Using product keys with Office (2024)

YourMicrosoft account takes the place of your product key for many tasks, such as activating Microsoft 365and reinstalling Microsoft 365.

Common questions about Microsoft 365product keys

Check the sections below to find out if you need an Microsoft 365product key and what to do with your key if you have one.

You just bought Microsoft 365

  • Where do I enter my new product key?

  • My new Windows PC came with Office but I can't find a product key

  • I bought a product key card but there's no key on it

You're using Microsoft 365

  • Office prompting me for a product key

  • Do I need a product key to reinstall Office?

  • Can I change my product key?

View your product key

  • Can I view my product key in Office?

  • Can I view my product key online?

  • Can I view my key in the Microsoft Store?

  • My product keys don't match

Get help with your product key

  • Can I buy a product key?

  • I lost or damaged my product key

  • My Office product key isn't working

  • Contact support about my product key

I just bought Microsoft 365. Where do I enter my product key?

If you bought a new, never used product key

If you have a new, never used product key, go to www.office.com/setup and follow the on-screen prompts.

Get help with Office.com/setup

Get help with product key errors

Using product keys with Office (1)

If you boughtMicrosoft 365 through the Microsoft Store

If you bought Microsoft 365through theMicrosoft Storeyou can enter your product key there.

  1. Go to www.microsoftstore.com. In the upper right-hand corner, select Sign in and enter the user ID and password you used to buy Microsoft 365.

  2. After you sign in, select your name in the upper right-hand corner, and then select Order History.

  3. Locate the Microsoft 365one-time purchase or individual Microsoft 365app, and then select Install Microsoft 365 to view your product key (this doesn't actually install Microsoft 365).

  4. Select Install Microsoft 365again in the window where the product key appears.

  5. On the Hi. Let's get your Microsoft 365page, follow the prompts to associate your product key with your Microsoft accountand start the installation process.

Using product keys with Office (2)

If you bought Microsoft 365throughMicrosoft Workplace Discount Program

When you install Office Professional Plus, Visio Professional, or Project Professional through your employer'sWorkplace Discount Program(formerly known as Home Use Program) benefit, you enter your product key after you install your product.

  1. Start any Microsoft 365app, such as Word, Visio, or Project, depending on your purchase.

  2. In the Sign in to set up Microsoft 365screen, select I don't want to sign in or create an account (it's a small link at the bottom of the window).

  3. Enter your Microsoft Workplace Discount Programproduct key to activate Microsoft 365.

    For help, see Get help installing Office through Microsoft Workplace Discount Program

Using product keys with Office (3)

My new Windows PC came with Office but I can't find a product key

If you see a Let's get started screen with options to try, buy, or activate Office, this means that Office is installed on your new PC as a 1-month trial of Microsoft 365 Family. You won't receive a product key from your PC manufacturer unless you paid for an Office product key card. Instead, you can start a trial of Microsoft 365 Family, or buy Office.

I thought this device included Office

Using product keys with Office (4)

If you paid for an Office product to be included on your new Windows PC, a digital product key is transmitted to your PC when you activate Windows. You won't receive a printed product key. Instead, you'll see a message similar to the following when you start Word (or any Office app).

Get help with activating an Office purchase or free offer on a new PC

Using product keys with Office (5)

I bought a product key card but there's no key on it

If you bought an Office product key card, you might need to carefully scratch off a silver foil coating on the back of your product key card to reveal your product key. If you damage the key while scratching off the foil coating, see I lost or damaged my product key.

Tip:A product key card might also contain bar codes and other groups of letters and numbers, but the product key will always be shown in the format XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX.

Using product keys with Office (6)

Office is prompting me for a product key

Use yourMicrosoft account, not your product key, to install and activate Office and individually purchased Office apps, such as Project, Visio, Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Using product keys with Office (7)

Sign in to install Office

Bookmark the site below so you always know where to go to install Office.

Microsoft account, Services & subscriptions page

Sign in to activate Office

If an Office app prompts you to activate, sign in with your Microsoft account instead of a product key.

Use the right Microsoft account

Make sure you sign in with the Microsoft accountthat you used to buy Office.

Find the account you use with Office

Note:If you bought a new, unused Microsoft 365 product key card to renew an Microsoft 365 subscription or to buy your trial, you can enter that product key if Office prompts you for it. You can also enter the product key at www.office.com/setup.

There are a few exceptions where you'll need to do something other than sign in.

