Office Asks for a Product Key Again After Activation
If you’ve already activated Microsoft Office but it suddenly asks you for a product key again — don’t worry. This issue is common and can usually be resolved quickly.
Why This Happens
Office may prompt you to reactivate due to:
A recent Windows update or reinstallation
Signing into Office with a different Microsoft account
A mismatch between the installed Office version and your license
Corrupt or missing activation files
How to Fix It
1. Restart Your PC
Before trying anything else, simply restart your computer.
In many cases, a reboot will reload the activation status and fix the issue instantly.
2. Make Sure You're Using the Right Version
Go to
Control Panel > Programs > Programs and FeaturesConfirm that the installed version matches your license (e.g., Office 2021 vs Microsoft 365 Apps)
3. Sign Out of All Microsoft Accounts in Office
Open any Office app →
File > AccountSign out of all accounts
Close the app, reopen, and check if the message is gone
4. Re-enter Your Product Key
Go to
File > Account > Change Product KeyEnter the same key you received from us
5. Repair the Office Installation
Go to
Control Panel > Programs > Microsoft Office > Change > Quick RepairTry Online Repair if Quick Repair doesn't solve the issueOpen Word or Excel
Go to
File > AccountSign out of any existing Microsoft accounts
Close the app and reopen
Still having issues?
Contact us with:
Your order number
A screenshot of the error
Your installed Office version
We’ll help you reactivate your Office or provide a replacement key if needed.