License & Subscription Issues

How to Activate and Transfer Microsoft Office Included with a New Laptop

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to understand how to reactivate a pre-installed Microsoft Office license after reinstalling Windows, and whether a device-bundled Office license can be transferred to a different computer.

Product: Microsoft Office
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Reinstalling the operating system on an existing laptop or attempting to move an included Office license to a newly built or replacement PC.
Observed behavior: The user needs clarity on Microsoft's licensing policy regarding the reactivation on the same hardware and the transferability limits of a lifetime or device-linked Office entitlement.

Before you start

Ensure you have the login credentials for the Microsoft account you initially used to set up the laptop, as pre-installed licenses are digitally linked to this account.

Solution 1Recommended

Reactivate Office After Reinstalling Windows

If you reinstall Windows on the exact same laptop, you can safely restore your included Office license using your Microsoft account.

Sign in to your Microsoft Account

Open your web browser and navigate to the Microsoft Services & Subscriptions page. Sign in using the exact Microsoft account you used when you first activated the laptop.

Locate the Office Entitlement

Look through your purchase history or active subscriptions list to find the pre-installed Office version associated with your device.

Install and Reactivate

Click the 'Install' button next to the Office product to download the setup file. Once installed, log into any Office app (like Word or Excel) with the same account to automatically reactivate it.

Check Microsoft Store Offers

Alternatively, open the Microsoft Store app on your laptop, navigate to your 'Library', and click on 'Included with device' to see if your Office license is listed there for download.

Missing Entitlement: If you cannot find the Office entitlement in your account after a clean Windows install, contact Microsoft Support to verify your device's licensing status.

Solution 2

Transferring a Device-Bundled Office License to a New PC

Understand the limitations of OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) or device-bundled Office licenses when moving to a new computer.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Use WPS Office When Your License Cannot Be Transferred

If your pre-installed Microsoft Office license is locked to your old laptop and you need a powerful productivity suite for your new PC, WPS Office is an excellent free, lightweight, and easy-to-use alternative.

1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website on your new computer and click the 'Free Download' button.
2. Install the Software: Run the downloaded executable file and follow the straightforward on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
3. Open Your Files: Launch WPS Office and immediately start opening, editing, and saving your existing Microsoft Office documents without any subscription fees.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats, ensuring your Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files open flawlessly on your new PC.Free to download and use on any new computer or custom-built desktop without worrying about transfer restrictions.Lightweight installation that doesn't consume excessive system resources, perfect for any hardware setup.Features a familiar tabbed user interface, allowing for a seamless transition with no learning curve.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my pre-installed Office not showing up in my Microsoft account?

This usually happens if the included Office offer was never properly redeemed through the Microsoft Store before reinstalling Windows, or if you are currently signed into a different Microsoft account than the one used during the initial laptop setup.

Can I transfer my Office license if my laptop's motherboard is replaced under warranty?

Yes. If your motherboard is replaced under warranty by the original manufacturer, Microsoft treats this as the same device. You may need to contact Microsoft Support with your repair documentation to assist in reactivating the device-linked Office license.

Does reinstalling Windows 10 or 11 remove my Office license permanently?

No. Reinstalling Windows on the exact same hardware does not permanently delete your license. The license is digitally linked to your Microsoft account and the hardware, meaning you can easily reinstall and reactivate it by signing in.

Login & Account Issues