Install Office 2016 OEM without Live account

Anonymous
2015-10-07T18:12:57+00:00

I manage IT services for several small businesses and periodically need to purchase new computers with Office. I just purchased a new Dell laptop with the OEM version of Office 2016 Home & Business. It will not let me activate it without adding it to a MS account.

I know this is a perennial question, beginning with Office 2013, that is a major headache for independent technical consultants that support small businesses, as I do. But I have never seen a solid answer as to how to get this installed on the computer without the MS account--just a lot of try this, try that. This is NOT Office 365, just Office H & B 2016!

 I will not:

  • Add it to my MS account, or it will be forever stuck to me--which is inappropriate, since I will not own the computer or software once I am paid for the system by my client.
  • Make my client set up a MS account just for this.
  • Pry into my client's information to get his MS account information (if he even has one).

But I must have Office installed, activated, and updated before I give the system to my client. The activation dialog, in fact, gives me the option of using a product key instead of a login, but then proceeds to "Redeem Online"--which I believe will end up with the same result that requires a MS account.

At this point, I now have a bigger issue. I backed up the Program Data folder that contains the cached Office installation files, then uninstalled MS Office, hoping that a reinstall would give me some option to truly install without being forced to figure out a MS account for my client. The uninstallation removed the original setup folders. Good thing I backed it up, but then when I reinstall from any of those, it installs Office 2013, not Office 2016. And while it still validates the key when I click the option to use a key instead of a logon, it (as before) takes me to "Redeem Online".

Hello, Microsoft: this issue alone has just eliminated my entire profit from this project, given the time I have already spent trying to get this done, then uninstalling and attempting to reinstall.

I know there are versions that can be activated without a MS account, but I do not buy in bulk and can never seem to figure out which is which.

How do I get this installed for my client without being required to use a MS account?

Microsoft 365 and Office | Install, redeem, activate | For home | Windows

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments

515 answers

Sort by: Oldest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2016-11-16T21:41:58+00:00

    Yes, Rohn.  I put all the pertinent docs into a Ziploc bag, including product keys, Dell packing slip, etc.  The other info that is kept constant for all MS "accounts" is the alternate email address (company owner or CEO or Controller, depending on the company) and the phone number.  The product key is the "little piece of paper with the installation key" I referred to in item 6.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2016-11-16T22:02:27+00:00

    That ziplock is a good idea.

    As a "belt and suspenders" safeguard, you may want to also make a document or spreadsheet that contains all of the pertinent information (computer ID, email account, password, product key) so that you have all of this information in one handy place so you don't have to go hunting for the ziplock.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2016-11-17T01:47:11+00:00

    Links handy for a direct download but you still can't activate without an MS Account. Also called them regarding the issue of identifying what license key belongs to which pc. The helpful assistant told me that I should be creating an account for every individual. :(

    I can't believe someone would make such a stupid comment but it appears to be the only way to manage multiple installations in a business. Come on MS wake up as this is just a disastrous way to manage license keys.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2016-11-17T19:38:42+00:00

    Good idea, Rohn.  In fact, I do use an Excel worksheet with Svc Tag, model, purchase and warranty expiration date, CPU, speed, RAM, Hard drive, Windows version, Office version, current user, and now the registration email and ms account.  Adding the Office installation key would complete the picture.

    BTW, the ziplock bags are in a file drawer in the Controller's, GM's or CEO's office.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  5. Anonymous
    2016-11-28T19:35:25+00:00

    we were also keeping a spreadsheet of hundreds of accounts, until Microsoft in their infinite wisdom decided, Oh these are not actual accounts and not being used, lets delete them.

    we have lost access to who knows how many activated office products.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments