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How to Find and Activate Microsoft Office 2019, 2021, or 365 on Your Dell Computer

Summary: Online support for Microsoft Office 2019, 2021, and 365 that is installed on your Dell computer.

This article may have been automatically translated. If you have any feedback regarding its quality, please let us know using the form at the bottom of this page.

Article Content


Symptoms

No symptoms information.

Cause

No cause information.

Resolution

 
Note: Registrations to domain based email addresses can be used, if office is activated before the computer is joined to the domain. There is a 25 account limit for each email address whether the email address is a personal or a business email address.
 

MS Office Activate in Windows 10

Duration: 02:33
Closed captions: English only

Note: This video makes use of Windows 10 to walk you through the Activation process. However, the steps in this video are applicable for Office Activation on Windows 11 as well.

 

Getting started (Prerequisites)


Active Internet Connection
To redeem and activate Microsoft Office that is installed on your computer, you need an active Internet connection. If your computer shows connectivity issues, use the Windows Network Troubleshooter This hyperlink is taking you to a website outside of Dell Technologies. to correct the problem.

 


Windows is Activated
Microsoft Windows 10 or 11 must be activated before you can redeem and activate Microsoft Office 2019, 2021, or 365.
To check the activation status in Windows 10 or 11, select the Start button.

  • Select Settings icon.
  • Select Update & Security, and then select Activation. This page indicates whether Windows is activated.

If Windows is not activated, click Troubleshoot and follow the prompts.

 


Microsoft Account
A Microsoft account is required to access and save settings for Microsoft devices and services. This makes it simple to reinstall Office without a product key. If you do not have a Microsoft Account, go to Microsoft's support site This hyperlink is taking you to a website outside of Dell Technologies. to create an account.


Microsoft Office 2019, 2021 or 365 cannot activate without a valid Microsoft Account. More information about the requirement is available at Microsoft.com. This hyperlink is taking you to a website outside of Dell Technologies.

 


Microsoft Office Product Activation and Product Life-Cycle Policies

180-Day Activation Window
Subscription-based Office 365 and M365 products must be activated within 6 Months (180 days) from the time of Windows activation. The product eligibility will otherwise expire. Contact Microsoft directly for assistance at Microsoft.com/Support. This hyperlink is taking you to a website outside of Dell Technologies.


Microsoft Office 2016 - End of Service (EOS)
Office 2016 reached end of service (EOS) on 10-13-2020. Dell support is limited to “best effort.”


For additional info see the Microsoft Lifecycle page: Microsoft Office 2016 - Microsoft Lifecycle This hyperlink is taking you to a website outside of Dell Technologies.
Microsoft online content for Office legacy editions: Download and Install or Reinstall Office 2016 or Office 2013 - Microsoft Office This hyperlink is taking you to a website outside of Dell Technologies.

 


Microsoft Office Version

Did you order Microsoft Office 2019, 2021, or 365 with your computer?


If in doubt, check the order details of your computer.

 
Pre-Installed by Dell
Microsoft Office Version How does it show up on my computer configuration or invoice? Who can I contact for support?  
Microsoft Office 30 Day Trial   Microsoft Office 30 Days Trial Microsoft Support This hyperlink is taking you to a website outside of Dell Technologies.
     
Microsoft Office 2021 Axx-xxxx Microsoft Office Home and Student 2021
Axx-xxxx Microsoft Office Home and Business 2021
Axx-xxxx Microsoft Office Professional 2021
Activate Microsoft Office 2019 or 2021  
     
Microsoft Office 2019 Axx-xxxx Microsoft Office Home and Student 2019
Axx-xxxx Microsoft Office Home and Business 2019
Axx-xxxx Microsoft Office Professional 2019
Activate Microsoft Office 2019 or 2021  
     
Microsoft Office 2016 Axx-xxxx Microsoft Office Home & Business 2016 DFO  
Axx-xxxx Microsoft Office Home & Student 2016 DFO
Axx-xxxx Microsoft Office Professional 2016 DFO

Microsoft Office 2016 reached end of service (EOS) on 10-13-2020.
Dell can no longer support Microsoft Office 2016.
For additional info see the Microsoft Lifecycle page, the Microsoft EOS Community, or contact Microsoft directly.
Microsoft Office 2016 - Microsoft Lifecycle | Microsoft Docs This hyperlink is taking you to a website outside of Dell Technologies.
Microsoft Office End Of Support - Microsoft Tech Community This hyperlink is taking you to a website outside of Dell Technologies.
Microsoft Support This hyperlink is taking you to a website outside of Dell Technologies.

