In this guide, we will discuss the specified versions of Office, errors, and troubleshooting, along with in-depth steps for activation.
How to Troubleshoot Activation Errors
Before we get started on the activation step process, let’s address the troubleshoot activation errors.
Office Activation Error
If Office can’t activate it for whatever reason, it will show up as “unlicensed”. When this occurs, all editing features will become disabled.
You will then see an unlicensed product or non-commercial use/unlicensed product in the title bar of your office apps.
You can restore it once you fix the problems.
Here are some ways to help restore the activation failure:
Accurate Account
If you’re not signed properly into your office account, such as using a different address, this can cause the account to not recognize the user.
You will then see a note indicating “Office not being able to find Office products”.
Multiple Copies
It’s easy to not notice when you have installed more than one copy. If this occurs, it can interfere and cause activation failures.
Expired Subscription
If the subscription has expired, you will once again receive a message stating, “ we couldn’t find any office products”. You can simply renew your subscription for further access.
Troubleshooting
If Office still won’t activate, you will have to choose your specific version of Office for additional help.
Limit Reached Error
If you have installed the office on two different computers, a message of “installed limit reached” may appear.
You will have to download or log out of Office on another device.
How to Activate Office 365, 2019, 2016 and 2013
- To activate, you will need to sign in to an Office that has not been activated.
- Take note that you should always sign into the account that you used to buy or subscribe to Office.
How to activate Microsoft Office over the phone
There are a few ways to help activate Office. One of them is through the phone.
Be aware, depending on which Office version you are using. This can also result in whether or not telephone activation is available or disabled.
How to Activate Microsoft Office 2013 over the internet
You can also activate it over the internet. In the activation wizard, choose “I want to activate the software over the internet”.
You will either choose to press next or the enter button on the keyboard. Follow additional promptly as instructed.
Duplicates
As noted before, you want to always check for multiples. If installed on a single computer or on another owned by you or someone else.
This may result in an error message of maximum activations. Make sure to read the software license terms on transferring Office.
New Windows 10 Devices/Pre Installed
You may experience the above title as a message on your computer screen.
If this occurs, it is due to sign in to an Office account that was pre-installed on a new device. Yet, the office product does not associate with your specific account.
This usually means that the office is installed as a 365 home trial. The trial can be used on your new Office device by activating.
The trial is usually good for 1 month. You can also buy or add Office to a pre-existing subscription.
Activation "New Windows 10 Inclusion"
With this activation, you won’t need or receive a printed product key. You activate by pressing on the activate Office button.
A message will then state, “ Hello, let’s activate Office”.
Next, start an Office app, then select “activate Office”. Further prompts will be provided and you can follow instructed for full completion.
Why a Microsoft Account is Important?
When your office purchase is already included, the Office key will then be digitally transmitted to your PC.
You will use your Microsoft account in place of the product key. This makes it easier to reinstall and reactivate.
Therefore, having a Microsoft account is a key component in redeeming your Office offer or purchase.
Microsoft HUP
If you have purchased an office product through your employer's Microsoft HUP program. Then you will need to install or reinstall the Office professional.
There are two products along with an activation of your product.
Step One
You will sign in using your Microsoft account. A Microsoft account is required so you can download your Office product through the website.
Step Two
Enter your product key.
Enter the email address you used to buy Office. This will then send an email to your work address, recovering your product key.
The next step is to enter the key from the email used, select your country or region along with language.
Step Three
This is not so much of a step, but a question. You will be asked to review different options. This will include tips, surveys, and promotions.
After review, you can select, “download now”
Step Four
This next step depends on the browser you are using.
If you are using Edge or Internet Explorer, you will click on the “run” button. If using Chrome, you will select “set up”. With Firefox, you will simply press the “save” or “file” option.
Successful Installation
Lastly, your installation is a success once you see the phrase, “you’re all set, Office is installed now”.
An animation will then appear. This will show you how to navigate and find Office applications on your computer.
HUP Product Key
- This applies to Professional Plus, Project, and Visio.
- Saving a copy of your Microsoft HUP product will be useful when activating.
- You’ll simply enter your product key, once instructed to do so by the virtual support agent.
- This virtual support agent can be very helpful. However, this tool is in English only.
Microsoft Office Product Activation
Also, this applies to Office professional plus, project, and Visio.
- Step One: You will not be creating a new account or signing in. So you will click on “I don’t want to sign in or create a new account”, once asked this question.
- The option will be located on a small link at the bottom of the window. Next, you will select, “use a different account”, after confirmation.
- Step Two: Enter your product key to activate Office.
- Step Three: Lastly, agree to all license terms.
New Office Product Key Care
If buying or receiving a new Office product key card, you will need to follow the on-screen prompts through Office.com/setup.
This will be a one-time-only process that can add your new Office product to your Microsoft account.
Setting up is easy with three small steps.
- Sign in with your Microsoft account. Take note that you will always need a Microsoft account to use Office.
- Enter product key
- Simply obtain your office.
You can check our guide on how to troubleshoot the unlicensed product and activation errors in Microsoft Office here.