  • If you bought Office Professional Plus, Visio Professional, or Project Professional through your employer'sMicrosoftWorkplace Discount Programbenefit, you'll need your product key to install Office on a PC. To locate your product key online, see Get your Workplace Discount Program product key.

  • If you're using a volume license version of Office Professional Plus at work, you'll need to contact your admin for a product key.

  • If you see a yellow or red banner in an Office app that says SUBSCRIPTION EXPIRED, you must renew your Microsoft 365 subscription to keep using Office. For help, see Renew Microsoft 365 for home.

  • If Office came pre-installed on your new device, and you see a yellow or red banner in an Office app that says PRODUCT NOTICE Most of the features of <app> have been disabled because it hasn't been activated, you must start a new Microsoft 365 Family trial, sign in with a Microsoft account that's associated with Office, or buy Office. For help, see Activate Office.

  • If you bought Office Professional Plus online, see Can I buy a product key? or, if your product key isn't working, see My Office product key isn't working.

Do I need a product key to reinstall Office?

No, you don't. Just go to the Microsoft account, Services & subscriptions page and sign in using the Microsoft accountthat you used to buy Office. We can help if you forgot your Microsoft account or password.

Using product keys with Office (8)

Note:You need a product key to reinstall Office Professional Plus, Visio Professional, or Project Professional through theMicrosoft Workplace Discount Program(formerly known as Microsoft Home Use Program). For help, see Get help installing Office through Microsoft Workplace Discount Program.

Can I change my product key?

Yes, you can change the product key for Office Home & Business, Office Home & Student, Office Professional, and individually purchased Office apps. To learn how, see Change your Office product key

You can also switch your Office license if you buy a different version of Office. For example, if you have Office Home & Business and decide to subscribe to Microsoft 365, you can switch your existing install from Office Home & Business to Microsoft 365. To learn how, see Switch your Office license.

Can I view my product key in Office?

No, you can't. For security reasons, the full product key isn't displayed within Office.

Instead, for Microsoft 365,Office 2021,Office 2019 and Office 2016, you can view the Microsoft account that Office belongs to. This account takes the place of your product key and can be used to reinstall Office from the Microsoft account, Services & subscriptions page and to activate Office.

To view the Microsoft account that Office belongs to, open a document in Word (or any Office app) and go to File > Account. Look for the email address after Belongs to below the product name.

Using product keys with Office (9)

Can I view my product key online?

No, your product key isn't displayed online (see exception for Workplace Discount Program below). You shouldsign in to your Microsoft account dashboardusing theMicrosoft account that you used to buy and download this version of Office.

You bought an older version of Office through Microsoft Workplace Discount Program

If you bought an older version of Office Professional Plus, Visio Professional, or Project Professional through your employer'sWorkplace Discount Program benefit, you can view your product key online on your Order Details page. For help, see Get your Workplace Discount Program product key.

Using product keys with Office (10)

Can I view my key in theMicrosoft Store?

If you bought Office Home & Student, Office Home & Business, Office Professional, or individual Office apps from theMicrosoft Store and you haven't installed them yet, you can also view their product keys and install them from theMicrosoft Store.

Here's how to view your product key in theMicrosoft Store:

  1. Go to www.microsoftstore.com. In the upper right-hand corner, select Sign in and enter the user ID and password you used to buy Office.

  2. After you sign in, select your name in the upper right-hand corner, and then select Order History.

  3. Locate the Office one-time purchase or individual Office app, and then select Install Office to view your product key (this doesn't actually install Office). Note that this product key won't match the product key shown in the Microsoft account, Services & subscriptions page. This is normal.

Using product keys with Office (11)

My product keys don't match

This is normal. The Office product key shown on the Microsoft account, Services & subscriptions page will always be different than the product key that's shown on a product key card or email receipt. They are two different types of keys, even though they use the same format.

Can I buy a product key?

It depends on what you're trying to do.

  • To buy a brand new copy of Office, or start a new Microsoft 365 subscription, you can buy an Office product key card from a retailer. You can redeem your key at https://microsoft365.com/setupto set up your Microsoft account and install Office. You can also buy a digital download directly from the Microsoft Store at www.microsoftstore.com. You'll receive a product key if you buy a one-time purchase Office or individual Office apps, but you won't need or receive a product key for Microsoft 365.