 

Ordered from Dell on Separate Order or Invoice
Microsoft Office Version How does it show up on my computer configuration or invoice?   Who can I contact for support?  
Microsoft Office 2019  AA359054 Microsoft Office Home and Student 2019
AA359053 Microsoft Office Home and Business 2019
AA359055 Microsoft Office Professional 2019
You can find product key and download link in your Dell Digital Locker Account.  
Additional information can be found in the Dell Digital Locker Guide.


If you purchased Microsoft Office through a retailer, contact your retailer for support.


Activate Microsoft Office 2019 or 2021


You received the computer and want to activate Microsoft Office 2019 or 2021 for the first time.
With all prerequisites in place, it is time to activate Office.


From the Windows desktop:

  • Click the Start button, and bring up the Windows start menu.
  • Click the Microsoft Word tile (Figure 1).
    Windows 10 Tiles
    Figure 1
     


The Office application presents the “You’ve got Office” screen. The version of Office that is purchased with the computer will be displayed here.

  • Click “Sign in” to sign into the Microsoft Account (Figure 2).
    You Got Office
    Figure 2
     
  • Enter the Microsoft Account and click Next (Figure 3).
    Microsoft Sign In
    Figure 3
     
  • Sign in with the Microsoft Account password (Figure 4).
    Microsoft Enter Password
    Figure 4
     
  • Accept the license agreement and follow the on-screen prompts (Figure 5).
    Microsoft Accept the License Agreement
    Figure 5
     


Office takes a few moments to update features and validate the license. Allow Office to finish this step (the duration varies depending on Internet connection speed and number of updates available for download) (Figure 6 - 9).
Office Getting Ready
Figure 6

Microsoft Getting Better Together
Figure 7

Microsoft respects Your Privacy
Figure 8

Microsoft Powering Your Experiences
Figure 9


Microsoft Office 2019 or 2021 is now activated and ready to use (Figure 10).
Meet Your New Office
Figure 10


Activate Microsoft Office 365


You received the device and want to activate Microsoft Office 365 for the first time.
With all prerequisites in place, it is time to activate Office.


From the Windows desktop:

  • Click the Start button, and bring up the Windows start menu.
  • Click the Microsoft Word tile (Figure 11).
    Windows 10 Tiles
    Figure 11


The Office application presents the “You’ve got Office” screen. The version of Office that is purchased with the computer will be displayed here.

  • Click “Sign in” to sign into the Microsoft Account (Figure 12).
    You Got Office
    Figure 12
     
  • Enter the Microsoft Account and click Next (Figure 13).
    Microsoft Sign In
    Figure 13
     
  • Sign in with the Microsoft Account password (Figure 14).
    Microsoft Enter Password
    Figure 14
     
  • Accept the license agreement and follow the on-screen prompts (Figure 15).
    Microsoft Accept the License Agreement
    Figure 15
     


Office takes a few moments to update features and validate the license. Allow Office to finish this step (the duration varies depending on Internet connection speed and number of updates available for download) (Figure 16 - 19).
Office Getting Ready
Figure 16

Microsoft Getting Better Together
Figure 17

Microsoft respects Your Privacy
Figure 18

Microsoft Powering Your Experiences
Figure 19


Microsoft Office 365 is now activated and ready to use (Figure 20).
Meet Your New Office
Figure 20


 
Note: The MSA account that is used for activation should not be on a Domain.


Follow below steps if you have to reinstall Microsoft Office after Windows, was reinstalled, or replaced the computer drive:

Go to Missing Office apps (missing on a new device, or after reinstalling Windows) (In the Troubleshooting section) to download and install the applications. Then proceed with the following steps.

 

From the Windows desktop:

  • Click the Start button, and bring up the Windows start menu.
  • Click the Microsoft Word tile (Figure 21).
    Windows 10 Tiles
    Figure 21
     

Click File -> Account (Figure 22 and 23).

  • Click "Sign in."
  • Enter the Microsoft Account credentials.
    Office Word File Option
    Figure 22

    Office Word Sign In To Office
    Figure 23
     

Microsoft Office 2019, 2021, or 365 is now activated (Figure 24).
Office Product Activation
Figure 24


 
Note: These steps apply to 2019, 2021, and 365.

Missing Office apps (missing on a new device, or after reinstalling Windows)


If you cannot locate Office apps like Word, and Excel open a web browser.

Browse to: Account.Microsoft.com/Services This hyperlink is taking you to a website outside of Dell Technologies.

Sign on with your Microsoft Account.

Select Services & Subscriptions.

Select View Product Key and Install (Figure 25).
Office Services and Subscriptions
Figure 25

The number of applications that are included with the Microsoft Office suite depends on the edition you purchased with the computer. You can find the list of applications that are included at Compare All Microsoft Office Products. This hyperlink is taking you to a website outside of Dell Technologies.


