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Activation Problems

What to Do When Office LTSC 2024 Preview Expires

Maira MehtabMaira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 876 views

Question details

The user needs to know how to restore full software functionality after their Microsoft Office LTSC 2024 Preview period has ended.

Product
Microsoft Office LTSC 2024
Device & OS
not provided
Scenario
The preview period for the enterprise Office software has concluded.
Observed behavior
The Office suite enters reduced-functionality mode, causing most editing and creation features to become disabled.
Before you start

Ensure you have acquired a valid commercial license key for the full release of Office LTSC 2024 from Microsoft or your organization's IT department.

Solution 1Recommended

Activate the Existing Installation with a Valid License

You can restore full functionality directly by applying a production license without needing to uninstall the preview version.

When the preview expires, the software simply restricts features. Microsoft allows a seamless transition to the full version by inputting a permanent volume license. The exact tool you use depends on your operating system.

1
Obtain the correct license key or tool

Retrieve your Key Management Service (KMS) key or Multiple Activation Key (MAK) for Windows deployments. For Mac users, obtain the Volume License Serializer.

2
Apply the license to your installation

Deploy the MAK or KMS key using your organization's standard volume activation tools for Windows. On a Mac, run the Volume License Serializer package.

3
Verify activation

Restart your Office applications. Check the Account or License section within Word or Excel to confirm that the reduced-functionality mode has been removed and the product says 'Activated'.

Microsoft Documentation: For detailed deployment commands, administrators should refer to Microsoft's official guidance on updating from Office LTSC Preview.
Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office: A Free and Highly Compatible Alternative

If your Office LTSC 2024 Preview has expired and you need a reliable office suite without purchasing an expensive commercial volume license, WPS Office is an excellent solution. It offers professional-grade word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations completely free of charge.

  1. 1. Download the software: Navigate to the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
  2. 2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded installer and follow the quick setup wizard to complete the installation.
  3. 3. Open your files instantly: Double-click any of your existing Microsoft Office documents. They will automatically open in WPS Office with formatting perfectly preserved.
Seamlessly compatible with Microsoft Office file formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx).Free to use without worrying about unexpected trial expirations or reduced functionality.Familiar ribbon interface guarantees a zero learning curve for quick migration.Lightweight architecture ensures smooth performance on a variety of devices.
microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to uninstall Office LTSC 2024 Preview before upgrading to the full version?

Generally, no. You do not need to uninstall the preview version. You can simply activate the existing installation using a valid Office LTSC 2024 commercial license to unlock all features.

What happens in reduced-functionality mode?

When the preview expires and enters reduced-functionality mode, most features are disabled. You will still be able to open, view, and print existing documents, but you will not be able to edit them or create new ones.

What activation methods are supported for the full release of Office LTSC 2024?

For Windows, you can activate using a Key Management Service (KMS) or a Multiple Activation Key (MAK). For macOS, activation is handled via the Volume License Serializer provided by Microsoft.