Office Professional Plus 2021

Hazel123 · Jan 26, 2024

I had this installed on my (now defunct) laptop. I redownloaded it onto current laptop from Microsoft Account. After install it popped up saying something about it needs to be activated within the next 28 days or it'll stop working. I have the license code but can't work out where/how to activate it again! Doesn't seem to be an option in Microsoft Account and can't see anything in Word under my account.

allan · Jan 26, 2024

Where to enter your Office product key - Microsoft Support

support.microsoft.com

fixer · Jan 26, 2024

The licence requires you to uninstall from old computer before installing on new. When this isn't possible your only option is to call MS and explain. You can't just reinstall and expect it to work without complications. This must happen quite a lot - good luck with it.

Hazel123 · Jan 26, 2024

Ah. So as the ssd is removed from the computer and has been formatted and the computer is dead, I'm guessing I can't "remove" it? On the other hand, the dead laptop has been removed from my Microsoft account, so would that do?

Hazel123 · Jan 26, 2024

allan said:
Where to enter your Office product key - Microsoft Support

support.microsoft.com

Thanks. This says - your microsoft account is your product key

fixer · Jan 26, 2024

Hazel123 said:
Ah. So as the ssd is removed from the computer and has been formatted and the computer is dead, I'm guessing I can't "remove" it? On the other hand, the dead laptop has been removed from my Microsoft account, so would that do?

You will need to phone them, I don't think there's any other way around it.

allan · Jan 26, 2024

Not sure what says that, but okay - see if this helps (phone activation)::

Hazel123 · Jan 26, 2024

Hmm. If it's in my microsoft account and it allowed me to install it, then presumably they know I have it and they know which computer it's on as it's signed in with a microsoft account. I think I'll wait and see what happens nearer the 28 days. Maybe it'll give me a reminder. The message just popped up and disappeared again when it installed.

But I can't see anywhere to add an activation code and that link above says if it's in your Microsoft Account, it's activated. For example I have two copies of Word 2013 in my Microsoft account too and if I download one of those on a different computer, it never asks me for an activation code. They are already registered to me. So maybe the same thing - except I was surprised to see the thing about activating within 28 days.

fixer · Jan 28, 2024

Clause 3b of the MS Office 2021 software agreement says "Every time you transfer the software to a new device, you must remove the software from the prior device. You may not transfer the software to share licenses between devices."

It doesn't say what the situation is when removal is not possible, which is why I say your only option is to call them. If yours is a legit version, which it appears to be as it shows on your MS account, you have nothing to fear and should get on with it rather than waiting to see what happens next.

Hazel123 · Jan 28, 2024

I suppose technically I have removed it from the previous device as the ssd drive was removed and formatted. Thanks for the tip. I dislike doing these things on the phone. Especially if it means phoning the US (I'm in the Uk). Life is hectic enough as it is. Microsoft account seems to have accepted it and allowed it to install. If I lose it I lose it. I have two more copies of Word and only really use Word. Although full office was nice to have. Strangely there doesn't seem to be anything in the office settings about needing to activate.

fixer · Jan 28, 2024

You have received the activation warning because MS servers keep track of licensed products. The servers do not know anything at all about your system or its drives so as they see it you have installed it again on a second system. You need to get your head out of the sand.

fixer · Jan 28, 2024

OK, I hadn't seen your edit. If you're not bothered about losing it then fine.

Ghot · Jan 28, 2024

fixer said:
You need to get your head out of the sand.

fixer said:
If you're not bothered about losing it then fine.

ElevenForum is NOT like other forums. This is a kinder, gentler forum.
Don't make me whip out the "Barney Song".

MisterEd · Jan 28, 2024

How can I transfer my office license to a new computer as the old one no longer works?

Does the File > Account page still say it needs to be activated? If so, there is a option to Switch License there. Have you tried selecting that?

Selecting Switch License shows this page:

2024-01-28 09_04_16-Sign in to activate Office.jpg

siliconbeaver · Jan 28, 2024

This way works. I have done several times when re-install/clean-install.

allan said:
Not sure what says that, but okay - see if this helps (phone activation)::

MisterEd · Jan 28, 2024

There are three levels of activation

Online (preferred)
Telephone
Microsoft technical support

The first online is the preferred but telephone is a fallback when online activation fails. As a last resort you can always call Microsoft technical support if the first two fail.

BTW, I hate telephone activation because you have to read sets of numbers to a computer and hope they are right. The computer then gives you sets of numbers to type into the computer.

The last time I did phone activation I used my cellphone. It offered to send text me a link to a webpage where I could use my cellphone to complete the activation. Instead of verbally reading sets of numbers I typed the groups of numbers on my cellphone. That was much easier to do.

siliconbeaver · Jan 28, 2024

These days, likely AI agent as long as over phone. (as least for me. indeed AI is NOT bad. slow voice and easy to follow)

yes, Online activation is preferred. but if declined, telephone is only way to go if need the Office activated.

btw, it's noticed that hardware change would also request MSFT Office re-activated even when image restore. I changed disk, restored OS by image, OS looked fine (no activation needed) but then MSFT Office asked activation. Surprising. Lucky, its activation passed.

MisterEd said:
There are three levels of activation

Online (preferred)

Telephone

Microsoft technical support

Office Professional Plus 2021

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