Select Install next to the Office version you purchased with the computer (Figure 26).
Install Office Option
Figure 26


Select a Different Microsoft Account

If you like to use a different Microsoft Account, Click on "use different account."
A new screen appears that allows you to enter sign information for an existing account (Figure 27):

  • Type MSA Email address.
  • Password.
  • Click "Sign In."
    Office Sign Into Account
    Figure 27
     

Microsoft Office will proceed with the activation process.

Create a Microsoft Account.
Go to the Microsoft account sign-in page This hyperlink is taking you to a website outside of Dell Technologies.

  • Next to the "No account" prompt, select "Create one!"
  • Fill out the form with your information, and create a password.
  • Select "Next."

If these steps do not resolve the issue, go to the "Contact Microsoft if the issue persists" section.


 
Note: If the steps in the Troubleshooting section do not resolve the issue, use the following steps.


Still have Problems?

If you still cannot download, install or activate Microsoft Office, contact Microsoft directly.

Click the link (Support.Microsoft.com This hyperlink is taking you to a website outside of Dell Technologies. ) to open the Microsoft Support Agent (opens in a different window).

Then select the "Contact Support link."

Answer the questions below.

Virtual Agent Question Answer
"I'm Microsoft's Virtual Agent. I'd love to help you.
You can also ask to talk to a person at any time. Please briefly describe your issue below."  
I cannot activate Office.  
Did this solve your problem? No


Choose from the contact options presented. The options may vary, depending on availability (Figure 28).
Office Support Options
Figure 28


If you purchased the computer directly from Dell, you can obtain a copy of the bill with the following steps. If you bought the computer from a third party (for example retailer), contact the retailer for a copy of the invoice.

  • Browse to: Dell.com/Support
  • Enter the SVCTAG of your computer, or click Detect and follow the prompts (Figure 29).
    Dell.com Enter Service Tag
    Figure 29
     
  • Click "Order Support" (top banner) (Figure 30).
    Dell.com Order Support
    Figure 30
     
  • Click "Access your Order Status Online" (Figure 31).
    Dell.com Access Your Order Status
    Figure 31
     
  • Enter your Order Number (Figure 32).
    Dell.com Enter Purchase ID or Order Number
    Figure 32
     
  • Click "View Invoice" (Figure 33).
    Dell.com View Invoice
    Figure 33
     
  • Enter your Customer Number (Figure 34).
    Dell.com Validate Order Information
    Figure 34
     

This should bring up a printable (.pdf) invoice.



Microsoft Account Requirements


Can I activate a Microsoft Office 2019, 2021, or 365 license without a Microsoft Account (MSA)?
No. Microsoft requires a Microsoft Account (MSA) and an active Internet connection for successful activation.


I have more than 25 new computers with Microsoft Office 2019, 2021, or 365 preinstalled. How can I track the licenses without creating multiple Microsoft Accounts (MSAs)?
Microsoft Accounts can only register up to 25 licenses per account. See Microsoft Knowkedge Base article How many 2016 home and business activations per live account. This hyperlink is taking you to a website outside of Dell Technologies. If you purchased more than 25 computers, you must maintain multiple Microsoft Accounts (MSA). There are no bypasses or exceptions to this process.


Dell recommends creating one MSA per computer. This simplifies the license tracking.

  • Browse to Account.Microsoft.com/Account. This hyperlink is taking you to a website outside of Dell Technologies.
  • Click “Create a Microsoft account.”
  • Click “Get a new email address” on the Create account page.
  • Use the Service Tag of your Dell computer as the email alias, example: ABCDEFG@Outlook.com
  • Click "Next" and follow the remaining steps.
  • Best Practice Tip:
    Use a secure password that is known to your IT or Network Administrators. This simplifies the account recovery process if necessary.


I lost or cannot remember my Microsoft Account (MSA) credentials.
If you cannot access your Microsoft Account, follow the steps in: Help with the Microsoft Account Recovery Form This hyperlink is taking you to a website outside of Dell Technologies.

Note: The process is fully automated. Dell cannot assist with MSA recovery or licensing transfer to another Microsoft Account.
Contact Microsoft directly at Contact Us - Microsoft Support This hyperlink is taking you to a website outside of Dell Technologies. for assistance with your MSA.

 


Commercial or Enterprise Deployment

 
Note: Office OEM licensing does not include a traditional 5x5 Product key and does not include reimaging rights. It is critical for IT organizations to accommodate their deployment to stay within compliance and achieve a seamless activation experience for their end users.