  • To renew your Microsoft 365 subscription, you can buy an Microsoft 365 product key card from a retailer and redeem the key at https://microsoft365.com/setup. You can also renew your subscription online, without a product key, at https://support.microsoft.com/help/4026354/office-renew-your-office-365-subscription.

  • If Office is prompting you for a product key, and you want to buy a product key to activate Office, it's better to uninstall your current version of Office and then buy and install a new version of Office from the Microsoft Store. This way you can be sure that Office will activate successfully.

    Click the button below to compare prices and options and to make your purchase.

    Buy or try Microsoft 365

If you're shopping for Office product keys elsewhere, we recommend that you review our tips for safer shopping to make sure you're buying genuine Microsoft software. Be sure to read the tip called Beware of Product Keys Sold Separately if you want to buy a product key online. If you buy a product key online and it doesn't work or stops working, see My Office product key isn't working.

I lost or damaged my product key

If you damaged your product key, but have a valid proof of purchase, Microsoft support may be able to replace your product key or provide other options. Contact Microsoft support for assistance.

If you believe the product key has been lost, stolen, or misplaced and you simply would like to buy a newer version of Office, you can click the button below to compare prices and options and to make your purchase.

Buy or try Microsoft 365

If you're shopping for Office elsewhere, we recommend that you review our tips for safer shopping to make sure you're buying genuine Microsoft software. Be sure to read the tip called Beware of Product Keys Sold Separately if you want to buy a product key online.

My Office product key isn't working

If you see an error message when you redeem your product key at Office.com/setup, see Get help with product key errors on Office.com/setup.

If your Office product key doesn’t work, or has stopped working, you should contact the seller and request a refund. If you bought a product key separate from the software, it’s very possible the product key was stolen or otherwise fraudulently obtained, and subsequently blocked for use. Unfortunately, there are many dishonest sellers who offer stolen, abused, or otherwise unauthorized Microsoft product keys for sale. Sometimes these product keys are printed on counterfeit labels or cards with a download link to Microsoft software, and sometimes they’re distributed with software media that is unauthorized for resale, such as promotional media, original equipment manufacturer reinstallation media, or other Microsoft program-specific media.

Contact support about my product key

If you’ve followed the guidance in this article and still need help, visit our Microsoft support page for assistance.

Using product keys with Office (2024)

FAQs

Using product keys with Office? ›

You can use it as many times as you want to.

How many times can I use product key for Microsoft Office? ›

You can use it as many times as you want to.

Why doesn't my product key work for Microsoft Office? ›

If you see this message, this means that your Office product key has been blocked and will no longer work. If your Office product key doesn't work, or has stopped working, you should contact the seller and request a refund.

Can I use the same product key on two computers Microsoft Office? ›

Yes, you can install Microsoft Office on more than one computer. Your product key, which comes in an email, can be used about 3 times. You will also have another download just in case one of your computers crashes when you have your Microsoft Office Suite downloaded onto two computers.

Why do I need a product key for Microsoft Office? ›

A Microsoft office product key is a 25-character code used to activate Windows and helps verify that Windows hasn't been used on more PCs than the Microsoft Software License Terms allow.

Do you have to buy Microsoft Office every time you get a new computer? ›

Do you have the Microsoft Office on your Microsoft account? If you have the Microsoft Office on your Microsoft account, you can install Office from your account and you do not need to repurchase Microsoft Office. Please let me know if you need any more assistance.

Are Microsoft product keys one time use? ›

The Product Keys listed in the VLSC should be used with only Volume License products and are intended for use by your organization only. An Online Service Activation (OSA) Key is a type of Product Key. It is a single-use redemption key used to activate subscriptions to Microsoft Online Services.

How to download Microsoft Office if I already have a product key? ›

Go to office.com/setup and sign in with an existing or new Microsoft account and then enter your product key to redeem it*.

Why can't I activate my Microsoft Office? ›

Activation can fail if you have multiple copies of Office installed. If your subscription has expired, you'll see "We couldn't find any Office products." Renew your subscription to use Microsoft 365. If Office still won't activate, choose your Office version for additional troubleshooting help.

How do I override my Microsoft Office product key? ›

On the device where you want to change the key, open any Office app, select the File menu and then select Account near the bottom of the menu. Under Product Information, select the Change License button. If there is no Change License button, you may need to install Office updates.

Is Microsoft Office product key reusable? ›

Retail keys are the most flexible type of license. You're allowed to reuse such a key on different computers. (However, you can't use a single license on multiple computers simultaneously.) So if you build a whole new PC, you can move the license over to it with no hassle.

