'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
How to Recover Word 2016 After Resetting a Dell PC
Question details
The user needs to reinstall Microsoft Word 2016 after resetting their Dell computer and wants to know if one-time licenses for Word 2016 can still be purchased.
- Product
- Microsoft Word 2016
- Device & OS
- Dell PC
- Scenario
- Restoring software applications and licenses after performing a factory reset on a desktop or laptop computer.
- Observed behavior
- The Word 2016 application is removed following a system reset, requiring the user to locate their original digital license or find a way to repurchase the software.
Ensure you have the login credentials for the Microsoft account you originally used to purchase or activate your copy of Word 2016.
Reinstall Word 2016 from Your Microsoft Account
Use this method if you purchased Word 2016 independently and linked the digital license to your personal Microsoft account.
Navigate to the official Microsoft Account dashboard in your web browser and sign in using the email address associated with your original Word 2016 purchase.
Click on the 'Services & subscriptions' tab located at the top of the page. This section displays your complete digital purchase history and active software licenses.
Scroll through the list until you find Office 2016 or Word 2016. Click the 'Install' button next to the product to begin downloading the setup file, then follow the on-screen prompts to reinstall.
Recover Word 2016 Bundled with Your Dell PC
If Word 2016 came pre-installed on your Dell computer when you bought it, you may need to use Dell's built-in software recovery tools.
Explore Modern One-Time Purchase Alternatives
If you cannot recover your old license, you will need to look into newer versions, as Microsoft no longer officially sells Word 2016.
Use WPS Office as a Free Alternative to Word 2016
If you cannot recover your Word 2016 license and prefer not to pay for a new Office version, WPS Office is a highly compatible, completely free, and lightweight alternative for your Dell PC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still buy a one-time license for Word 2016 from Microsoft?
No, Microsoft has discontinued the sale of Word 2016 and Office 2016. If you want a one-time purchase without a subscription, they currently offer Office 2021 and Office 2024.
Are cheap third-party Office 2016 product keys legitimate?
Most heavily discounted keys sold by unauthorized third parties are for 'Professional Plus' volume licenses. These are designed for corporate environments, are strictly against Microsoft's consumer terms of service, and can be abruptly disabled.
Will I lose my Word 2016 documents if I reset my Dell PC?
Resetting your PC removes installed applications, including Word 2016. However, if you chose the 'Keep my files' option during the Windows reset process, your actual Word documents remain intact on your hard drive. You just need to reinstall Word or a compatible alternative to open them.
How do I find my original Office 2016 product key?
If you purchased a physical copy, the 25-character key is inside the retail box. If you bought it digitally or successfully activated it online in the past, the license is now linked to your Microsoft account rather than relying on a standalone product key.
