This article describes how to activate Microsoft Office on PC and Mac. If you have an Office 365 subscription, you don't need to activate the program, just log in with your Microsoft account. If you've purchased a commercial version of Office, you'll need the 25-character product key included in the box. You can activate Office with your key in all its applications or from the official website.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Use a Microsoft Account
Step 1. Open Start
This is the Windows logo button in the lower left corner of the program bar.
Step 2. Click on an Office product
Start a program like Word or Excel.
If you don't already have Microsoft Office installed on your computer, you can download it from the internet
Step 3. Click Activate
You will find this button under the key icon.
Step 4. Click Login
You will see it in the "Activate" menu.
Step 5. Sign in with your Microsoft account
Enter the email and password associated with your profile.
Step 6. Follow the prompts and click Next
This completes the activation.
If you have exceeded the number of installations allowed by your subscription, deactivate the installation on another computer
Method 2 of 3: Use a Product Key in an Office App
Step 1. Click an Office product
Double click on the Word or Excel icon to start the program.
If you have a product key but haven't yet installed Office on your computer, you can only activate it from the website
Step 2. Click Activate
You will see this button under the key icon.
Step 3. Click Enter Product Key
It is found in the "Activate" menu.
Step 4. Enter the product key and click Continue
Write the 25-character code, omitting the hyphens.
Step 5. Click Redeem Online
You will see this entry in the "Add this key to an account" field.
Step 6. Click Login or Create a new account.
If you already have a Microsoft account, sign in with the credentials associated with your profile. If you don't have an account, click "Create a new account" and follow the instructions.
Step 7. Click Finish Activation
Your activation is now complete and the product key is tied to your Microsoft account.
Method 3 of 3: Use a Product Key on the Office website
Step 1. Visit this page on a web browser
On this site you can activate and download Microsoft Office.
Step 2. Click Login
This is the red button under the first step.
If you don't have a Microsoft account, click "Create a new account". You will need to provide an email and create a password for a new profile. You will also need to enter your name and surname
Step 3. Log in to Microsoft and click Next
Use the credentials associated with your profile.
Step 4. Type the 25-character product key in the spaces provided
The code is printed on a ticket contained in the Microsoft Office package or in some cases can be found on the payment receipt.
Step 5. Select your country, region and language, then click Next
To do this, use the drop-down menu located below the field where you entered the code. Once finished, click Next.
Step 6. Check the Automatic renewal box and click Next
Use the button to activate or deactivate automatic renewal. This setting is active by default.
Step 7. Enter your credit card information and click Next
If you are using automatic renewal, you need to fill out the form with your credit card information. You will be automatically charged for the renewal of the activation when the current license is exhausted.
Step 8. Click Next
Your Microsoft account web page will open, where you can download Office.
Step 9. Click Install
You will find this button under the first box indicating how many installations you are entitled to. A page with installation instructions will open.
Step 10. Click Install
You will see the button on the opposite side from the installation instructions. Press it and you will download the Microsoft Office configuration file. Use the file to install the program.
