in order and check license status after each method.
1. Restart All Microsoft Office Apps and Sign In Again
Refreshing the session can resolve temporary license sync issues.
- Close all Microsoft Office apps.
- Reopen any Office app such as Word.
- Go to File > Account.
- Click Sign out.
- Close the app completely.
- Reopen the app and sign in again with your Microsoft account.
This refreshes your license authentication.
2. Verify Microsoft 365 Subscription Status Online
An inactive subscription can trigger license errors.
- Open a web browser.
- Sign in to your Microsoft account online.
- Check that your Microsoft 365 subscription is active.
- Confirm the correct account owns the license.
Make sure you are signed in with the same account in Office.
3. Restart Office Licensing and Related Services
License-related services must be running.
- Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
- Restart the following services:
- Microsoft Office Click-to-Run Service
- Microsoft Office Licensing Service
- Close Services and restart the computer.
Stopped or stuck services often cause Error 29 or 44.
4. Clear Cached Office Credentials
Corrupted credentials can prevent license updates.
- Press Windows + S and search for Credential Manager.
- Open Credential Manager.
- Select Windows Credentials.
- Remove entries related to Microsoft Office or Microsoft 365.
- Restart the computer.
- Open an Office app and sign in again.
Windows will recreate fresh credentials.
5. Repair Microsoft 365 Installation
Repairing Office fixes licensing components.
- Open Settings.
- Go to Apps > Installed apps.
- Locate Microsoft 365.
- Click the three-dot menu and select Modify.
- Choose Quick Repair.
- Restart the computer after repair.
If the issue persists, proceed to Online Repair.
6. Perform an Online Repair (If Needed)
Online Repair reinstalls all Office components.
- Go back to Modify under Microsoft 365.
- Select Online Repair.
- Confirm and wait for completion.
- Restart the system.
This resolves deeper licensing corruption.
7. Disable VPN or Proxy Connections
Network restrictions can block license servers.
- Disconnect from any active VPN.
- Disable proxy settings if configured.
- Restart the computer.
- Open an Office app and allow license update.
Microsoft 365 requires direct access to licensing servers.
8. Check System Date and Time Settings
Incorrect time breaks license validation.
- Open Settings.
- Go to Time & language.
- Select Date & time.
- Enable Set time automatically.
- Enable Set time zone automatically.
- Restart the system.
Licensing relies on accurate system time.
9. Update Windows 11 and Microsoft 365
Outdated components can cause license sync failures.
- Open Settings > Windows Update.
- Install all available updates.
- Open any Office app.
- Go to File > Account.
- Click Update Options > Update Now.
Updates often fix licensing bugs.
10. Reinstall Microsoft 365 as a Last Resort
Reinstallation resets licensing completely.
- Uninstall Microsoft 365 from Settings.
- Restart the computer.
- Sign in to your Microsoft account online.
- Download and reinstall Microsoft 365.
- Sign in and verify activation.
This resolves persistent Error 29 or 44 cases.
Final Thoughts
The Microsoft 365 couldn’t update license error with code 29 or 44 is usually caused by account authentication issues, stopped Office services, or corrupted cached credentials rather than a problem with your subscription itself. In most cases, signing out, restarting licensing services, or repairing Office restores normal activation quickly.
