Microsoft has heard the uproar from customers over the draconian Office 2013 licensing limitations, and it has relented. Today, Microsoft announced an update to Office 2013 retail licensing agreement that should quell the uprising and force customers to put away the torches and pitchforks.
Effective immediately, customers who purchase (or have already purchased) the Office Home and Student 2013, Office Home and Business 2013, Office Professional 2013 suites, or any of the standalone Office 2013 applications can move the software to another computer once every 90 days.
A couple weeks ago, Microsoft explained the Office 2013 licensing to specify that it is non-transferrable. In a nutshell, if you bought Office 2013 and installed it on a PC, and then that PC was stolen next week, Microsoft would expect you to buy a brand new copy of Office 2013 to install on your new replacement PC.
When I asked for further clarification, a Microsoft spokesperson told me, “Office 2013 has the same licensing provisions around transferability as the equivalent Office 2010 package, which was the package purchased by most Office 2010 customers.”
Apparently, that did not sit well with Microsoft customers. A post on the Office News blog today announces that Microsoft has listened to the customer feedback, and is immediately changing the Office 2013 licensing policy to match the language of the Office 2010 retail licensing.
Now the Office 2013 licensing works like you’d expect it should. Purchasing the license grants you the right to install the software on a single PC. If that PC breaks, or gets lost or stolen, or you upgrade and replace it with a new one, you can install Office 2013 on the new PC. You can also sell or transfer the license to another user. The primary requirement under this license is that the Office 2013 software can only exist in one place, and be installed on one computer at any given time.
While this is a much more reasonable licensing policy for Office 2013, and it will satisfy many Microsoft customers, the reality is that most businesses and consumers should be choosing Office 365 instead of Office 2013 anyway. An Office 365 subscription includes licensing for the full Office 2013 Pro suite on up to five devices at a cost that works out to be cheaper than buying the single Office 2013 license in many cases.
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Installing Office for the first time
Some Office 2016 and Office 2013 products come with a product key. If yours did, before installing Office for the first time, sign in with an existing or new Microsoft account and enter your product key at office.com/setup. Redeeming your key is what links your account with Office so you only have to do this once. Already did this? Select the tab below for the version you're trying to install.
Reinstalling Office
If Office originally came pre-installed and you need to reinstall on it on the same device or a new device, you should already have a Microsoft account associated with your copy of Office. This is the account you'll use to install Office following the steps below. If you need to uninstall Office first, see Uninstall Office from a PC or Uninstall Office for Mac.
Note: The steps to install the 2016 or 2013 versions of Office Professional Plus, Office Standard, or a stand-alone app such as Word or Project might be different if you got Office through one of the following:
Microsoft HUP: If you bought Office for personal use through your company, see Install Office through HUP. Volume license versions: IT departments might use a different method to install Office for their organization. Talk to your IT department for install help. Third-party seller: You bought Office from a third-party and you're having problems with the product key.
Office 2016 for PCOffice 2016 for MacOffice 2013 for PC
Sign in to download Office
Install Office 2016 on a PC
Remember a one-time purchase version of Office is licensed for one install only.
Note: If you're running Windows 10 S, you may be taken to the Microsoft Store app. If that happens, follow the installation steps in Install or reinstall Office from the Microsoft Store instead.
Installation or sign in issues?
If you're unable to install Office see Troubleshoot installing Office for more help.
Activate Office
Sign in to download Office
Install Office 2016 on a Mac
Launch an Office for Mac app and start the activation process
Installation notes
Installation notes
Can I install Office 2016 for Mac and Office for Mac 2011 on the same computer?
Yes, you can install and use Office 2016 for Mac and Office for Mac 2011 at the same time. However, we recommend that you uninstall Office for Mac 2011 before you install the new version just to prevent any confusion.
To uninstall Office for Mac 2011, follow the steps in Uninstall Office 2011 for Mac.
How do I pin the Office app icons to the dock?
Can I install Office on my iPhone or iPad?
Yes, see Install and set up Office on an iPhone or iPad. You can also set up email on an iOS device (iPhone or iPad).
Sign in to download Office
Install Office 2013 on a PC
Microsoft Office 2016 and 2013, like all versions of Office and most other programs you pay for, requires that you enter a unique product key during the installation process, proving, to a point, that you own the software.
