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How to Reinstall Microsoft 365 After Reinstalling Windows or macOS
Question details
The user needs to reinstall and activate Microsoft 365 Family after reinstalling the operating system on their computer.
- Product
- Microsoft 365 Family
- Device & OS
- Windows, macOS
- Scenario
- Setting up a computer and restoring Office applications after a clean operating system installation.
- Observed behavior
- The user wants to install their Office suite and ensure their existing subscription is recognized properly without losing a license.
Ensure you have a stable internet connection and the login credentials for the Microsoft account linked to your Microsoft 365 Family subscription.
Reinstall Microsoft 365 from your Microsoft Account
Use your associated Microsoft account to download and activate the Office installer without needing a new product key.
Your Microsoft 365 subscription is tied to your Microsoft account rather than your physical device. This means reinstalling the operating system will not consume an additional license from your Family plan.
Open your web browser and navigate to https://www.office.com/ or https://account.microsoft.com/services.
Log in using the Microsoft account email and password that are linked to your Microsoft 365 Family subscription.
Locate your subscription details on the dashboard and click on 'Install Office'. This will download the correct setup file for your current operating system (Windows or macOS).
Run the downloaded installation file. Once the installation finishes, open any Office application like Word or Excel, and sign in with your Microsoft account to activate the software.
Try WPS Office: A Free, Lightweight Alternative to Microsoft 365
Setting up a freshly reinstalled operating system? Consider installing WPS Office. It is a powerful, free alternative to Microsoft Office that is lightweight and requires no complex licensing. You can easily create, view, and edit documents across all your devices.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installer designed for your Windows or macOS system.
- 2. Install the application: Run the setup file and follow the quick on-screen instructions to deploy the suite on your computer.
- 3. Open and work seamlessly: Launch WPS Office and immediately start working with your existing Microsoft Office files without any compatibility issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does reinstalling my operating system use up another Microsoft 365 license?
No. Reinstalling Windows or macOS does not consume an additional license. Your Microsoft 365 Family subscription is tied to your Microsoft account, not the specific hardware or OS installation.
Do I need my original product key to reinstall Microsoft 365?
You do not need a product key if your subscription is already active. The product key was only used initially to link the subscription to your Microsoft account. Simply sign in to your account online to download the installer.
Can I install Microsoft 365 on a Mac if I previously used Windows?
Yes. Microsoft 365 Family is cross-platform. When you log into your Microsoft account from your Mac and select 'Install Office', it will automatically download the correct macOS version.
What if I forgot which Microsoft account is linked to my subscription?
You will need to go to the Microsoft account recovery page and use your alternate email or phone number to recover your credentials. The subscription can only be accessed via the originally linked account.
