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How to Release Office 2021 Licenses from Other Computers
Question details
The user needs to release an Office 2021 license from previously activated computers because the maximum activation limit has been reached.
- Product
- Microsoft Office 2021
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- The user activated Office 2021 on multiple replacement computers while the original computer was being repaired, exhausting the license allowance.
- Observed behavior
- Office 2021 displays an error stating that all activations have been used and prevents activation on the repaired computer.
Ensure you have your 25-character Office 2021 product key, proof of purchase, and the credentials for the Microsoft account associated with the license before proceeding.
Contact Microsoft Support to Release the Activations
Since Office 2021 perpetual licenses do not allow self-service deactivation online, you must contact Microsoft Support by phone to request a manual release of the license.
Perpetual licenses for Office 2021 are tied to a strict number of devices. When you exceed this limit—even temporarily on replacement computers—Microsoft's activation servers lock the license. Because there is no button in your Microsoft account to remotely deactivate Office 2021 installations, you must verify your identity with a support representative to reset the activation counter.
Open the Control Panel or Windows Settings on the temporary computers that no longer need the software, navigate to 'Programs and Features' or 'Apps', and completely uninstall Microsoft Office 2021.
Locate your Office 2021 product key, your original purchase receipt or invoice, and write down the email address of the Microsoft account used to buy or register the software.
Visit the official Microsoft Support phone directory at https://support.microsoft.com/help/c0389ade-5640-e588-8b0e-28de8afeb3f2. Select your specific country or region to find the correct activation support telephone number.
Call the support number and explain to the representative that your original computer was being repaired and you had to use temporary devices. Provide your product key and ask them to release the previous activations so you can activate it on your main computer.
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- 1. Download the software: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
- 2. Install in seconds: Run the lightweight installer, which takes only a few minutes and minimal system resources to complete.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deactivate Office 2021 online through my Microsoft account?
Unlike Microsoft 365 subscriptions, Office 2021 is a one-time purchase (perpetual license). In most cases, you cannot manually deactivate it via the online portal and must contact Microsoft Support by phone to release the license.
Why does Office 2021 say the activation limit is reached?
This error occurs when the product key has been activated on the maximum number of allowed devices. Even if you only used temporary computers during a repair, Microsoft's activation servers count each device as a used activation.
Do I need to uninstall Office 2021 before transferring the license?
Yes, you should uninstall the software from the old or temporary computers before attempting to activate it on your new or repaired device. This complies with the software license terms and may be required by the support representative.
What information is needed when contacting Microsoft for activation help?
You will need to provide your 25-character product key, proof of purchase (like a receipt or invoice), and the email address of the Microsoft account associated with the Office 2021 purchase.
