Product Key Issues

How to Install Office 2013 on a New PC Using an Existing Product Key

Jason Miller Oct 13, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to reinstall Microsoft Office 2013 on a new computer using an existing product key after removing it from an old PC.

How to Install Office 2013 on a New PC Using an Existing Product Key

Product: Microsoft Office 2013
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Transferring an older Microsoft Office license to a newly purchased or formatted computer.
Observed behavior: The user needs to locate the installation file and correctly activate Office 2013 on the new PC using their existing product key or Microsoft account.

Before you start

Before reinstalling, ensure that you have fully uninstalled Office 2013 from your old PC to prevent activation conflicts, and verify that you have the login credentials for the Microsoft account originally used to redeem the product key.

Solution 1Recommended

Reinstall Office 2013 from Your Microsoft Account

If your product key was previously linked to a Microsoft account, you can download the installer directly from the Microsoft Services & Subscriptions page.

This is the standard method for reinstalling Office versions from 2013 onwards, as physical product keys are often converted into digital entitlements tied to your account.

Access Microsoft Services

Open a web browser on your new PC, navigate to https://account.microsoft.com/services, and sign in using the Microsoft account originally used to redeem your Office 2013 product key.

Locate Office 2013

Scroll through the list of products associated with your account until you find 'Microsoft Office 2013' listed under the Services & Subscriptions section.

Download and Install

Click the 'Install' or 'Download' button next to Office 2013. Once the setup file finishes downloading, double-click it to run the installer and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup on your new PC.

Reinstall Office 2013 from Your Microsoft Account

End of Support Warning: Microsoft Office 2013 has reached its end of support. It no longer receives security updates, which may leave your computer vulnerable to new threats. Consider upgrading to a supported version or an alternative office suite.

Solution 2

Install Using the Original CD or Installation Media

If you purchased a physical copy of Office 2013, you can use the original installation disc to set it up on your new computer.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Upgrade to a Modern, Free Office Suite with WPS Office

Since Microsoft Office 2013 is no longer supported and lacks critical security updates, migrating to WPS Office provides you with a safe, modern, and highly compatible alternative. Enjoy a familiar interface without the need to manage outdated product keys or pay for expensive subscriptions.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package for your Windows PC.
2. Install the Suite: Run the installer and follow the quick on-screen instructions to set up WPS Office on your new computer.
3. Open Your Existing Files: Launch WPS Office and instantly open your old Office 2013 documents, spreadsheets, and presentations without any formatting loss.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint file formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx).Lightweight installation that runs smoothly on both new and older PCs without slowing down your system.Receives regular security updates and feature enhancements, unlike outdated versions of Microsoft Office.Free to use with a familiar tabbed interface, ensuring zero learning curve when transitioning from Office 2013.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Office 2013 product key if I don't remember my Microsoft account?

If your Office 2013 license was previously linked to a Microsoft account, you must sign in with that specific account to reinstall it. If you forgot the account details, try using the Microsoft account recovery tool. The physical product key alone cannot bypass the account login if it was already redeemed.

Is it safe to continue using Office 2013 on my new computer?

Because Microsoft Office 2013 has officially reached its end of support, it no longer receives technical assistance, bug fixes, or critical security updates. While the software will still function, using it poses a security risk, especially when opening downloaded files or email attachments.

How do I deactivate Office 2013 from my old computer before installing it on the new one?

Office 2013 does not feature a formal 'deactivation' button in the software interface. To free up the license, you must simply uninstall the software from the old computer via the Windows Control Panel. If activation fails on the new PC due to licensing limits, you may need to complete the activation process over the phone by following the activation wizard prompts.

Installation & Activation