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How to Install Word and Excel Using a Microsoft 365 Product Key
Question details
The user needs to know how to redeem a retail Microsoft 365 product key in order to download and install Word and Excel.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Redeeming a newly purchased retail product key and downloading the associated Microsoft Office applications.
- Observed behavior
- Word, Excel, and other Office applications are not automatically available after purchasing a key from a retailer; the product key must be manually redeemed and linked to a Microsoft account before the installer can be accessed.
Ensure you have your 25-character Microsoft 365 product key ready from your receipt or retail card, and make sure you have an active Microsoft account to link the subscription to.
Redeem the Product Key and Install Office Applications
Use the official Microsoft setup portal to link your new product key to your account and download the installer for Word and Excel.
Microsoft 365 subscriptions purchased from third-party retailers come as a 25-character code. This code must be redeemed online before you can download any applications. Once redeemed, the subscription is permanently tied to your Microsoft account.
Open your web browser and go to setup.office.com. Click on the 'Sign In' button and log in using the Microsoft account you want to associate with your Office subscription.
In the provided text boxes, carefully type your 25-character product key exactly as it appears on your receipt or retail card. Select your country or region and your preferred language, then click 'Next'.
Once the key is successfully redeemed, you will be redirected to your Microsoft account dashboard. Locate the 'Install Office' or 'Install premium apps' button and click it to download the setup executable file to your computer.
Locate the downloaded file in your browser's downloads list or your Downloads folder. Double-click the file to run it, and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation of Word, Excel, and other Office applications.
After the installation finishes, open Word or Excel from your computer's Start menu or Applications folder. When prompted, sign in with the exact same Microsoft account you used in the first step to activate your applications.
Use WPS Office as a Free and Lightweight Alternative
If you are having trouble redeeming a product key or prefer not to pay for a subscription, WPS Office is a completely free, highly compatible alternative. It includes Writer, Spreadsheet, and Presentation tools with a familiar interface, allowing you to bypass complex setups and get straight to work.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button for your operating system.
- 2. Run the Installer: Double-click the downloaded setup file and follow the quick installation wizard.
- 3. Start Creating: Launch WPS Office and immediately open or create your Word and Excel documents without needing any product key.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find my Microsoft 365 product key?
If you bought a physical retail card or box, the 25-character key is usually printed on the back of the card beneath a scratch-off silver foil. For digital purchases, check the confirmation email from the retailer or look in the digital purchase library on their website.
Can I use the same product key to install Word and Excel on multiple computers?
The product key itself can only be redeemed once to link the subscription to your Microsoft account. However, once linked, a Microsoft 365 Family or Personal subscription allows you to install the apps on multiple devices simply by signing in to your Microsoft account on each device.
What should I do if the setup portal says my product key is already in use?
This error means the key has already been redeemed and linked to a Microsoft account. You do not need the key again. Instead, go directly to office.com, sign in with the Microsoft account you used initially, and click 'Install Office' from your dashboard.
