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How to Check Microsoft Office Version and Move to a New PC
Question details
The user needs to identify their current version of Microsoft Office or Microsoft 365 and successfully transfer their software subscription and installation from an old computer to a new one.
- Product
- Microsoft Office / Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Transferring an active Microsoft Office subscription to a replacement computer.
- Observed behavior
- The user requires step-by-step instructions to verify their product version, deactivate it on the old device, and install and activate it on the new device.
Ensure you have the login credentials for the Microsoft account associated with your Office subscription and a stable internet connection on the new computer.
Check Office Version and Transfer Subscription to a New PC
Follow these standard steps to verify your Microsoft Office version, sign out on your old device, and reinstall the software on your new computer.
Transferring Microsoft 365 or Office requires you to sign out of the application on your old device to free up the activation limit, and then sign in on the new device using the same Microsoft account.
Open Word, Excel, or another Office app on your old computer. Select 'File' from the top menu, click on 'Account', and review the subscription and version details under 'Product Information'.
While still in the 'File' > 'Account' menu on the old computer, locate your account under 'User Information' and click 'Sign Out' to deactivate the license on that device.
On your replacement computer, open a web browser and navigate to the Microsoft 365 website. Sign in using the exact same Microsoft account linked to your subscription.
From your Microsoft account dashboard, select the option to install Office. Download the installer, run it, and follow the on-screen prompts to install the applications.
Once installed, open any Office application on the new computer and sign in again with your Microsoft account to confirm the subscription is linked and activated.
Switch to WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Experience Across Devices
If managing Microsoft Office licenses, subscriptions, and device limits is becoming a hassle, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and free alternative to Microsoft Office, allowing you to seamlessly open, edit, and save Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files without complex transfer procedures.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website on your new computer and download the free software installer.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the installer to complete the quick and lightweight installation process in just a few minutes.
- 3. Sign In and Sync: Sign in with a free WPS account to instantly sync your documents, templates, and preferences across all your devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to uninstall Office from my old computer?
While signing out deactivates the license, it is highly recommended to uninstall Microsoft Office from the old computer if you plan to give it away, sell it, or recycle it. This ensures your software and personal data are fully removed.
What if I forgot which Microsoft account is linked to my Office subscription?
You can open an Office app on your old computer, go to File > Account, and look under User Information to see the email address currently signed in and associated with your active product.
Can I transfer a one-time purchase of Office to a new computer?
Yes, but one-time purchases (like Office Home & Student 2021) can only be installed on one computer at a time. You must fully uninstall it from the original computer before installing and activating it on the new one.
Will I lose my files when transferring Office to a new PC?
No, transferring your Office subscription only affects the application software. Your documents and files remain safe, but you must manually move local files to the new PC using a USB flash drive or access them via cloud storage like OneDrive.
