How to Reactivate Office 2013 After Losing Your Computer
Question details
The user needs to reactivate a retail copy of Office Home and Business 2013 on a new device but has reached the maximum installation limit because previous devices were lost or stolen.
- Product
- Microsoft Office Home and Business 2013
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Installing and activating Office 2013 on a new replacement computer after losing previous devices.
- Observed behavior
- Activation fails with an error stating the maximum number of installations has been reached.
Ensure you have the login credentials for the Microsoft account originally used to install Office 2013, as retail licenses are tied to this account rather than the physical product key.
Deactivate Previous Devices via Microsoft Account
Use your Microsoft account's online portal to manage your devices and remove the lost computer's license.
Retail versions of Office Home and Business 2013 are permanently linked to the first Microsoft account used during setup. To install Office on a new computer, you must first free up an activation slot by removing the old device from your account.
Open a web browser and navigate to the Microsoft Services & subscriptions page.
Log in using the exact Microsoft account associated with your original Office 2013 purchase and installation.
Scroll through your account dashboard to find your Office Home and Business 2013 product in the list.
Find the section for installed devices and click 'Sign out of Office' or 'Deactivate' next to the lost or stolen device to free up the activation slot.
Contact Microsoft Support for Manual Deactivation
If you cannot access the lost device or remove it online, Microsoft Support can manually deactivate the old installation for you.
Try WPS Office: No Strict Activation Limits or Lost Licenses
If you are struggling with Microsoft Office 2013 activation limits or lost licenses, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and free alternative that works seamlessly across multiple devices without frustrating installation caps.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installer for your operating system.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the installer and follow the quick setup wizard to install the software on your replacement computer.
- 3. Open Your Files: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files without worrying about activation limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I just use my original Office 2013 product key on the new computer?
No. For retail versions of Office Home and Business 2013, the product key is only used once during the initial setup to link the software to your Microsoft account. You must use that Microsoft account to reinstall and activate on future devices.
What if I forgot the Microsoft account I used to activate Office 2013?
You can try entering any email addresses you might have used on the Microsoft account recovery page. If you still cannot find it, you will need to contact Microsoft Support and provide your original product key or proof of purchase for assistance.
Does uninstalling Office automatically deactivate the license?
Uninstalling Office from a computer does not automatically free up the activation slot. You must explicitly deactivate the installation through your Microsoft Services and Subscriptions page or by contacting Microsoft Support, especially if the device was lost.
Is Office 2013 still supported by Microsoft?
Microsoft officially ended extended support for Office 2013 on April 11, 2023. While you can still activate and use it, you will no longer receive security updates or technical support, making alternative office suites a safer long-term choice.
