How to Transfer a Microsoft Office License
Plus we go over different license types
Transferring a Microsoft Office license or subscription from one computer to another is easy. However, note that not all Office licenses are transferable. This tutorial is a step-by-step guide on transferring Microsoft Office licenses on Windows and Mac computers.
But first, skim through the following section to learn about the types of Microsoft Office licenses. Subsequent sections cover steps to check Office license types and transfer licenses to a new device.
Types of Microsoft Office Licenses
There are different types of Microsoft Office licenses. Each license has varying apps, services, and features. Let’s have a look at some popular Microsoft Office licenses:
However, you can only use it on one PC at a time. To transfer a retail license to another computer, you must first deactivate the product on the current device. Home Use Programs (HUP), Electronic Software Download (ESD), Point of Sale Activation (POSA), and Product Key Card (PKC) are different variations of retail licenses sold online and in stores.
How to Check Office License Type in Windows
Only “Retail” or “Full Product Pack (FFP)” licenses can be transferred to a different device. The steps for checking your Office license typically depend on the Office version and your computer’s operating system.
If you use these versions of Office products (Word, Excel, etc.), follow the steps below to check their license types:
On a 64-bit computer, type or pastecd c:Program FilesMicrosoft OfficeOffice16in the terminal and pressEnter.
Not sure about your PC’s processor architecture? Refer to our tutorial onchecking whether your PC uses a 32-bit or 64-bit processor.
Open Command Prompt with administrative privileges and follow the steps below.
IfOffice 2013 is installed on a 64-bit PC, type or pastecd c:Program FilesMicrosoft OfficeOffice15and pressEnter.
If you have a “RETAIL” or “FFP” license, proceed to the next section to learn how to transfer your copy of Office to another computer.
You can also determine the license type of Office 2013 products through its ISO or DVD installation file.
Insert the DVD into your PC, open File Explorer, and navigate to the DVD or ISO file. If there’s an “Admin” folder in the installation file, the product has a volume license (VL). Retail editions of Microsoft Office products don’t have an “Admin” folder.
How to Check Microsoft Office License in macOS
Open the Office product on your Mac computer or desktop and follow the steps below to check its license detail.
How to Transfer a Microsoft Office License
Again, you can only use a retail license on one device concurrently. Uninstalling Office frees up the product to be used on another computer.
If your old computer is dead or broken, you don’t have to uninstall Office from the device. Instead, install Office on the new PC and activate the product using the same product key.
Make sure you have the 25-character product key handy. Check the disc’s physical packaging or the receipt sent to your email for the product’s license key.
Deactivate Microsoft Office License on Windows
Uninstalling an Office product deactivates or unlinks the license from your device. We cover three different ways to uninstall Office products on Windows devices below.
Removing Office from the Windows Control Panel is ideal if you installed the product using a DVD, ISO file, or Microsoft Installer (MSI).
If you installed the Office app from the Microsoft Store, follow the steps below to remove the software.
Microsoft has an official tool that wholly and automatically removes Office on Windows computers. Download and install the tool fromMicrosoft’s websiteand wait for it to download the necessary setup files.
The tool automatically detects all Office products installed on your computer. Select the product you want to remove and selectNextto proceed.
Confirm that you’ve saved your work and closed all active Office applications. SelectNextto start the uninstallation.
Go toFinder>Applications, right-click the Office application, and selectMove to Trash.
Deactivate Office License from Your Microsoft Account
AnOffice 365 subscription allows you to install and use Office products on five devices simultaneously. If you’ve hit the number of concurrent installations, you must unlink one device to use the license on a new computer.
Follow the steps below to remove a device from your Microsoft Office 365 subscription remotely.
Use Office on Your New Computer
Uninstalling Office on your old device is just half of the license transfer process. The concluding part is to install Microsoft Office on the new computer. Enter the same license key used on the old machine when setting up the software (on the new device). Make sure your PC has an internet connection during the activation.
It can take Microsoft up to 72 hours for Microsoft to remotely unlink the license from your old device. If the license doesn’t work on the new PC after 72 hours,contact Microsoft Supportor refer to ourtutorial on fixing Office license problems.
Sodiq has written thousands of tutorials, guides, and explainers over the past 4 years to help people solve problems with Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows devices. He also enjoys reviewing consumer tech products (smartphones, smart home devices, accessories, etc.) and binge-watching comedy series in his spare time.Read Sodiq’s Full Bio
Leave a Reply
Your email address will not be published.Required fields are marked*
Comment*
Name*
Email*
Website
Welcome to Help Desk Geek- a blog full of tech tips from trusted tech experts. We have thousands of articles and guides to help you troubleshoot any issue. Our articles have been read over 150 million times since we launched in 2008.
HomeAbout UsEditorial StandardsContact UsTerms of Use
Copyright © 2008-2024 Help Desk Geek.com, LLC All Rights Reserved
