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How to Transfer Microsoft 365 from Digital River to a New Laptop
Question details
The user needs to transfer an existing Microsoft 365 license purchased through Digital River or the Workplace Discount Program to a newly purchased laptop.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Upgrading to a new laptop and needing to reinstall and activate a Microsoft 365 license that does not have a traditional product key.
- Observed behavior
- The user requires the correct installation and activation procedure, as the Digital River license is tied to a Microsoft account rather than a specific device or product key.
Ensure you have the exact login credentials (email and password) for the Microsoft account that was originally used to purchase or link the license via the Workplace Discount Program.
Install and Activate via Microsoft Account Services
Use your Microsoft account dashboard on the new laptop to download, install, and automatically activate your Microsoft 365 subscription.
Licenses purchased through Digital River and the Workplace Discount Program are digitally tied to your Microsoft account instead of a 25-character product key. You can transfer the software simply by logging into the Microsoft portal on your new device.
On your new laptop, open a web browser and navigate to https://account.microsoft.com/services.
Log in using the specific Microsoft account associated with your Digital River or Workplace Discount Program license.
Locate your Office or Microsoft 365 subscription on the dashboard and click the 'Install' button to download the setup file.
Run the downloaded installer. Once the installation is complete, open any application (like Word or Excel) and sign in again with your Microsoft account to activate the software.
Troubleshoot Activation Failures
Steps to take if your Microsoft 365 installation fails to activate on the new laptop after downloading it from your account.
Try WPS Office for a Free and Seamless Experience
If you are struggling to transfer your Microsoft 365 license or prefer to avoid subscription renewals on your new laptop, WPS Office provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and free alternative to get your work done immediately.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free version suited for your new laptop's operating system.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the setup file and follow the quick installation prompts. The lightweight package installs in minutes.
- 3. Open Your Existing Files: Launch WPS Office and instantly open your .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx files with perfect formatting preservation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a product key to transfer Microsoft 365 from Digital River?
No. Licenses acquired through the Workplace Discount Program via Digital River are linked directly to your Microsoft account. You only need to sign in to your account on the new laptop to download and activate the software.
Do I have to uninstall Microsoft 365 from my old laptop first?
You do not strictly need to uninstall it first if your subscription allows for multiple simultaneous device installations. However, if you have reached your device limit, you can sign out of Office on the old laptop or manage your active devices through your Microsoft account dashboard.
What if I forgot which Microsoft account is linked to my license?
Search your personal email accounts for the original purchase confirmation from Digital River or the Workplace Discount Program. The email address that received the receipt is typically the one linked to your license.
Why is my Microsoft 365 failing to activate on the new laptop?
Activation can fail if you are signed in with the wrong Microsoft account, if your subscription has expired, or due to network issues. Ensure you are using the correct credentials, and if the issue persists, note the error code and contact Microsoft Support.
