Product Key Issues

How to Use a New Microsoft 365 Product Key Before Expiry on Mac

Maira Mehtab Sep 27, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to know how to apply a new Microsoft 365 product key on a Mac computer while an existing annual subscription is still active, while ensuring their files are not deleted.

Product: Microsoft 365
Device & OS: Mac
Scenario: Renewing or extending an active Microsoft 365 subscription using a newly purchased product key.
Observed behavior: The user wants to successfully activate the new product key and manage the previous subscription online without interrupting file access or losing local data.

Before you start

Ensure you are connected to the internet and have your new 25-character Microsoft 365 product key ready before opening your Office applications.

Solution 1Recommended

Apply the New Product Key via Office Applications

You can quickly apply your new Microsoft 365 product key directly through the account settings within your installed Office apps.

Applying a new key before your current subscription expires will typically stack the duration, extending your subscription time seamlessly. The transition does not affect your locally saved documents or OneDrive files.

Open an Office App

Launch Microsoft Word or Excel on your Mac.

Navigate to Account Settings

Click on 'File' in the menu and select 'Account'.

Enter the New Code

Choose 'Change Product Key' or 'Renew Subscription', and then type in your new 25-character product key.

Manage Subscription Online

To manage or cancel your previous subscription, visit account.microsoft.com in your web browser and navigate to the 'Services & subscriptions' tab.

Data Safety: Changing your subscription or product key will not delete your files. However, maintaining independent backups of important data is always good practice.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Avoid Subscription Hassles with WPS Office for Mac

If you are tired of managing product keys and paying for recurring annual subscriptions, WPS Office offers a powerful, free alternative. Enjoy full compatibility with Microsoft file formats in a lightweight app designed specifically for Mac users.

1. Download the App: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package for Mac.
2. Install WPS Office: Run the installer and follow the on-screen prompts to set up the software on your device.
3. Open Existing Documents: Launch WPS Office and directly open your Microsoft 365 files to edit them without losing any formatting.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formatsFree to use with no expensive annual subscriptions requiredFamiliar user interface makes switching effortlessLightweight design ensures fast performance on macOS

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my remaining subscription time if I apply a new key early?

No, in most cases, redeeming a new Microsoft 365 product key for the same subscription tier simply adds the new duration (e.g., 12 months) to your remaining subscription time.

Does changing my Microsoft 365 product key delete files saved on my Mac?

No, updating your subscription or product key only updates your account licensing. Your local files, documents, and data saved on OneDrive remain completely unaffected and will not be deleted.

Where can I find my 25-character product key?

Your product key is typically printed on the physical card if purchased in-store, or included in your digital receipt sent via email if purchased online.

Can I redeem the new product key on a different Microsoft account?

If you want to extend your current subscription and keep your OneDrive files associated with your current storage, you must redeem the new product key on your existing Microsoft account.

Installation & Activation