So what do you do if you need to reinstall the program but you've lost this important, 25-digit installation code? You've probably already tried all the expected 'looking around' but there are a few more things you can try that you may not have known about.
If you're familiar with product keys and how they work, you might assume that the Office 2016/2013 product key is stored, encrypted, in the Windows Registry, like older versions of Office and most other programs do.
Unfortunately, Microsoft changed how they handled Microsoft Office product keys beginning with Office 2013, storing only part of the product key on your local computer. This means that those product key finder programs aren't quite as helpful as they used to be.
The following should work if you're just looking for the product key for one member of an Office 2016 and 2013 suite, like Word or Excel, as well as if you're after the key for an entire suite, like Office Home & Student, Office Home & Business, or Office Professional in 2016 or 2013 versions.
Here are the three best ways to go about digging up a lost MS Office 2016/2013 product key:
Find Your Office 2016/2013 Key in Your Documentation or Email
If you purchased Microsoft Office 2016 or 2013 in a box with a disc, or as a product card (digital download) from a retail store, then your product key will be with that physical purchase—on the product card, on a sticker, on or in the manual, or on the disc sleeve.
If you purchased one of these versions of Office from Microsoft online, your product key is stored in your Microsoft account online (more on that below) and/or arrived in your email receipt.
If Office 2016 or 2013 came preinstalled on your computer when you purchased it, your product key should be printed on the holographic sticker attached to your computer. Be sure you use the Office 2016/2013 product key and not the Windows product key that's probably also on that sticker.
My guess is that you've looked those places already before finding yourself on this page. However, there's one thing that might help you out, especially if you bought Office online:
While I mentioned already that product key finder tools won't find your Office 2013 product key, some will locate the last five digits, the only thing stored on your computer, which can be helpful in your search.
Here's how to do it:
Obviously, that trick isn't helpful if you don't have a digital paper trail of your Office purchase, but it's worth the trouble if you might.
View Your Office 2016 or 2013 Key on Your Office Account Page
If you previously registered and activated your copy of Microsoft Office 2016 or 2013, you'll be happy to know that Microsoft has stored for you, and will show you, your original product key.
Here's what you need to do to view it:
If that works, record your Office 2016/2013 product key and keep it somewhere safe. No need to repeat all of this again next time you need it!
Contact Microsoft for a Replacement Office 2013 Product Key
Another option, that you may or may not have the most luck with, is to contact Microsoft directly to ask for a replacement key.
Microsoft obviously isn't going to just trust that you bought MS Office and read you a valid product key over the phone. You'll need to find whatever proof of purchase you can find and have it ready before calling.
You can find the best number to call on the Microsoft Support: Contact Us page.
I recommend that you read through our How to Talk to Tech Support guide before calling. As straightforward as calling about a replacement key might sound, I know from experience on both sides that tech support of any kind can be tricky for everyone involved.
Office 365 & MS Office 2016 & 2013 Product Keys
If you have a copy of MS Office 2016 or 2013 installed on your computer that you installed via your Office 365 subscription, you don't need to worry about product keys at all!
Just sign in to your Office 365 account online and follow the menu prompts to download and install the latest version of Microsoft Office 2016.
If you don't know your Microsoft account password, you can reset it fairly easily.
Tips & More Information
While it may be extremely tempting to use a free Office product key you might find in some list on the internet, or to download and use a key generator program that supports Office 2013, either way is illegal.
Unfortunately, if none of the options I've already mentioned work out, you're left with buying a new copy of Office.
Please know that key finder tools work very well with versions of Office prior to Office 2013.
See our tutorials on finding Office 2010 & 2007 product keys, as well as a separate, more applicable, tutorial on finding keys for older versions of Microsoft Office.
Office for home Some Office for home products come with a product key. If yours did, before installing Office for the first time, sign in with an existing or new Microsoft account and enter your product key* at office.com/setup. Redeeming your key is what links your account with Office so you only have to do this once. Already did this? Go to Step 1.
Office for business If your Office for business subscription plan includes the desktop version of the Office apps you won't see an option to install it unless someone in your organization assigned a license to you. Learn how to check this in What Office 365 business product or license do I have? or if you're an Office 365 admin, see Assign licenses to users.
