Processes in Microsoft 365 for setting up Office apps, redeeming product keys, and activating licenses.
Downloading Microsoft 365 is only the first step—run the downloaded installer, then activate the installed apps with the Microsoft account connected to your subscription.
1. Complete the installation
- Open File Explorer → Downloads.
- Double-click OfficeSetup.exe.
- Select Yes if Windows asks whether the installer may make changes.
- Wait until “You’re all set! Office is installed now” appears, then select Close.
- From the Windows Start menu, search for and open Word rather than using an old desktop shortcut.
- Accept the license agreement and sign in with the Microsoft account used to purchase or redeem Microsoft 365. These steps complete installation and activation.^1^
2. If Word still identifies itself as the old product
In Word or Excel:
- Select File → Account.
- Under Product Information, select Switch License.
- Choose the Microsoft 365 subscription/account.
- Close every Office app, reopen Word, and check File → Account again.
Removing an unrelated account shown under the profile picture in the app’s title bar can also correct which license Office selects.^2^
3. If the older installation remains active
Multiple Office installations can cause activation conflicts.^3^ In that case, perform a clean reinstall:
- Close all Office programs.
- Open Control Panel → Programs → Programs and Features.
- Select each older Microsoft Office suite and choose Uninstall.
- Restart Windows.
- Sign in to the Microsoft 365 Apps page using the account linked to the subscription.
- Select Install apps → Microsoft 365 apps, run the downloaded installer, and then open Word to activate it.
Uninstalling Office removes the applications, not documents or workbooks you created.^4^
If Microsoft 365 is not shown under File → Account after reinstalling, check that the subscription is active and that Office is signed in with the same account used to buy or redeem it.
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