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How to Reactivate Office 2019 After Reinstalling Windows
Question details
The user wants to know if and how they can reactivate a preinstalled Microsoft Office 2019 license after reinstalling the Windows operating system.
- Product
- Microsoft Office 2019
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Reinstalling the Windows operating system or replacing the system drive on a PC that came with preinstalled Office 2019.
- Observed behavior
- The user needs to ensure their Office 2019 license is securely linked to their account so it can be reactivated successfully after a system wipe.
Do not proceed with the Windows reinstallation until you have verified that your Office 2019 license is explicitly linked to your Microsoft account.
Verify and Reactivate Office 2019 via Microsoft Account
Check your Microsoft account to ensure the license is linked before reinstalling, and use it to reactivate afterward.
A preinstalled Office 2019 license is not automatically tied to your device forever. It must be manually redeemed and linked to a personal Microsoft account to ensure it survives a Windows reinstallation or a hard drive replacement.
Before reinstalling Windows, open a web browser and go to the Microsoft account Services & subscriptions page. Log in with the account you used to set up your PC.
Scroll through your purchased products and subscriptions. Look for 'Office 2019' to confirm that the preinstalled license is successfully linked to your account.
Once confirmed, you can safely proceed with reinstalling the Windows operating system or replacing your system drive.
After Windows is set up, return to the Services & subscriptions page, click 'Install' next to your Office 2019 license, and sign in with the same account in any Office app to activate it.
Recover an Unredeemed Preinstalled Office License
If you reinstalled Windows without ever redeeming your preinstalled Office 2019, you will need to contact support to attempt recovery.
Try WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Experience
Skip the complicated activation processes, license linking, and recovery steps. WPS Office offers a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office, allowing you to create, edit, and save Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files effortlessly.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the lightweight installer and follow the on-screen instructions to set up WPS Office on your freshly installed Windows system.
- 3. Open Your Files: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Word, Excel, or PowerPoint documents without worrying about activation codes or accounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I lose Office 2019 if I replace my hard drive?
Not if the license was successfully redeemed and linked to your Microsoft account. You can simply reinstall it from your account's Services & subscriptions page onto the new drive without purchasing a new copy.
How do I know if my preinstalled Office 2019 is linked?
Log in to your Microsoft account online and navigate to the Services & subscriptions tab. If Office 2019 is listed under your products, it is successfully linked and safe from a system wipe.
Can I transfer my Office 2019 license to another computer?
Generally, preinstalled (OEM) Office 2019 licenses are permanently tied to the original hardware. While they survive a Windows reinstall on the same PC, they cannot be legally transferred to a completely new computer, even if linked to your account.
Do I need a product key to reactivate Office 2019?
No. If your license is linked to a Microsoft account, you do not need the 25-character product key. Your digital license is activated automatically when you download the software from your account and sign in.
