Troubleshooting

If your key is rejected, work through this checklist: Characters: copy and paste the key. Look-alike characters such as B […]

Windows shows an error code when activation fails. Some common ones: 0xC004F050: the product key isn’t valid for this installation. […]

Signs that Office isn’t activated include an “Unlicensed Product” or “Product Activation Failed” message, or features being disabled. Try these […]

If Office won’t install or the installer stops partway, check the following: Internet: the installer downloads files as it runs, […]

A product key only activates the edition it was made for. Common mismatches: Windows Home key on Windows Pro: won’t […]

Note the exact message and any error code (codes often start with 0x). Take a screenshot. See How to take […]

Check your internet connection, and try a different network if possible. Try another browser, or clear your browser’s cache. Make […]