How to Install Office Professional Plus 2016 on a New Windows 11 PC
Question details
The user wants to know if and how they can install their existing copy of Office Professional Plus 2016 on a new Windows 11 computer using the original installation disc and product key.
- Product
- Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2016
- Device & OS
- Windows 11
- Scenario
- Migrating an older Microsoft Office license (2016) to a new computer running a newer operating system (Windows 11) using physical media.
- Observed behavior
- The user has the original installation disc and product key but needs to confirm compatibility and find a way to install it on a modern Windows 11 PC, which often lacks a built-in disc drive.
Ensure you have your 25-character product key ready and verify that your Office 2016 license type allows for transfer to a new computer (Retail licenses typically do, while OEM licenses are tied to the original hardware).
Use an External USB DVD Drive to Install Office 2016
The most straightforward method if you have the original disc is to use an external USB DVD drive, as most new Windows 11 PCs do not include built-in optical drives.
Since modern laptops and desktop cases frequently omit CD/DVD drives, an inexpensive external USB drive is the quickest way to utilize your original installation media without downloading large files.
Plug a USB DVD drive into an available USB port on your new Windows 11 PC and insert the Office 2016 installation disc.
Open File Explorer, navigate to 'This PC', and double-click the DVD drive icon. If the installer doesn't start automatically, right-click the drive, select 'Open', and double-click the 'setup.exe' file.
When prompted by the installation wizard, carefully input your 25-character product key found on the disc packaging.
Follow the on-screen prompts to finish installing. Once completed, open an application like Microsoft Word and follow the activation wizard to verify your license online.
Download Installation Media from Microsoft
If you do not have an external disc drive, you can download the digital installation file directly from Microsoft using your product key.
Avoid Installation Hassles with WPS Office
If you are struggling to transfer your old Office 2016 license to Windows 11 or do not have a disc drive, WPS Office provides a modern, lightweight, and free alternative. It requires no complex license migrations and runs perfectly on Windows 11.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button for the Windows version.
- 2. Install on Windows 11: Run the downloaded installer and follow the quick setup process to install WPS Office on your new PC.
- 3. Open Your Files: Launch WPS Office and instantly open, edit, and save your existing Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents without formatting issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2016 compatible with Windows 11?
Yes, Office 2016 is fully compatible with Windows 11. Although it is an older version, it will run normally as long as it is properly installed and activated.
Can I transfer my Office 2016 license to a new computer?
This depends on your license type. Retail licenses can typically be transferred to a new PC provided it is uninstalled from the old one. However, OEM licenses (which came pre-installed on your old PC) are tied to the original hardware and cannot be legally transferred.
What if I lost my Office 2016 installation disc but have the product key?
If you have your product key and it is linked to your Microsoft account, you do not need the physical disc. You can log into your Microsoft account online, navigate to your subscriptions, and download the digital installation file directly to your new Windows 11 PC.
