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How to Use One Microsoft 365 Subscription on a Surface and Desktop
Question details
The user wants to know how to install and activate Microsoft 365 applications on both a Surface Pro and a desktop PC using a single subscription plan.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Setting up Office applications on multiple personal computers under one active subscription.
- Observed behavior
- The user needs to authenticate and download Microsoft 365 on additional devices without purchasing a new license.
Ensure you have the login credentials for the Microsoft account associated with your active Microsoft 365 Personal or Family subscription.
Install Microsoft 365 on Additional Devices
You can install Microsoft 365 on all your devices and remain signed in on up to five devices at the same time using the same account.
Whether you have a Personal or Family subscription, the primary subscriber is entitled to use the software on up to five devices simultaneously. This means you do not need separate licenses for your Surface Pro and desktop.
On your second device (e.g., your Surface or desktop), open a web browser and navigate to the Microsoft account services and subscriptions page.
Log in using the Microsoft account email and password that currently owns the active Microsoft 365 subscription.
Locate your Microsoft 365 subscription in the list and click the 'Install premium Office apps' button to download the setup file.
Run the downloaded setup file. Once the installation is complete, launch any Office application (like Word) and sign in when prompted to activate the software on the new device.
Share a Microsoft 365 Family Subscription
If you want another person to use Microsoft 365 on their own devices, you can share a Family subscription with up to five additional people.
Try WPS Office for Free Across All Your Devices
If you want to avoid strict device limits and recurring subscription fees, WPS Office is a highly compatible, lightweight, and free alternative to Microsoft Office. With a single account, you can effortlessly view, edit, and sync your documents across Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS without worrying about managing family sharing or license restrictions.
- 1. Download the software: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the installation package for your desktop or tablet.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the installer and follow the quick on-screen instructions to set up the software.
- 3. Sign in to sync: Log in with a free WPS account to enable cloud storage and synchronize your documents across all your devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many devices can I use with Microsoft 365 Personal?
Microsoft 365 Personal allows a single user to install the Office applications on all their personal devices and remain signed in on up to 5 devices at the same time.
Can my family members use my Microsoft 365 Personal subscription?
No, the Personal plan is licensed for one person only. If you want to share Office apps with other people, you must purchase or upgrade to the Microsoft 365 Family plan, which supports up to 6 people in total.
Do I need to buy a separate license for my Surface Pro and my desktop?
No. Because a single Microsoft 365 subscription supports up to 5 concurrent device logins per user, you can use the same account to install and activate Office on both your Surface Pro and your desktop computer.
What happens if I sign into a 6th device?
If you exceed the 5-device limit, Microsoft will automatically sign you out of a device to stay within the limit. You can also manually manage your active devices by visiting the 'Devices' section of your Microsoft account online.
