Product Key Issues

How to Activate Office 2013 After Reaching Product Key Limit

Maira Mehtab Sep 27, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to complete the online activation for Office 2013 because the software reports that the product key limit has been reached.

Product: Microsoft Office 2013
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Reinstalling Office 2013 on a new computer after removing it from an old device.
Observed behavior: Online activation fails and returns an error stating the product key has reached its activation limit because it remains associated with previous devices.

Before you start

Ensure your computer is connected to the internet and that you have your original 25-character Office 2013 product key available before starting the activation wizard.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Telephone Activation for Office 2013

When online activation fails due to device limits, telephone activation allows you to verify the software transfer through an automated system.

Because Office 2013 was previously installed on another machine, the activation servers may still see it as actively in use. The telephone activation method bypasses the standard online check and provides a direct code to authorize the hardware change.

Open the Activation Wizard

Launch any Office 2013 application, such as Word or Excel. When the Activation Wizard prompts you, select 'Help' or choose the option 'I want to activate the software by telephone' and click Next.

Select Your Region

Follow the on-screen prompts in the wizard to select your specific country or region from the dropdown menu.

Call the Activation Center

Dial the telephone number provided on the screen. Follow the automated voice instructions, enter the installation ID displayed on your screen, and type the confirmation ID given to you into the wizard to complete the process.

End of Support Notice: Microsoft Office 2013 is no longer officially supported. If the telephone activation option does not appear or fails, contacting Microsoft Support may yield limited results.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office to Avoid Activation Limits

Struggling with product key limits and unsupported software? WPS Office is a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office. Avoid the hassle of telephone activation and enjoy seamless document editing right away.

1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button for your operating system.
2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded installer and follow the quick on-screen instructions to set up the software.
3. Open Your Existing Files: Launch WPS Office and directly open your old Office 2013 files. Your formatting and layouts will remain intact.

Free to use without worrying about strict activation limits or license transfers.Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats, including .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx.Lightweight installation that runs smoothly on older computers.Familiar user interface for a seamless transition from Office 2013.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Office 2013 say my product key limit is reached?

This error occurs when you reinstall Office 2013 on a new computer without properly deactivating it on the old one, causing Microsoft's servers to register the license on more devices than permitted.

Is Microsoft Office 2013 still officially supported?

No, Microsoft ended support for Office 2013 on April 11, 2023. It no longer receives technical support, bug fixes, or security updates.

Can I transfer my Office 2013 license to a new computer?

Retail versions of Office 2013 can typically be transferred to another computer that belongs to you, provided you uninstall it from the previous computer first. However, OEM versions (pre-installed by the manufacturer) cannot be transferred.

What if telephone activation is not offered in the wizard?

If the telephone activation option is missing, it may be due to regional restrictions or the end-of-support status. You will need to contact Microsoft Support directly, though assistance for Office 2013 is no longer guaranteed.