Cannot activate Office on new device after selling old one

Rizqy 0 Reputation points
2026-04-02T05:36:05.94+00:00

Hello,

I would like to ask about an activation issue with Microsoft Office.

I previously purchased a laptop that came with Office pre-installed and activated automatically upon first use (likely an OEM license). I have since sold that laptop and am now trying to use Office on a new device using the same Microsoft account.

However, when I attempt to activate, I receive the following error: “You've reached the maximum activations permitted for your account.”

I would like to clarify:

  1. Is it correct that an OEM Office license cannot be transferred to a new device, even if I am using the same Microsoft account?
  2. Is it possible for activation to be reset or released by Microsoft support in this situation?
  3. If not, would the best solution be to purchase a new license (Retail or Microsoft 365)?

Thank you in advance for your assistance.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Subscription, account, billing | For home | Windows
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  1. AI answer

    2026-04-02T05:36:22.4233333+00:00
    1. An OEM or pre-installed Office license that came with a specific PC is generally tied to that device and is not transferable to a new device. This is different from a retail one-time purchase (such as Office Home & Student/Business/Professional bought separately) which, under the Software License Terms, can often be moved to a different computer if the transfer conditions are met. For transferable one-time purchases (not OEM), the documented process is:
      • Follow the transfer terms in the Software License Terms.
      • Move Office to the new computer and activate it (often by phone if the online limit is reached).
      • Uninstall Office from the original computer.
      This transfer model is described for Office Home & Business, Home & Student, and Professional one-time purchases, not for OEM bundles.
    2. When the maximum number of activations is reached for a one-time purchase license, activation on a new device must be done by phone, and the original installation must be removed. The documented guidance is:
      • Install Office on the new PC using the standard steps.
      • Use the “Activate by telephone” method when prompted.
      • Uninstall Office from the original PC.
      For OEM licenses bundled with a device, there is no documented process to “reset” or “release” the activation to move it to a different device; those licenses are intended to stay with the original hardware.
    3. If the license that came with the old laptop is OEM and cannot be transferred, the practical options are:
      • Purchase a new one-time retail license (for example, Office Home & Student/Business/Professional), which can then be associated with the Microsoft account and, subject to the Software License Terms, later moved to another device if needed.
      • Or subscribe to Microsoft 365, which is tied to the Microsoft account rather than a single device and can be installed on multiple devices within the subscription limits.
      For a new product key or subscription, redeem it at Office.com/setup or https://microsoft365.com/setup, then install and activate Office on the new device.

    To confirm transfer rights for any existing non-OEM license, open an Office app on a device where it is installed, go to File > Account > About [app] > View the Microsoft Software License Terms, and review the transfer section (for example, section 3. Transfer to a Third Party for Office 2019/2016).

    References:

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