'%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 Reinstall Office on a New Computer Using an Existing License
Question details
The user needs to know how to install Microsoft Office on a new computer after their original laptop was damaged, and whether an existing Office 2013 product key can be reused.
- Product
- Microsoft Office
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Replacing a damaged computer and attempting to migrate an existing Microsoft Office installation to the new hardware.
- Observed behavior
- The user wants to transfer a preinstalled Office license from a broken laptop and reuse a retail Office 2013 product key on a different machine.
Verify whether your Microsoft Office license is an OEM (preinstalled) or Retail version, and ensure you have the login credentials for the Microsoft account associated with your Office purchase.
Transfer a Retail Office License via Your Microsoft Account
Retail licenses of Office, such as a separately purchased Office 2013 key, can typically be transferred to a new computer using the associated Microsoft account.
A retail version of Office 2013 is transferable under its license terms. If you have previously redeemed your product key, the license is permanently linked to your Microsoft account. You do not need the original product key to reinstall; you only need to sign in and download the installer from your account dashboard.
Go to the official Microsoft Account website and sign in with the email address and password associated with your Office purchase.
Click on the 'Services & subscriptions' tab located in the top navigation menu of your account dashboard.
Locate your Office 2013 product in the list of services and click the 'Install' link to download the setup file to your new computer.
Understanding Preinstalled (OEM) License Limitations
Clarification on why preinstalled OEM Office versions cannot be moved to a new device.
Use WPS Office on Your New Computer for Free
If your Office license is a non-transferable OEM version and you do not want to purchase a new one, WPS Office is a highly compatible, free, and lightweight alternative that opens all Microsoft Office files natively.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website on your new computer and click the 'Free Download' button.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded setup file and follow the simple on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
- 3. Open Your Files: Launch WPS Office to instantly view, edit, and save your existing Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents without formatting loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my Office license is OEM or Retail?
OEM licenses typically come preinstalled on a new computer at the time of purchase and are tied to that specific hardware. Retail licenses are purchased separately, either online or in a physical store, and can usually be transferred to a new device.
Can I transfer Office 2013 without the 25-character product key?
Yes, if you previously linked the Office 2013 product key to your Microsoft account. You can simply log into your Microsoft account on the new computer, navigate to 'Services & subscriptions', and download the installer from there without needing to re-enter the product key.
What should I do if my original computer is broken and I cannot uninstall Office first?
If you own a retail license, you can still install Office on the new computer. If activation fails because the license registers as active on the broken PC, select the option to activate by telephone. The automated system or support agent will help you activate it after you confirm the original hardware is no longer in use.
Can I use the same Office product key on two computers at once?
No. Standard retail licenses for older standalone versions like Office 2013 only permit installation on one computer at a time. To install it on a second computer, it must first be uninstalled or deactivated from the first machine.