Can I transfer my Microsoft Office to a new computer? ›

To transfer Microsoft Office to a new computer, you'll need to deactivate it on your old computer. You'll need to call the product activation number to activate Office on your new device. If you have a subscription to Microsoft 365, you won't need to deactivate your device.

Is Microsoft Office key transferable to a new computer? ›

Only the "Retail" and "FPP" license allows concurrent installation and the right to transfer. In other words, if your license is a "Retail" or "FPP" type, you can directly install the Microsoft Office on your new PC and activate it with your license. No actual transferring is needed.

Can you use Microsoft Office without buying it? ›

Microsoft 365 for the web is a free version of Microsoft 365 that you can use in a web browser. All you need is to sign up for a Microsoft account with a new or existing email address. Use Word, Excel, PowerPoint and more for free on the web.

Can I use Microsoft Office without purchasing? ›

It is possible to use Word, Excel and Powerpoint free of charge, though. Access Microsoft 365 online from any web browser to access limited versions of these programs (you can also download free apps for your smartphone or tablet).

Why Microsoft Office key is so cheap? ›

Somehow the seller is getting their licenses very cheaply to sell for such low prices and still make money. The best we can tell is that you're buying a legitimate product key sold by Microsoft to some large organization. Sometimes companies buy more licenses/keys than they need and you're buying one of the extras.

Can you buy Microsoft Office for lifetime? ›

With a lifetime license, you'll keep the 2021 version of Microsoft Office rather than getting the latest software updates as they're released like you would with Microsoft 365. For most users, the savings will be well worth it.

When you buy Microsoft Office does it expire? ›

If you see a circle arrow, then your subscription is set up for recurring billing, unless you turn recurring billing off or cancel it beforehand. The next charge info shows you when you'll be charged next, and for how much. If you see Expires on [date], then your subscription will expire on that date, unless you renew.

How much does it cost to have Microsoft Office on my computer? ›

The suite typically costs $20 to $100 a year for subscription access across devices and family members. Microsoft also has a standalone version of Microsoft Office for Windows and Mac, called Office Home and Student 2021, for a flat $150 -- no subscription required.

How long does a Microsoft Office key last? ›

The product key doesn't expire and the subscription doesn't start until you actually redeem the product key. As an Office 365 subscriber, you can contact support to get help with account and billing issues.

How long does Office product key last? ›

The keys will never expire. But things are a little different in the case of OEM Windows keys. If you have an OEM key, as long as you don't change your PC's motherboard, the key will keep on working. OEM product keys are, in most cases, linked to the hardware when installed for the first time.

How long can I use MS Office without product key? ›

Your payment method will be automatically charged after the 30-day trial period unless you cancel it. If you have installed a trial copy of Office 2016 or Office 2019, you can use it for five days without activating the trial copy. After that, most features of the Office will be disabled.

How to get Office 365 for free? ›

Anyone can get a one-month free trial of Microsoft 365.
...
Here's how to get them:
  1. Go to Microsoft365.com.
  2. Click Sign up for the free version of Office under the "Sign in" button.
  3. Log in to your Microsoft account or create one for free. ...
  4. Select the app you want to use and save your work in the cloud with OneDrive.
Apr 30, 2023

How do I transfer Office 365 to a new computer? ›

Here is a stepwise solution on how to transfer Microsoft Office to another computer via Office 365 subscription.
  1. Step 1: Deactivate the subscription on your old computer.
  2. Step 2: Install MS Office on your new computer.
  3. Step 3: Authenticate your Office 365 subscription.
  4. Step 1: Check the license type of MS Office.

How to check if a Microsoft Office product key has been used? ›

You can go to www.office.com/setup to redeem. Them go to www.office.com/myaccount to check if it was already associated with a Microsoft Account. For more instructions, you may check this link: https://support.office.com/en-us/article/get-he...

Where do I find my Microsoft Office product key? ›

Here's how to view your product key in the Microsoft Store: Go to www.microsoftstore.com. In the upper right-hand corner, select Sign in and enter the user ID and password you used to buy Office. After you sign in, select your name in the upper right-hand corner, and then select Order History.

Can you activate Microsoft Office without an account? ›

A Microsoft account is usually required to install and activate Office versions 2013 or later, and Microsoft 365 Family or Personal. You might already have a Microsoft account if you use a service like Outlook.com, OneDrive, Xbox, or Skype; or if you purchased Microsoft 365 or Office from the online Microsoft Store.

