> MS Office
A step-by-step guide to install or reinstall Office on any Windows device
By
Joli Ballew
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/JoliBallew-d00245b1a8a84e8592739e87c8546bd7.jpg "How to Install or Reinstall Microsoft Office or Microsoft 365 (1)")
Joli Ballew
Writer
- University of Texas
Joli Ballew is a former freelance contributor to Lifewire and Microsoft MVP, Lynda.com trainer, Microsoft Press author, and college professor.
lifewire's editorial guidelines
Updated on October 17, 2022
Reviewed by
Michael Barton Heine Jr
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/WorkBadgePhoto-61c0b98ef5a74e4a85851a8f706dbd65.jpg "How to Install or Reinstall Microsoft Office or Microsoft 365 (2)")
Reviewed byMichael Barton Heine Jr
Michael Heine is a CompTIA-certified writer, editor, and Network Engineer with 25+ years' experience working in the television, defense, ISP, telecommunications, and education industries.
lifewire's editorial guidelines
MS Office
- Word
- Excel
- Powerpoint
- Outlook
Trending Videos
What to Know
- After purchase, sign in and enter the product key. Then, select Install Office > Run > Yes on UAC > Yes to install > Close.
- To reinstall Office, go to My Account, select the download link, and follow the installation instructions
This article explains how to download and install Microsoft 365 or Office 2019 on a Windows or Mac laptop, computer, or tablet.
How to Install Microsoft Office
After you purchase Microsoft Office, activate and download the product. Detailed instructions are included in the packaging if you buy the software at a retail store or order a key card online from someplace like Amazon. If you order directly from Microsoft, you'll get the link in an email. There’s an "Install Office" link on the receipt.
If your organization uses volume license versions, your company's IT department might use a different method to install Office. Talk to your IT department for installation help.
Visit setup.office.com and sign in with your Microsoft account or create a new account.
Enter your product key (or activation code). This product key lets Microsoft know the software was purchased legally. The key comes with any physical packaging you receive and is included in an email if you ordered digitally. Select your country or region and language, as well.
Write this activation code down and keep it in a safe place. You’ll use it if you need to reinstall Microsoft Office.
Select Install Office. After the installation file is downloaded, what happens next depends on which web browser you use. When you select Install, a dialog window at the bottom prompts you to either run the file, save it, or cancel. Select Run and work through the installation process.
The easiest way to install Microsoft Office is to use the Edge browser.
If the User Account Control asks whether you want to allow the app to make changes to your device, select Yes.
Once you run the downloaded file, the installation process begins automatically. If Windows asks if you want to allow the installation, select Yes. If it prompts you to close any open programs, select Yes again.
The install is finished when you see the phrase, "You're all set! Office is installed now," and an animation plays to show you where to find Office applications on your computer. Select Close.
Microsoft Office is now installed and ready to use.
You might be prompted to install updates to Office. If so, allow those updates to happen.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Untitleddesign-e566623dbbe843bca9fb53e1e91ae92f.jpg "How to Install or Reinstall Microsoft Office or Microsoft 365 (3)")
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Install2-5a05e65422fa3a0036916d9a.JPG "How to Install or Reinstall Microsoft Office or Microsoft 365 (4)")
To reinstall Microsoft Office, go to My Account and select the download link if you don't already have the installation file on your hard drive. Then, follow the instructions outlined above. If you do have the file, run it to begin the installation process again.
FAQ
Can I install Microsoft Office for free?
Yes. You can download the Microsoft Office 365 free trial to try Word and other programs for free, but you'll have to subscribe to continue using after the trial expires.
Can I install multiple versions of Microsoft Office on one computer?
Yes. It's possible to install different versions of Microsoft Office on the same computer, but it's best to stick with the latest version. Older versions of Office might not be able to open files created with newer versions of Office.
How long does it take to install Microsoft Office?
It depends on your internet connection, but it can generally take up to 20 minutes for Microsoft Office to install. If it takes longer, you might want to check your internet connection.
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for letting us know!
Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day
Subscribe
Tell us why!
