adding another computer

joseph mistretta 0 Reputation points
2026-11-12T22:06:29.61+00:00

does my license allow me to add a computer and if so how do i add office 365 to another device. if not how do i transfer my license to a different computer.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Excel | For home | Windows
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  1. EmilyS726 280.2K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-11-12T22:40:40.6866667+00:00

    Do you mean Microsoft 365, a subscription you pay monthly or yearly?

    If so, as long as it is NOT Microsoft 365 Basic, you can install on as many devices as you want, as long as you don't sign in on more than 5 devices at the same time.

    To install, Please go to https://account.microsoft.com/services

    Sign in to the Microsoft account you used for the subscription.

    You should then see your subscription listed. Find the option called "Install desktop versions of Microsoft 365 apps like Word, Excel and Powerpoint to your devices". It has a down arrow icon next to it.

    Click on that. It should start downloading the installer file. Then you just need to run that installer file to install the apps.

    ===========

    If it is a perpetual license, like a one-time purchase, called Office Home 2024 for example, you can only install on one device at a time.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-11-12T22:08:24.66+00:00

    If your account shows an active Microsoft 365 Personal or Family subscription, you can install Office on the additional computer without transferring the license; installation is allowed on all your devices, with Office signed in on up to five devices simultaneously.[^1^](https://support.microsoft.com/accounts-billing/subscriptions/[Subscription ID] "Office for home")

    Check the license and install Office

    1. Open the Microsoft account dashboard and sign in with the Microsoft account used to purchase or activate Office.
    2. Select Subscriptions and identify the product:
      • Microsoft 365 Personal or Family: continue with the steps below.
      • Office Home & Student, Home & Business, Office 2024, or another one-time purchase: see the transfer section.
    3. On the new Windows computer, go to m365.cloud.microsoft → Apps.
    4. Sign in with the Microsoft account associated with the subscription.
    5. Select Install apps → Microsoft 365 apps.
    6. Run the downloaded installer and approve the Windows permission prompt.
    7. When installation finishes, open Excel or Word and sign in with the same account to activate it.^2^

    Reaching five signed-in devices does not block installation. Microsoft 365 automatically signs you out of a device to remain within the five-device limit; you can sign back in on whichever device you want to use.[^1^](https://support.microsoft.com/accounts-billing/subscriptions/[Subscription ID] "Office for home")

    If somebody else will use the second computer, Microsoft 365 Family can be shared with up to five other people. Each person should use their own Microsoft account rather than sharing yours.[^3^](https://support.microsoft.com/accounts-billing/subscriptions/[Subscription ID] "Manage Microsoft 365 subscription sharing | Microsoft Support")

    If you want to stop using Office on the old computer

    Removing the old installation is optional for a Microsoft 365 subscription. To deactivate it remotely:

    1. Open the Microsoft account Installs page.
    2. Sign in with the account holding the subscription.
    3. Under Devices, select Sign out of Office beside the old computer.

    Remote sign-out can take up to 72 hours. It does not uninstall Office, delete documents, or cancel the subscription, but the old computer will no longer be able to create or edit Office files until someone signs in with a licensed account.^4^

    If the account shows a one-time Office purchase

    A one-time purchase is licensed for one PC or Mac, unlike Microsoft 365 subscriptions.^5^

    Before uninstalling anything, determine whether it is a transferable retail license or Office that was preinstalled and tied to the original computer. If it is confirmed as transferable:

    1. Uninstall Office from the old computer.
    2. On the new computer, sign in to the Microsoft account associated with that Office purchase.
    3. Under Subscriptions or Products you’ve purchased, select Install for the product.
    4. Install Office and activate it with the associated account or product key.^6^

    If the license terms or account page do not establish that it is transferable, do not uninstall it from the working computer yet; contact Microsoft Support with the product name and purchase method to confirm eligibility.


    References

    1. [Office for home](https://support.microsoft.com/accounts-billing/subscriptions/[Subscription ID])
    2. [Need help?](https://support.microsoft.com/office/lifecycle/officeinstall/download-install-or-reinstall-microsoft-365-or-office-2024-on-a-pc-or-mac)
    3. [Manage Microsoft 365 subscription sharing | Microsoft Support](https://support.microsoft.com/accounts-billing/subscriptions/[Subscription ID])
    4. Deactivate an installation of Office | Microsoft Support
    5. What's the difference between Microsoft 365 and Office 2024? | Microsoft Support
    6. [Use online installer](https://support.microsoft.com/office/lifecycle/reinstall-office-or-microsoft-365-in-your-office-pre-installed-pc-for-personal)
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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