This product key was used with another account - error

Kristy Throndson 20 Reputation points
2026-06-23T21:18:57.3166667+00:00

I'm trying to use MS Access after reinstalling windows and I'm getting the error "This product key was used with a different account". I've tried logging in with both of my MS accounts and a Google account and all three give the same error. My original receipt was sent to my main account. See attached. I really need to use MS Access ASAP!! Thank you

Microsoft 365 and Office | Access | For home | Windows
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Answer accepted by question author
Hin-V 16,830 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
2026-06-23T22:27:17.88+00:00

Hi @Kristy Throndson

Thank you for sharing your concern. 

As far as I know, this issue typically indicates that the product key has already been redeemed and linked to a Microsoft account. Once redeemed, the key cannot be reused directly, even after reinstalling Windows. Instead, the product is activated by signing in with the associated Microsoft account. 

To proceed, please confirm whether this license is linked to your account by visiting: Check Services & Subscriptions 

Sign in using the account that received the original purchase receipt, and check if your Access/Office product appears there. If it does, select Install, reinstall the Office app, and activate it by signing in with the same account. 

If you do not see the product under that account, please try signing in with any other Microsoft accounts you may have used previously. 

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You can refer via: "This product key has already been used" error in Office | Microsoft Support 

I hope this helps.  

Please understand that our initial reply may not always immediately resolve the issue. However, with your help and more detailed information, we can work together to find a solution.  

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  1. AI answer

    2026-06-23T21:19:09.53+00:00

    The error means the product key has already been redeemed and is now permanently tied to a Microsoft account. After redemption, the key cannot be reused directly; installation and activation must be done by signing in with the correct Microsoft account, not by entering the key again.

    Use these steps:

    1. Go to the Microsoft account Services & subscriptions page: https://account.microsoft.com/services and sign in with the Microsoft account that received the original purchase receipt (your “main” account).
    2. Under Services & subscriptions, look for the Access/Office product that matches the purchase.
    3. From there, use the Install option shown for that product to download and install Office/Access.
    4. When Access prompts for activation, choose to sign in and use the same Microsoft account shown on the Services & subscriptions page. Do not enter the product key again.

    If the product does not appear under any of the accounts tried, the key may have been redeemed on a different account (for example, if someone else helped with setup or if the key was compromised). In that case, contact Microsoft support with the purchase proof so they can investigate the key usage and possible fraud.

    If this was part of a Microsoft 365 Family subscription and Access is included, the subscription owner must share the subscription with the account being used instead of giving out the product key. They can do this using the “Share your Microsoft 365 Family subscription benefit” process so that the invited account can install from its own Services & subscriptions page.

    References:

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