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10 Points

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August 19th, 2026 02:19

Lost microsoft office license after resetting windows

A few days ago, I updated Windows 11 in settings. But my Microsoft Office 365 was deleted (the license was lost). The license was already installed on the laptop. So, even though I signed in using my Microsoft account (when I bought this laptop), the license was not added to my account. So I lost my license. I also didn't get the license code in the box. I don't know what to do now. Is there a way to solve this? If there is a solution, please let me know. I use Dell Pro Micro, OEM license. When before reinstalling, I had logged in with email on the office desktop and the license was active, but when I reinstalled the application and the license was lost, I tried to log in on the Microsoft 365 website but it wasn't in the subscription menu, so I really need it. Thank you.

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5 Points

August 19th, 2026 03:53

I had a similar concern with a pre-installed Office license, and the important thing seems to be determining whether the license was Microsoft-account based or device based. Dell’s current guidance says that most licenses are Microsoft-account based, while some devices use a device-based license. Since your Office was active before the Windows reinstall but isn’t showing under your Microsoft account now, I would contact Dell support first and ask them to verify the Office license that was originally shipped with your Dell Pro Micro. They may be able to confirm the license type and explain how it can be recovered. I’d definitely avoid purchasing another Office license until they check the original entitlement.

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August 19th, 2026 04:09

If I want to ask Dell, what can I do? Can you explain the steps? And will it affect the warranty process?

5 Journeyman

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7.5K Points

August 19th, 2026 10:00

Please can you confirm the Make Model and OS, along with any configuration details like touch screen, backlit keyboard, SFF or tower etc etc.

Community Manager

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649 Posts

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3.7K Points

August 19th, 2026 13:45

@duwisetiawan

Contact Dell GHN (Get Help Now) chat technical support Monday through Friday. Click the blue "Get Help Now" on the right to start a private live chat session. Share the private Service Tag with them so that they can verify the ownership and warranty status. This will also generate a unique Technical Support case for your unique Service Tag. 

Office Activation Keys should be tied to the Microsoft Account that was used upon the first sign in with an Office app. If the key is not present in your MSA but was previously activated, then this typically would be seen as a Microsoft issue. It sounds like you are using the correct email as well where the key should have been stored. See this article for additional activation details. 

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10 Points

August 20th, 2026 01:50

@DELL-Daniel V​ If the problem is with Microsoft, do I need to open a ticket with Microsoft or do Dell help handle it?

Community Manager

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649 Posts

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3.7K Points

August 20th, 2026 14:16

@duwisetiawan​ You would want to contact Microsoft directly. The article I shared has the steps on how to get in contact with them. The only info you may need from Dell is your order number when you purchased the system. Microsoft typically uses that to validate that Office was purchased with the unit. 

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