A family of System Center products for managing incidents and problems.
Microsoft provides the Confirmation ID after you submit the Installation ID from Office 2021 through the Product Activation Portal; it is not included with the purchased key.
Obtain the Confirmation ID
Since December 3, 2025, Microsoft has moved automated telephone activation to its online Product Activation Portal. The Office computer can remain offline, but another internet-connected device is required.^1^
- On the Office 2021 computer, open Word or Excel.
- Open File → Account → Activate Product.
- Choose the telephone/offline activation option so that Office displays its Installation ID. Keep that window open.
- On an internet-connected phone or computer, open the Product Activation Portal.
- Complete the CAPTCHA, select Proceed to Sign In, and sign in with a personal Microsoft account or a supported work/school account.
- This sign-in only validates portal access; it does not associate that account with the Office licence.
- Select Activate a Microsoft Product and enter the Installation ID shown by Office.
- The portal will return the Confirmation ID.
- Enter that Confirmation ID into the Office Activation Wizard and complete activation.
The portal supports retail, OEM, Volume License, and Cloud Solution Provider perpetual products, including activation for computers that are not connected to the internet.^1^
If the portal rejects the key or Installation ID
- Select Contact Support in the portal if that option is offered; qualifying cases can be connected to live chat.^1^
- Keep the product key and proof of purchase available.
- If the seller supplied Office Professional Plus 2021, verify that it is a legitimate organizational volume licence. Professional Plus keys sold separately to individuals may not be valid retail licences and can require the owning organization’s activation infrastructure.^2^
- If Microsoft determines that the separately purchased key is blocked or unauthorized, contact the seller and request a refund.^3^
Do not post your product key, Installation ID, or Confirmation ID publicly.
References