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Uninstall & Reinstall Issues

How to Move and Reinstall Microsoft Project 2016 on a New Computer

Maira MehtabMaira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to transfer and reinstall Microsoft Project 2016 onto a new desktop computer using an existing product ID, despite having lost access to the original registered email address.

Product
Microsoft Project 2016
Device & OS
not provided
Scenario
Transferring a software license to a new computer without access to the originally linked Microsoft account email.
Observed behavior
The user wants to activate the software on a new device but is blocked by the inability to access the original email address required for standard digital account activation.
Before you start

Before attempting to move Microsoft Project 2016, ensure you have your 25-character product key written down and review your software license terms to verify that your specific edition allows for device transfers.

Solution 1Recommended

Reinstall and Activate Project 2016 Manually via Product Key and Support

Use this method to install Project 2016 with your product key and activate it via the telephone Activation Wizard or Microsoft Support when the original email is unavailable.

Microsoft Project 2016 retail licenses generally permit transferring the software to a new device as long as it is removed from the old one. If you cannot access the original Microsoft account email, you will have to rely on the product key and official support channels for manual activation.

1
Uninstall from the old computer

If you still have access to the old computer, open the Control Panel, go to 'Programs and Features', and uninstall Microsoft Project 2016 to free up the license for the new transfer.

2
Download and install on the new computer

Download the Microsoft Project 2016 installation file on your new desktop. Run the installer and enter your 25-character Product Key when prompted during the initial setup.

3
Use the Activation Wizard

Launch Project 2016 after the installation finishes. When the Activation Wizard appears, select the option to 'Activate by telephone' since the online activation may require the lost email account.

4
Contact Microsoft Support

If the telephone activation fails or blocks the transfer, contact Microsoft Support directly. Provide the support agent with your product ID and session ID to prove ownership and request a manual activation override.

Check License Terms: Not all licenses are transferable. Ensure you have a retail copy of Project 2016; OEM licenses (pre-installed by the manufacturer) are permanently tied to the original hardware and cannot be moved.
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  1. 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
  2. 2. Install and Open: Run the installer, follow the on-screen prompts, and launch the application.
  3. 3. Create Project Schedules: Open WPS Spreadsheet to build Gantt charts, project timelines, and task trackers using built-in free templates.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer my Microsoft Project 2016 license to another computer?

Yes, if you purchased a retail version of Microsoft Project 2016, the software license terms typically allow you to transfer the installation to a new computer, provided you uninstall it entirely from the previous device.

What happens if I lose the email linked to my Microsoft Office or Project account?

If you lose access to the linked email address, you can no longer reinstall directly from your Microsoft account dashboard. You will need your original 25-character product key and must contact Microsoft Support with proof of purchase to complete the activation manually.

Does the Microsoft Activation Wizard work without an internet connection?

Yes, the Activation Wizard provides an option to activate the software by telephone. This is highly useful if internet activation fails or if you are migrating a license and need to speak with the automated telephone system or a live support agent.