Product key word 2016

Sign in to Microsoft account → Services & subscriptions with the account used to purchase Word 2016, then install and activate Word from that account instead of trying to recover or re-enter the product key.

If Word 2016 was already redeemed

1. Open Services & subscriptions.
2. Sign in with the Microsoft account used when Word 2016 was purchased or downloaded.
3. Locate Word 2016, Office 2016, or the corresponding one-time purchase.
4. Select Install.
5. After installation, open Word and sign in with that same Microsoft account if activation is requested.

Once a key has been redeemed, the product is associated with the Microsoft account. Microsoft does not display the complete key in Word or normally show it online; the account replaces the key for installation and activation.^1^

If entering the original key produces “This product key has already been used,” do not enter it again. That message means the key was previously redeemed; install and activate through Services & subscriptions instead.[^2^](https://support.microsoft.com/microsoft-365-activation-licensing/this-product-key-has-already-been-used-error-in-office ""This product key has already been used" error in Office | Microsoft Support")

To identify the associated account on a computer where Word still works:

1. Open Word and a document.
2. Select File → Account.
3. Under the product name, note the email address shown after Belongs to.
4. Use that account on the Services & subscriptions page.^1^

If the purchase is not listed

• Purchased from Microsoft Store but never installed: Sign in to Microsoft Store with the purchasing account, open Order History, locate the Word or Office one-time purchase, and select Install Microsoft 365 to display the key and continue setup.^1^
• Purchased from another retailer: Check the purchase email, receipt, order history, packaging, or product-key card. A key has the format XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX. If it is missing or rejected, contact the seller; Microsoft’s guidance recommends contacting the seller for a nonworking separately purchased key.^3^
• Purchased through an employer’s Workplace Discount Program/Home Use Program: This is an exception—the key may be available on the program’s Order Details page and is required for certain Office Professional Plus 2016 installations.^1^
• No account or purchase record can be found: Contact Microsoft Support with the receipt or other proof of purchase.^3^

References

1. Using product keys with Microsoft 365
2. "This product key has already been used" error in Office | Microsoft Support
3. Where to enter your Office product key | Microsoft Support