How to activate Windows 10 without product key? ›

If you have a digital license for your device, you can reinstall the same edition of Windows 10 on this device without entering a product key. Make sure that Windows 10 is activated before you try to reinstall it. To find out, select the Start button, and then select Settings > Update & Security > Activation .

How do I activate Microsoft Office on my new laptop? ›

If you bought a new Microsoft 365 product key card, or you received a product key when you bought Microsoft 365through an online store, go to Office.com/setup or Microsoft365.com/setup and follow the on-screen prompts. This is a one-time process that adds your new product to your Microsoft account.

How to get Microsoft Word for free? ›

Download the free Word app for iOS and Android.
...
2. Use the Microsoft 365 free trial
  1. Open the Microsoft 365 page in any web browser. ...
  2. Scroll down and click on the Try free for 1 month link under the Microsoft 364 Family plan. ...
  3. Again, click on the Try 1 month free button. ...
  4. Log in to your account or create a new one.

What is the difference between Microsoft Office and Office 365? ›

The biggest difference between Microsoft Office 365 vs 2021 is that Office 365 is a subscription service, while Office 2021 is a one-time purchase. This means that with Office 365, you always have the latest version of the software and access to online storage and collaboration features.

What is the difference between Microsoft 365 and Office 365? ›

Office 365 is a cloud-based suite of productivity apps like Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and more. Microsoft 365 is a bundle of services including Office 365, plus several other services including Windows 10 Enterprise.

Is Microsoft 365 free for lifetime? ›

There are NO “Lifetime subscriptions” to Microsoft 365 plans.

How to install Microsoft Office for free without product key? ›

Step 1: Go to www.office.com/setup or Microsoft365.com/setup. Step 2: Sign in with your Microsoft account, or create one if you don't have one. Be sure to remember this account so that you can install or reinstall Office later, without a product key.

Is Windows key same as Office key? ›

They both mean the same thing- by concept. The location of your product key depends on how you got your copy of Windows: From an authorized retailer. The product key should be on a label or card inside the box that Windows came in.

What is the best site to buy Office keys? ›

The best place to buy Windows 10 keys is through the official Microsoft website. However, you can also buy from other trusted websites like eBay, Amazon, Walmart, Newegg, KeysOff, and Kinguin.

Can you use Microsoft product key multiple times? ›

Can you use your Windows 10 license key more than one? The answer is no, you can't. Windows can only be installed on one machine. … [1] When you enter the product key during the installation process, Windows locks that license key to said PC.

Can a Microsoft 365 product key be used twice? ›

No, you'd have to use a separate account/email address to buy another Microsoft 365 Family subscription.

Can I use the same product key multiple times? ›

For normal retail Windows activation keys, you can use the same product key on two different PCs, as long as you don't use both machines at the same time. In other words, when you activate Windows on a PC with a specific product key, you can't use the same key to activate another at the same time.

Can you reuse Microsoft product key? ›

If you bought the product key separately and it was a retail key, you will be able to reuse it since this type of license is transferable: Settings > Update & Security > Activation > Change Product Key and enter the key that you have.

How long do Office 365 keys last? ›

You'll receive a 25-character product key, which you can use to renew an subscription at office.com/setup. The product key doesn't expire and the subscription doesn't start until you actually redeem the product key. As an Office 365 subscriber, you can contact support to get help with account and billing issues.

How do I use a key already used in Microsoft 365? ›

Your product key can only be redeemed once. It isn't meant to be re-used or shared. If you get a message that your product key has already been used, you can go directly to your Microsoft account, Services & subscriptions page to install your product and manage your subscription benefits.

Can I transfer Microsoft Office to my new laptop? ›

To transfer Microsoft Office to a new computer, you'll need to deactivate it on your old computer. You'll need to call the product activation number to activate Office on your new device. If you have a subscription to Microsoft 365, you won't need to deactivate your device.

How many Windows can be activated with product key? ›

Digital Product Keys and retail Product Keys are unique and can only be used to activate one system.

Can I share my Microsoft product key to another computer? ›

With a regular license, you can transfer the product key from one computer to another by deactivating it on the old PC before entering it on the new one.

Can I transfer my Microsoft key to another computer? ›

Your old Windows Pro product key (from practically any edition) will work to upgrade that new PC you purchased with a Windows Home edition license.

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