Note: *Some versions of Office such as Office Professional Plus 2019, Office Standard 2019, or a stand-alone app such as Word 2019 or Project 2019 don't have an associated account. The steps to install these versions can be different depending if you got Office through one of the following ways:
Microsoft HUP: You bought Office for personal use through your company and have a product key, see Install Office through HUP. Volume license versions: IT departments might use a different method to install Office for people in their organization. Talk to your IT department for install help. Third-party seller: You bought Office from a third-party and you're having problems with the product key. Before you begin, make sure your PC or Mac meets the system requirements.
Install on a PCInstall on a MacNeed help?
Sign in to download Office
Install Office
Installation or sign in issues?
If you're having an installation issue such as Office taking long to install, try Need help? for a list of common issues.
Activate Office
Sign in and install Office
Install Office
Launch an Office for Mac app and start the activation process
Installation notes
Installation notes
How do I pin the Office app icons to the dock?
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Can I install Office on my iPhone or iPad?
Yes, see Install and set up Office on an iPhone or iPad and set up email on an iOS device (iPhone or iPad).
Sign in or installation FAQ
The following are a few of the more common questions or issues when trying to install Office.
Tip: Don't see your issue listed? Try Troubleshoot installing Office for additional issues and their possible solutions.
Account questions:I don't have a Microsoft account yet, or I forgot my username or password
Before you can install Office 365 or Office 2019 you need to associate it with a Microsoft account, or work or school account.
If you have an Office for home product and bought Office at a retail store or online store, but don't have a Microsoft account, it's possible you haven't redeemed your product key yet (if you got one), or you missed the step for linking your recent purchase with an account. Do the following to link an account with Office.
For an Office for home product, go to office.com/setup and create a new Microsoft account or sign in with an existing one, then follow the remaining steps on that page such as entering your product key (if you have one). Your account is successfully associated with Office when you see the page, My Office Account followed by your Microsoft account email address, and a button to install Office. Select the PC or Mac tabs above to help you with the rest of the install process.
If the Microsoft account or work or school account isn't working, see I forgot the username or password for the account I use with Office.
I don't see an option to install Office after signing in with my work or school account
After signing in with your work or school account you don't see an option to install the desktop applications on the Office 365 home page, go directly to the Office 365 Software page instead. Select the language and bit-version you want (PC users can choose between 32-bit and 64-bit), and then click Install. See Step 2 and 3 on the PC or Mac tabs above to help you with the rest of the install process.
Notes:
If you still don't see an option to install Office on the Office 365 Software page, it's possible your admin hasn't assigned a license to you. Find out if you have a license to install Office.
If you're a student or teacher and your institution didn't give you a license, find out if you're eligible to Get Office 365 for free.
I can't sign in with my work or school account
If you're trying to sign in with your work or school account to www.office.com and your sign in is blocked, it likely means your Office 365 administrator set up a security policy that's preventing you from signing in to that location.
To install Office, try signing in directly to the Office 365 Software page instead. Select the language and bit-version you want (PC users can choose between 32-bit and 64-bit), and then click Install. See Steps 2 and 3 on the PC or Mac tabs above to help you with the rest of the install process.
Notes:
If you're still not able to sign in, contact your administrator.
Reinstall Office 2013 Already Purchased On ItunesProduct key, purchase, and installing older versions of Office:Product keys for Office
Not all versions of Office include a key, but if yours did, you need to redeem it before you can install Office. Go to office.com/setup and sign in with an existing Microsoft account or create a new one, then enter your product key. Follow the remaining prompts to finish linking your Microsoft account with this version of Office.
No product key or not sure if you need one? See Using product keys with Office.
How do I buy the latest version of Office?
The steps in this topic assume you have Office 365 or Office 2019 and you're ready to install or reinstall it. Don't have the latest version yet?
Learn more about the differences between Office 365 and non-subscription versions.
