Processes in Microsoft 365 for setting up Office apps, redeeming product keys, and activating licenses.
Sign in with the Microsoft account used for the February 20, 2023 purchase and reinstall or activate the Office product listed under Services & subscriptions, rather than trying to redeem its key again.
Recover the Office purchase
- Open Services & subscriptions and sign in with the Microsoft account used for the purchase.
- Locate Microsoft 365 or Office, then select Install.
- Open Word or Excel after installation and sign in with that same account when prompted.
- If the purchase is not listed, open Order history, find the February 20, 2023 order, and select Product key/install or Install Office. Microsoft documents both recovery paths here: ^1^
If Office says “This product key has already been used,” do not enter the key again. That normally means it was previously redeemed and attached to a Microsoft account; install and activate by signing in with that account instead.^2^
A one-time Office license only activates its matching release—for example, an Office 2019 license cannot activate a newer Office release.^3^
If the recent update broke Office
The correct rollback method depends on the device:
- Windows: Microsoft’s rollback procedure applies to Microsoft 365, Office 2024, or Office 2021 installed with Click-to-Run; it does not apply to MSI installations. It requires choosing a known earlier build, using the Office Deployment Tool, and temporarily disabling updates. Reverting also removes later security, reliability, and performance improvements.^4^
- Mac: Do not use the Windows Office Deployment Tool. If the Mac runs macOS Big Sur 11, installing an older Microsoft 365 build no longer restores full activation; Office can enter reduced-functionality/read-only mode. The supported paths are upgrading macOS or using Microsoft 365 on the web.^5^
Because the operating system, Office edition, and exact error were not provided, a specific older installer or build cannot safely be identified yet.
Contact Microsoft directly
Use Microsoft’s official support page and select Get help for Office → Download, install, or activate. It can offer self-help, chat, or the appropriate contact method. The same page lists telephone numbers by country or region.^6^
Have these ready:
- February 20, 2023 order number
- Microsoft account used for the purchase
- Windows or macOS version
- Exact Office product shown in Order history
- Exact error message or screenshot
Do not post the product key, order number, or account details publicly.
References
- [Windows](https://support.microsoft.com/accounts-billing/find-and-install-your-microsoft-downloads-from-microsoft-store#installing-microsoft-365)
- "This product key has already been used" error in Office | Microsoft Support
- Why is my office no longer working? - Microsoft Q&A
- How to revert to an earlier version of Office | Microsoft Support
- I need an older version of Office to run on my MAC - Microsoft Q&A
- Contact Microsoft customer support | Microsoft Support