5 fixes for common Microsoft Office issues such as activation and unlicensed product issues
- Fix 1 – Look for Account Errors
- Fix 2 – Run Updates
- Fix 3 – Download Office from Microsoft Account
- Fix 4 – Repair or Reinstall the installed Office App
- Fix 5 – Purchase latest version of Office (Microsoft 365 or Office 2024)
The latest versions of Microsoft Office (Office 365 and Office 2021, Office 2024) all need activating by logging into an Microsoft account. Click here to test your account now. If not automatically signed in, click on the “Sign in” button.
This is normally achieved upon installation, however we have noticed that Windows or Office automatic updates can sometimes result in the products being “Disabled” or “Unlicensed” and requiring “Activation“
These problems can occur in any or all of the Office products such as Word, Excel, Access, Powerpoint, Publisher, OneNote, Outlook, Infopath or Lync; by displaying one of the following messages (or similar)
“Unlicensed Product”
“Product Deactivated”
“We’re sorry, something went wrong and we can’t do this for you right now. Please try again later”
or similar.
You can re-activate Microsoft/Office 365 or Office 2021/2024 in a number of ways as follows
In Windows 10 and Windows 11, open Word and select “Office Account” or “Account”. On the right of the screen, your Microsoft Office license should be displayed under “Product Information”
If you use a Mac click on “Word” > “About Word”
If the subscription product states Office 2019 or earlier, it is no longer supported and you may need to upgrade to Microsoft/Office 365 or Office 2024 (see below)
https://itechwa.com.au/office-2016-2013-2010-or-earlier-upgrade-options
If your product is a version of Office 365 or Office 2021 or Office 2024, it can be fixed in a number of ways.
Fix 1 – Account Error
If you see an error message under “Account” and “User Information” and a box saying “Account Error”, fix this first.
When you click “Fix me”. You will be taken to your online Microsoft Account. Follow the instructions offered. You may have to verify your account details and re-sign into the account.
Fixing this issue may resolve all issues with your Office subscription. If not try the following fixes.
Fix 2 – Click on “Update Options” … then “Update Now” and follow the prompts. If updates are available they will start to install.
Running Windows Updates does not always update Office products
On a Windows PC do this in the Product Information section… click ”Update Now”
On a Mac “Help” > “Check for Updates”
If Office is up-to-date you will see a message such as this. If problems still occur, move to the next fix.
Fix 3 – if these solutions fail, click on “Manage Account” which will open up a web browser and log you into your Microsoft account
To Reinstall Office 365, Office 2021/24 sign into your Microsoft account on a web browser at https://office.com
once signed in, click on the 9 dots in the top left of the screen, then select
… “Explore all your Apps”
In the top right of the screen you should now see a button called “Install apps”
Click on this and select “Microsoft 365 apps” or “Microsoft 2024 apps”
This will take you to another screen called “My Account” … select “Install Office”
A file will start to download, once downloaded, run the program by clicking on it, this should re-install the full office suite.
Fix 4 – Repair or Reinstall the office App
in Windows – Goto Settings > Apps >Installed Apps
Find your Office version in the Installed Apps (example)
Click on the 3 dots to the right of the App and select “Modify”
Give the program permissions to run and then select “Quick Repair” and the “Repair” button. Wait for the quick-repair to complete.
If “Quick Repair” does not work, repeat the process and choose “Online Repair”
If all these solutions fail, either refer to the following articles or contact Microsoft and speak to a Microsoft technician, who will remote in and fix the issue for you
Fix 5 – Purchase New Version of Microsoft 365 or Office 2024
If all of the above fail, you may need to purchase a new copy of Microsoft 365 or Office 2024 . The various options, features and prices are discussed in the following article.
Microsoft Office has many versions but 2 distinct license types
- Licensed per month or per year – now called “Microsoft 365” (previously “Office 365”)
- Perpetual licence (one-time purchase) – “Microsoft Office 2024”
Click on image below to go to the article that discusses the pros and cons of the various versions currently available.
Further Reading
You will also find more useful links and information at the following Microsoft links
https://support.office.com/en-US/Article/Repair-an-Office-application-7821d4b6-7c1d-4205-aa0e-a6b40c5bb88b
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/support/activate-office-2013-programs-HA102819770.aspx
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2899838
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/gg702620(v=office.15).aspx
http://office.microsoft.com/en-in/project-help/repair-or-remove-office-HA010357402.aspx
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950929
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