Microsoft OfficeHow do I install Office 2013, Office 2010, or Office 2007
Installation help for older versions of Office:
Install questions or errors during installHow many computers can I install Office on?Reinstall Office 2013 Already Purchased Ticket![]() For Office 365 for home subscribers only: You can install Office on all your devices and be signed in to five at the same time. To learn more, see How sign in works in Office 365. If you have Office 365 Home, you can share your Office 365 Home subscription with up to five family members or other people. Each person can install Office on all their devices and be signed in to five at the same time. For a one-time purchase of Office such as Office Home & Student, Office Home & Business, or Office Professional: You can install these non-subscription versions of Office on only one computer. However, you may transfer Office to another computer that belongs to you if you experience a hardware failure or you buy a new computer. For more information, see the Microsoft License Terms for your product, or see this blog post, Office now transferable. Check you have administrator rights on your computer
When installing Office on a PC, you must be an administrator on the PC computer where you want to install Office. If you're not sure, see Check if you have local admin rights to install Office.
How do I install stand-alone office apps such as Visio or Project?
If you bought a stand-alone version of an Office app, for example Visio or Word, in most cases you install this app in the same way you install the Office suite, by signing in to www.office.com with your Microsoft account, or work or school account and selecting Install for your stand-alone product.
If you have a subscription to Project Online Professional, Project Online Premium, or Visio Pro for Office 365, see Install Project, or Install Visio for the steps to install the apps that are part of those subscriptions.
How do I install Office on my mobile device?
The Office apps are available to install on your iPhone and iPad, Android device, or Windows phone and tablet. See Set up Office apps and email on a mobile device.
Office is taking very long to install
If Office seems to be taking a very long time to install, this may be caused by problems with your internet connection, firewall, or anti-virus software. For possible solutions, see Office is taking long to install.
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Office can also take long to install because of a slow internet connection (such as a dial-up connection). If you don't have a good connection, install Office using the Use the Office offline installer.
I received an error during install
Office won't install: Your computer must be running a supported operating system to install Office. You can find a list of which systems are supported on the system requirements page. For example, your install won't be successful if you're trying to install Office on a computer running Windows Vista or Windows XP operating system. If your computer can't install the full desktop version of Office, try the free Office Online apps using your desktop browser.
I received an error message: If you got an error message while trying to install Office and it has a Learn More Camfrog download latest version. link, select it to get information for how to troubleshoot that particular error. If there wasn't a link, see Troubleshoot installing Office.
I received an unsupported operating system message: If you got an unsupported operating system error message you may be trying to install Office on an unsupported device such as installing the Mac version of Office on a PC or vice versa, or trying to install Office on a Chromebook or other mobile device. See Unsupported operating system error when installing Office or Set up Office apps and email on a mobile device.
Help with specific applications, and help for Office 365 admins:I've installed Office, but I don't see OneNote
OneNote for Windows 10 is the default OneNote experience for Office 365 and Office 2019 customers. For information about how to download the desktop version of OneNote 2016 see OneNote is missing after installing Office 2019 or Office 365.
Learn more about the differences between these two versions in What's the difference between OneNote and OneNote 2016?
Office is installed, but I'm not sure how to do something or want to learn more
If Office is installed, but you need help with Office basics, or learn how to do a specific task such as print a document, set up an account in Outlook, or use VLOOKUP in Excel, go to the top of this page and select Apps or Learn Office.
You can also type what you're looking for using the search bar in the upper-right corner.
I'm an Office 365 admin, how do I assign licenses to users in my organization or buy more licenses?
If you're the Office 365 admin of an Office for business plan, users in your organization can only install Office using the steps in this topic as long as your plan includes the desktop version of Office, and you've assigned the user a license and given them permission to install Office (Manage software download settings in Office 365).
For information about how to assign licenses, see Assign licenses to users in Office 365 for business.
If you've run out of licenses and need to purchase more, see Buy licenses for your Office 365 for business subscription.
Contact Microsoft
If you weren't able to resolve your problem, try contacting Microsoft support.
If your computer came with Office 2013 pre-installed (or if you lost your installation disc), you can still reinstall Office with your product key—you just need to download it straight from Microsoft.
Head over to officesetup.getmicrosoftkey.com (which is an official Microsoft download page) and enter your product key. This may be on a Certificate of Authenticity included with your computer or a product key card you purchased at a retail outlet. Once you put in that product key, you can then download the appropriate version and install with that same key.
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If you registered your copy of Office 2013, you don't even need the product key. Just visit office.microsoft.com, click Install Office, and then log in to your account to download it.
Download Office 2013 From Microsoft Using Product Key | Into Windows
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