How to Reactivate Microsoft Office Professional 2013 on the Same Computer
Question details
The user needs to reactivate Microsoft Office Professional 2013 on their current computer after it has become inactive.
- Product
- Microsoft Office Professional 2013
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Re-activating an existing or freshly reinstalled Microsoft Office 2013 suite on the exact same hardware.
- Observed behavior
- Office 2013 shows as inactive, requiring the user to complete the activation process again or log into the associated Microsoft account.
Ensure you have your original 25-character product key or the login credentials for the Microsoft account originally used to purchase and activate Office 2013. Check that your computer has a stable internet connection before attempting online activation.
Reactivate Using Your Microsoft Account
If your Office 2013 product key was previously activated, it is likely linked to your Microsoft account. You can quickly reinstall and activate it from the Microsoft services page.
This is the most reliable method for modern Office installations, as the digital license is tied to your account rather than just the physical hardware.
Open your web browser and navigate to https://account.microsoft.com/services/.
Log in using the exact Microsoft account email and password you used when you first activated Office Professional 2013.
Look for your Microsoft Office Professional 2013 product in the list of your active services and subscriptions.
Click the 'Install' button next to your product. Once downloaded and installed, open any Office application like Word and follow the sign-in prompts to complete the activation.
Use the Office Activation Wizard
If you are prompted to activate when opening an Office application, the built-in wizard can guide you through online or telephone activation.
Try WPS Office as a Hassle-Free Alternative
Tired of dealing with complex activation wizards, expired product keys, and account sign-in issues? WPS Office is a lightweight, free alternative that offers full compatibility with your existing Microsoft Office files without the activation headaches.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click 'Free Download'.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded installer and follow the quick setup wizard to install the suite on your computer.
- 3. Open Your Existing Files: Launch WPS Office and open your existing Microsoft Office documents directly without needing to convert them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Office 2013 product key without a Microsoft account?
For Office 2013, most retail product keys must be linked to a Microsoft account during the initial setup. Once linked, you manage your installation and reactivation exclusively through that account at account.microsoft.com.
What should I do if online activation fails for Office 2013?
If online activation fails, you can select the 'Activate by telephone' option in the Office Activation Wizard. This will provide you with a region-specific phone number and an installation ID to complete the process over the phone.
Will reinstalling Office 2013 on the same computer count against my license limit?
No, reinstalling and reactivating Office 2013 on the exact same computer does not typically count as a new installation, provided the major hardware components (like the motherboard) have not been replaced.
How do I know if my Office 2013 is successfully activated?
Open any Office 2013 application, click on 'File', and select 'Account'. Under the Product Information section, it will display 'Product Activated' if the activation was successful.
