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How to Install Office 2019 for Mac Using a Windows License
Question details
The user wants to transfer an existing Office 2019 lifetime license from a Windows PC to a Mac without repurchasing the software.
- Product
- Microsoft Office 2019
- Device & OS
- Windows, macOS
- Scenario
- Migrating to a new Mac computer and attempting to use an already purchased Windows Office 2019 license.
- Observed behavior
- Needs instructions on verifying if the license is transferable across platforms and the correct process to download and activate the Mac version.
Verify your Microsoft Office 2019 license type. Only retail licenses purchased directly from Microsoft or authorized retailers can be transferred; OEM (preinstalled) licenses are tied to the original Windows hardware and cannot be moved to a Mac.
Transfer a Retail Office 2019 License to Mac
Use this method if you purchased a transferable retail license of Office 2019 separately from your computer.
Before installing Office on your new Mac, you must uninstall it from your old Windows PC. The Windows and Mac versions use different installers, but a transferable retail license allows you to activate the Mac version using your Microsoft account.
On your old PC, go to Settings > Apps, locate Microsoft Office 2019, and click Uninstall. Alternatively, download and run the Microsoft uninstall support tool to completely remove it.
Open a web browser on your Mac and sign in to the Microsoft account that was originally used to purchase or register the Office 2019 license.
Navigate to the 'Services & subscriptions' section of your Microsoft account dashboard to find your licensed products.
Locate Office 2019 in your list of purchased products and click 'Install'. The system will automatically detect you are on macOS and download the correct installer package.
Run the downloaded installer package on your Mac and follow the on-screen prompts. When prompted, sign in with your Microsoft account to complete the activation.
Handling OEM or Preinstalled Licenses
Understand your options if your Office 2019 license came preinstalled on your Windows PC.
Try WPS Office for Mac - A Free and Seamless Alternative
If your Office 2019 license is an OEM version and cannot be transferred to your Mac, you don't have to buy a new, expensive license. WPS Office is a highly compatible, free alternative that works beautifully on macOS.
- 1. Download for Mac: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the macOS installation package.
- 2. Install the application: Open the downloaded file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
- 3. Open and edit files: Launch WPS Office to instantly open, edit, and save your existing Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files for free.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my Office 2019 license is Retail or OEM?
If you purchased Office 2019 separately (either in a physical box or a digital download from Microsoft or another retailer), it is a transferable Retail license. If it came already installed on your computer at the time of purchase, it is a non-transferable OEM license.
Can I run my Windows version of Office 2019 on Mac using a virtual machine?
Yes. If your license is strictly for Windows or is non-transferable to macOS, you can install Windows on your Mac using virtual machine software like Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion, and then install your Windows version of Office 2019 within that environment.
Do I need a new product key to install Office 2019 on my Mac?
No, if you have a transferable Retail license, you do not need a new product key. The license is digitally linked to your Microsoft account. You simply sign in to your account on the Mac and download the software from there.
Will a Microsoft 365 subscription work on both Windows and Mac?
Yes. Unlike standalone Office 2019 licenses that require transfer steps, a Microsoft 365 subscription is account-based and cross-platform. It allows you to install and use Office apps simultaneously on multiple devices, including both Windows PCs and Macs.
