How to Find Microsoft Office Access When a Product Key Is Lost
Question details
The user needs to reinstall Microsoft Office on a computer but has lost the original product key.
- Product
- Microsoft Office
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Reinstalling Office on a new computer or after a system reset without access to the 25-character product key.
- Observed behavior
- The user is looking for a way to recover the lost product key or find an alternative method to activate and install their Office software.
Ensure you know the email address and password for the Microsoft account that was originally used to purchase or activate your Microsoft Office subscription.
Reinstall Office via Your Microsoft Account
For modern Office versions, licenses are tied to your account, so you can download and install directly from Microsoft without needing the 25-character key.
Starting with Office 2013, Microsoft changed its licensing model. Product keys cannot be recovered or reused because the license is permanently linked to your Microsoft account during the initial setup.
To reinstall the software, you simply need to log into the online services portal and download the installer from your account dashboard.
Open your web browser and go to https://account.microsoft.com/services or https://office.com/myaccount.
Enter the email and password for the Microsoft account that was used to purchase or originally redeem your Office license.
Locate your Office subscription or standalone product in the list of services, then click the 'Install' or 'Download' button to get the installer for your computer.
Switch to WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Experience
If you cannot recover your Microsoft account or prefer not to deal with complex licensing issues, WPS Office offers a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office.
- 1. Download the installer: Visit the official WPS website and click the free download button.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation in minutes.
- 3. Open and edit: Launch WPS Office to instantly open your existing Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files without any formatting loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I recover my Office 2013 or newer product key?
Microsoft changed its licensing model starting with Office 2013. Instead of using a standalone product key that is stored on your device, licenses are digitally linked to your Microsoft account to improve security and ease of reinstallation.
What should I do if I forgot which Microsoft account I used to buy Office?
Check all your personal email inboxes for a purchase confirmation or receipt from Microsoft. You can also try navigating to the Microsoft account recovery page and entering your alternative email addresses or phone numbers to locate the account.
Can I still use a product key if I have an older version like Office 2010?
Yes. For Office 2010 and earlier versions, the software is not linked to a Microsoft account. You must enter the original 25-character product key found on the physical packaging, sticker, or confirmation email to install and activate the software.
