Activation Problems

How to Keep Microsoft Office Activated After Moving to a New Mac

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to resolve an issue where Microsoft Office fails to stay permanently activated after migrating to a new MacBook Air.

Product: Microsoft Office
Device & OS: macOS
Scenario: Transferring an existing Microsoft Office installation from an older Mac to a new MacBook Air.
Observed behavior: Office repeatedly requests sign-ins or password changes instead of remaining activated, especially after the previous computer has been erased.

Before you start

Ensure you have the exact email address and password for the Microsoft account originally used to purchase your Office license.

Solution 1Recommended

Sign in with the Original Microsoft Account

Resolve the recurring sign-in loop by authenticating Office with the exact account used to purchase the license.

Open an Office Application

Launch Microsoft Word or Excel from your Applications folder or Launchpad on your new Mac.

Navigate to Sign In

When prompted by the 'What's New' window, click 'Get Started', then select the 'Sign In' option.

Enter Credentials

Input the email address and password for the Microsoft account associated with your original Office purchase.

Verify Activation

Follow the on-screen prompts to activate. Once completed, restart the application to confirm it no longer prompts for a password.

Solution 2

Request a License Transfer from Microsoft Support

If you have a one-time purchase version of Office, transfer rights are restricted. You must contact support if you hit the 90-day limit or if the old device is already erased.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Experience on Mac

Tired of dealing with complicated license transfers, 90-day limits, and activation loops? WPS Office is a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office. Enjoy seamless document editing on your Mac without worrying about frustrating device migration rules.

1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free version for macOS.
2. Install on Your Mac: Open the downloaded package and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
3. Start Working Instantly: Launch WPS Office, open your existing Microsoft Office files, and start editing right away.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats, including .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx.Lightweight design that runs smoothly on all Mac models without draining your battery.All-in-one interface that integrates Word, Excel, and PowerPoint alternatives in a single app.No complicated license transfer rules—simply log in and access your files anywhere.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Office keep asking me to sign in on my new Mac?

This usually happens if the license hasn't fully transferred, if you used Apple's Migration Assistant which can copy corrupted activation files, or if you are signed in with the incorrect Microsoft account.

What is the 90-day transfer rule for Microsoft Office?

For one-time purchase licenses (like Office Home & Student), Microsoft restricts transferring the software to a new computer to once every 90 days. Exceptions are usually only made for hardware failures.

Do I need to uninstall Office from my old Mac before activating it on a new one?

Yes, it is highly recommended to sign out and uninstall Office from the old device to free up the license. If the old Mac is already erased or broken, you will likely need to contact Microsoft Support to release the activation remotely.

Installation & Activation