Have active subscription but lost pass key

Robert French 0 Reputation points
2026-09-23T07:49:10.6733333+00:00

I have an active subscription to 365 Basic that just renewed. I have a new order number but need a pass key to activate 365 Basic on a new Windows 11 computer.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Install, redeem, activate | Other | Windows
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  1. Thomas4-N 22,380 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-09-26T14:06:39.1633333+00:00

    Hello Robert French, your order number is not a pass key. More importantly, Microsoft 365 Basic includes the web versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, but it does not include a license for the desktop apps.

    On your new PC, sign in with the Microsoft account that holds your subscription to use the web apps. If you’re trying to activate Word or Excel installed on the PC, you would need a plan that includes desktop apps, such as Microsoft 365 Personal.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-09-23T07:49:26.04+00:00

    Microsoft 365 Basic does not normally require a product key for activation on a new PC. For Microsoft 365, activation is done by signing in with the Microsoft account that owns the subscription.

    1. On the new Windows 11 PC, open a Microsoft 365 app.
    2. When prompted to activate, sign in with the same Microsoft account used to buy or renew the subscription.
    3. If Office asks for a product key, use the Microsoft account instead of a key.
    4. To install or reinstall from the account, go to the Microsoft account, Services & subscriptions page.

    Important details:

    • A new order number is not a product key.
    • If the renewal was purchased directly from Microsoft, the subscription is usually associated automatically with the Microsoft account.
    • If a physical box or card was purchased from a retail store, the subscription may not start until the product key on the box or card is redeemed.
    • If the subscription does not appear under Services & subscriptions, check the order under account.microsoft.com/billing/orders. If it still is not shown correctly, contact Microsoft Support.
    • If the Microsoft account email or password is forgotten, use the Sign-in Helper.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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