My organization limits access to public Internet. Can I activate Office OEM licensing?
No. Office and Windows OEM licensing require that the client computer can reach public Microsoft endpoints to register and activate the product successfully. See Office 365 URLs and IP Address Ranges This hyperlink is taking you to a website outside of Dell Technologies. and Server Endpoint URLs This hyperlink is taking you to a website outside of Dell Technologies. for correct firewall, proxy, and VPN configurations.


If the Office license cannot successfully activate, Office stays in trial mode for 30 days from the time the user launched any of the Office applications for the first time. The end user sees multiple notifications prior to the expiration date. Most features will be disabled after the trial period ends.


Dell recommends using Volume Licensing with Office Pro Plus for such environments. Contact your account team to find the best licensing option for your organization.


I ordered multiple computers with Microsoft Office 2019, 2021, or 365 preinstalled. Can I activate the all licenses at once?
No. Each computer must be activated individually. The activation must occur on the computer the license was purchased for.


Can I use or manage the Office product key in a Microsoft Key Management Server (KMS)?
No. Office OEM licensing does not include a traditional 5x5 product key and does not support reimaging rights. The license must be managed through the associated Microsoft Account (MSA).


Where is my 5x5 Product Key?
Office OEM licensing does not include a traditional 5x5 product key. The license is generated by Microsoft servers when Office is activated for the first time on the computer it was purchased with. Dell has no access to the license or product key and cannot provide 5x5 keys.


Can Dell provide a list of all Microsoft Office 2019, 2021, or 365 license keys that I ordered?
No. Office OEM licensing does not include a traditional 5x5 product key. The product license is generated by Microsoft servers when Office is activated for the first time on the device it was purchased with. Dell has no access to the license or product key.

 


Operating System (OS) Reinstall and Re-Imaging


My organization purchased computers with Microsoft Office factory installed. Can I reimage the device with my company’s image and still activate Office OEM version?
No. Microsoft does not allow reimaging rights on OEM installed versions of Office. Only Office Pro Plus This hyperlink is taking you to a website outside of Dell Technologies. with Volume Licensing offers reimaging rights for commercial applications.


If you purchased Office with OEM Licensing, you must activate Office with the Dell factory image before reimaging the computer. This step associates the factory enabled Office license to the Microsoft Account (MSA).


After this step, proceed to reimage.


After the reimaging is completed follow the steps under Activate Microsoft Office 2019 or 2021 and use the same Microsoft Account (MSA) that was used for the activation. The Office application detects the correct license in the MSA and automatically reactivate.


My organization maintains custom images with Office preinstalled. Can I use the OEM license to activate Office after reimaging with my image?
No. Office OEM licensing requires that the license is activated on the computer before the computer is reimaged.
Microsoft only grants reimaging rights to Office Pro Plus licenses (Volume License). All other Office editions (for example Home and Student, and Home and Business) will fail the product activation after the computer was reimaged.


Can I view my product key online?
See the Microsoft article on viewing your product key online. This hyperlink is taking you to a website outside of Dell Technologies. You can view your product key online, but it will not match the product key that is shown in the My Office Account section of your Microsoft Account (MSA).

 


System Drive Replacement and System Exchange


I received a replacement drive or a replacement system. How can I get Office back on?

  1. Sign into your Microsoft Account (MSA): Account.Microsoft.com/Account. This hyperlink is taking you to a website outside of Dell Technologies.
  2. Click "Services and subscription" and scroll down to "Products you've purchased" (Figure 35).
    Microsoft Products You've Purchased
    Figure 35
     
  3. Click "Copy Key" and then click "Install" (the Office installer will download and reinstall Office on your computer).
  4. After the installation finishes, open Microsoft Word.
  5. You are prompted to sign into your Microsoft Account (Figure 36). Use the same MSA.
    Microsoft Sign In To Set Up Office
    Figure 36
     
  6. If Office cannot detect the associated license, you are prompted with the screen below (Figure 37).
    Microsoft Let's Get Started
    Figure 37
     
  7. Paste the license key into the field on the bottom.

 


Office Version

I purchased Office 2019 or 2021, but the app splash screen shows "Office 365" (Figure 38) - did I receive the wrong version?
No, you did receive the correct version. Microsoft Office will update the version after you successfully (re)activated the license (Figure 39).
Office Outlook Splash Screen
Figure 38: Before activating Office

Office Word Splash Screen
Figure 39: After activating Office

You can verify the Office version by:

  • Opening an Office app (for example Word or Excel).
  • Click "File."
  • Click (Office) Account (Figure 40).

Office Program Account Screen
Figure 40: Office activation status


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Article Properties


Affected Product

Business and Office

Last Published Date

23 Feb 2024

Version

27

Article Type

Solution