How to activate microsoft

Note: If Office came pre-installed on your new device, see Activate Office that's pre-installed on a new Windows device. If the Activation wizard appears, Office needs your help to activate.

Follow the prompts in the wizard to activate Office. Get help with activating Office using the Activation wizard. If this screen appears, Office is installed as a Microsoft Family trial. You'll see this screen if you sign in to Office that was pre-installed on a new device but don't have an Office product associated with your account. To use Office on your new device, you can activate Office as a 1-month trial of Microsoft Family.

You can also buy Office, add Office to an existing Microsoft subscription, or enter a product key from a new product key card. If you have an older copy of Office, you can install that instead. I thought this device included. If this screen appears, Office is installed as a one-year subscription or one-time purchase. A digital product key is transmitted to your PC, so you won't need or receive a printed product key. You activate Office by signing in with a Microsoftaccount. If we detect your Microsoft account, we'll show it on this screen.

After you sign in, your product is added to your Microsoft account, so that you can reinstall it later, or manage your new subscription, without a product key. If you bought Office Professional Plus, Visio Professional, or Project Professional through your employer's Microsoft HUP benefit, select I don't want to sign in or create an account at the bottom of the screen and enter your product key. Get your HUP product key.

If you bought a new Office product key card, or you received a product key when you bought Officethrough an online store, go to Office. This is a one-time process that adds your new product to your Microsoft account.

After you redeem your key, you can install Office. Get help with Office. If Office can't activate, it eventually becomes unlicensed and all editing features of Office are disabled. Microsoft can become unlicensed for a number of reasons.

For example, if your Microsoft subscription expires, you must renew your subscription to restore all features of Office. An automated system will guide you through the activation process. If you're not able to complete activation successfully, you will be connected to Microsoft support for your region and country. When you begin activation, Windows will try to use your internet connection to activate online.

Enter your Windows 8. Select Activate Windows , and then select Contact customer support for help. You may be asked for an admin password or to confirm your choice. If you're experiencing activation issues, see Why can't I activate Windows and Get help with Windows activation errors. Learn more. Select the Start button , right-click Computer , select Properties , and then select Activate Windows now. If Windows detects an internet connection, select Activate Windows online now.

You might be asked for an admin password or to confirm your choice. Enter your Windows 7 product key when prompted, select Next , and then follow the instructions. Select Use the automated phone system. Windows 7 Windows 8. To activate Windows 8. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy.

Cookie Settings. Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article methods. Related Articles. Article Summary. Method 1. In this case, use this method to connect the product key to your Microsoft account. You do not need to use this method if you don't have a product key. If you purchased Office through Microsoft's website or you were given access to Office through your employer or organization, see Using a Microsoft Account on Windows or Using a Microsoft Account on a Mac instead.

Click the red Sign In button. It's under the first step. If you don't have a Microsoft account, click Create a new account instead. You will need to provide an email address and create a password for a new Microsoft account. Sign in to your Microsoft account.

To do this, enter the email address associated with your Microsoft account and click Next , and then follow the on-screen instructions to validate your password. Type the digit product key and click Next. The product key is printed on a card that came with your purchase or on the digital or paper receipt. Once your product key is confirmed, Step 3 will expand on the page. Go to source Once your key is validated, you won't need it anymore because it's associated with your Microsoft account.

Click Next. You will be taken to your Microsoft Account web page where you can download Microsoft Office. Click Install Now. It's at the top-right corner of the page. This downloads the installer to your computer. Method 2. You'll find your Office apps in a folder called Microsoft Office version in the Start menu.

Just sign in with the account you used to purchase Office, click Install Office near the top-right corner to download the installer, and then double-click the installer in your Downloads folder to run it. If you haven't purchased Office yet, click Buy Office instead of Install Office after signing in, and then follow the on-screen instructions to make your purchase.

Click Sign In on the pop-up window. If Office isn't yet activated, you'll be prompted to sign in to your Microsoft account now. If you see a window titled "Microsoft Office Activation Wizard," select the option for "I want to activate the software over the Internet. Enter your email address and click Next. Use the email address connected to the Microsoft account you used to purchase Office or register your product key.

Enter your password and click Next. Once you're signed in to your Microsoft account, Office will activate immediately. Method 3.