Activation Problems

How to Fix Office 2013 License Limit Error on a New Computer

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

Users transferring Microsoft Office 2013 to a replacement computer need to resolve a license limitation error preventing software activation.

Product: Microsoft Office 2013
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Reinstalling and activating Office 2013 on a new replacement device after removing it from an older computer.
Observed behavior: The Office 2013 activation wizard displays an error stating that no licenses are available or the license limit has been reached, even if the old software was uninstalled.

Before you start

Ensure you have completely uninstalled Office 2013 from your old computer while connected to the internet, and have your Microsoft account login credentials or 25-character product key ready.

Solution 1Recommended

Verify Microsoft Account and Remove Old Devices

Check that your license is properly linked and the old device is successfully deregistered from your Microsoft account to free up the license.

Microsoft's activation servers sometimes do not instantly recognize that a local uninstall has occurred. Removing the device from your Microsoft account forces the server to release the activation slot.

Log into Microsoft Account

Navigate to the Microsoft Account Services and Subscriptions page in your web browser and sign in using the account associated with your Office 2013 purchase.

Access Device Management

Click on 'Devices' to view the list of computers and hardware associated with your Microsoft account.

Remove Old Computer

Locate your old computer on the list, click 'Manage', and select 'Remove device' to unlink it from your Office license.

Retry Online Activation

Relaunch any Office 2013 application on your new computer, follow the activation wizard, and choose 'Activate over the Internet'.

Solution 2

Use Microsoft Telephone Activation

If online activation still fails due to automated restrictions, you can use the telephone activation system to manually verify the license transfer.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office to Avoid License Headaches

Tired of dealing with strict license limits, activation errors, and outdated software? WPS Office is a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office. Enjoy seamless document editing on any device without the hassle of transferring old licenses.

1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded executable file and follow the quick on-screen instructions to set up the suite on your new computer.
3. Open Existing Files: Right-click any of your old Word, Excel, or PowerPoint documents and choose 'Open with WPS Office' to continue working immediately.

Free to use with no complex license transfer or activation proceduresFully compatible with Microsoft Office formats including DOCX, XLSX, and PPTXLightweight installation that works incredibly fast on both new and older PCsFamiliar tabbed user interface requiring zero learning curve

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Office 2013 say the license limit is reached when I already uninstalled it?

Microsoft's activation servers track licenses using hardware IDs. An uninstall does not always ping the server to instantly release the license. The license remains tethered to your old motherboard's ID until cleared manually via your Microsoft account or telephone activation.

Can I still transfer Office 2013 if the old computer is broken and I cannot uninstall it?

Yes. Even if the old PC is completely inoperable, you can install Office 2013 on the new computer. You will likely need to select 'telephone activation' and speak with a Microsoft representative or use the automated system to confirm the old PC is no longer in use.

Is Microsoft Office 2013 still supported with updates?

No. Microsoft officially ended extended support for Office 2013 on April 11, 2023. While the software will continue to function, it no longer receives critical security updates or bug fixes, making it highly recommended to upgrade or switch to a modern alternative like WPS Office.

Installation & Activation