Transfer one time installation to another machine

For a one-time purchase of Office, the license can be moved to another computer that belongs to the same owner, but only one installation is allowed at a time. Office 2024 or Office 2021 can be transferred no more than once every 90 days, except sooner for hardware failure. The software must be removed from the old computer and no copies can be retained.

Where the key/license is depends on the Office version:

1. For most Office 2024, Office 2021, and Office 2019 purchases, there is usually no product key to find. The license is linked to the Microsoft account used when Office was first redeemed or installed.
2. To reinstall on the new PC or Mac, sign in with that same Microsoft account at Microsoft account, Services & subscriptions page and install Office from there.
3. If activation says the maximum number of activations has been reached after moving to the new computer, Office can be activated by phone, then Office must be uninstalled from the original computer.
4. If multiple one-time Office copies were bought and the same Install button was used on more than one PC, activation can fail on the other PCs because each Install button is tied to a unique product key. In that case, change the product key on the affected PC:
   • Open any Office app
   • Go to File > Account
   • Under Product Information, select Switch License
   • Select Enter product key instead

If the goal is to confirm whether a transferable license exists, open an Office app on the old computer and go to File > Account > About > View the Microsoft Software License Terms.

References:

• Transfer your Office license to another device or another person
• Activate Office after reinstalling or installing on a different device
• Change your Office product key
• Using product keys with Microsoft 365