'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
How to Transfer and Install Office 2016 License on Another Mac
Question details
The user needs to transfer an existing Microsoft Office 2016 license to a new Intel MacBook Pro, but the original product key is showing as already redeemed.
- Product
- Microsoft Office 2016 for Mac
- Device & OS
- Mac (Intel MacBook Pro)
- Scenario
- Upgrading to a new Mac and attempting to reinstall a previously purchased perpetual Office 2016 license using the original box and key.
- Observed behavior
- The Microsoft account reports that the product key has already been redeemed, preventing a straightforward installation and activation on the new computer.
Ensure you have the login credentials for the Microsoft account originally used to redeem your Office 2016 product key, as the license is securely bound to that account rather than the physical key itself.
Deactivate the Old Mac and Reinstall via Microsoft Account
Since the product key is already linked to your account, you must manage the installation through Microsoft's online portal to release the license from the old device.
A perpetual Office 2016 license is generally transferable to another device, but it can only be active on one Mac at a time. The physical product key is only used once to bind the software to your Microsoft account.
Open a web browser on your new Mac and navigate to account.microsoft.com/services. Log in with the Microsoft account associated with your Office 2016 purchase.
Locate your Office 2016 product in the subscription list, select 'Install', and click the option to deactivate the installation on your previous Mac.
On your new Intel MacBook Pro, ensure you uninstall any pre-installed Microsoft 365 trial versions. Leaving trial software installed can cause activation conflicts with your 2016 license.
Click the 'Install' button to download the Office 2016 installer directly from your account, run the setup file, and sign in to activate it.
Contact Microsoft Support for License Transfer
If the online portal does not allow deactivation or displays an 'already in use' error during activation, you will need manual assistance from the support team.
Switch to WPS Office for a Modern Mac Experience
Microsoft Office 2016 for Mac reached its end of support in October 2020. This means it no longer receives security updates and its compatibility with newer macOS versions is not guaranteed. Switch to WPS Office for a modern, lightweight, and completely free alternative that handles all your documents without frustrating license transfer limits.
- 1. Download the installer: Visit the official WPS website and download the Mac version of WPS Office.
- 2. Install on your Mac: Open the downloaded package and drag the WPS Office application into your Mac's Applications folder.
- 3. Open existing files seamlessly: Launch WPS Office and directly open your older Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents with perfect formatting preserved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I simply delete the Office applications from my old Mac to transfer the license?
No. Uninstalling the software or dragging the applications to the Trash does not communicate with Microsoft's activation servers. You must log into your Microsoft account online and actively deactivate the old device before activating the new one.
Why is my original Office 2016 product key showing as 'already redeemed'?
Perpetual Office keys are one-time use codes designed to bind the software permanently to your Microsoft account. To install the software again on a new device, you must download the installer directly from your account's Services & subscriptions page, rather than typing in the product key again.
Will Office 2016 run properly on my new Intel MacBook Pro?
Office 2016 for Mac is completely out of official support. While it might successfully install, compatibility with recent macOS versions is not guaranteed. Furthermore, you will not receive any further security patches or feature updates.
