You may need your Microsoft 365 product key to reinstall Excel or transfer your license to a new computer. Unlike older versions, Microsoft 365 uses a digital license linked to your Microsoft account. This article explains how to locate your product information and correctly move your subscription.
Key Takeaways: Finding and Transferring Your Microsoft 365 License
- Your Microsoft account page: This is the primary location to view your subscription status and product key for Microsoft 365.
- Deactivate installations via account portal: You must deactivate a device before you can install Microsoft 365 on a new computer.
- Command Prompt (for volume licenses): Use the ‘wmic’ command to retrieve a product key if your organization uses volume licensing.
Understanding Microsoft 365 Licensing
Microsoft 365 is a subscription service. You do not receive a traditional 25-character product key in a box or email. Instead, your license is a digital entitlement tied to your Microsoft account. This allows you to install the apps on multiple devices, though the number of simultaneous installations is limited by your plan. The product key displayed in your account is used for activation during installation. To transfer your license, you must first manage your device associations from your Microsoft account online.
Personal vs. Business Subscriptions
The process differs slightly between personal and business accounts. Personal and Family subscribers manage everything through the Microsoft account website. Business users with Microsoft 365 Business Standard or Premium, or enterprise plans like E3, may need to go through their organization’s IT admin or a separate admin portal. Volume licenses for businesses often use a different activation key managed centrally.
Steps to Find Your Product Key and Transfer the License
Follow these steps to locate your product information and move your Microsoft 365 installation to a different PC.
Method 1: For Personal Microsoft 365 Subscriptions
- Sign in to your Microsoft account
Go to account.microsoft.com and sign in with the email and password used to purchase Microsoft 365. - Navigate to Services & Subscriptions
Click on ‘Services & subscriptions’ from the top menu. Find your Microsoft 365 subscription in the list. - View your product key
Click on ‘Manage’ or the subscription name. Look for an option labeled ‘Product key’ or ‘View product key’. You may need to click ‘Show key’ or ‘Copy’ to reveal it. - Deactivate an old device
In the same management section, look for ‘Devices’ or ‘Installations’. Select the old computer you are replacing and choose ‘Deactivate’ or ‘Unlink’. - Install on the new computer
On your new PC, go to office.com, sign in with the same account, and select ‘Install Office’. The installer will use your digital license.
Method 2: For Business or Volume Licenses
- Check with your IT administrator
Your product key and installation may be managed through the Microsoft 365 admin center. Contact your IT department for the correct steps. - Use Command Prompt to find a key
On a currently activated work computer, open Command Prompt as Administrator. Typewmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKeyand press Enter. This may display a volume license key. - Use the Office Deployment Tool
Business IT admins often use this tool to deploy Office with a configuration.xml file that contains the volume license key, bypassing the need for a user to enter it.
Common Mistakes and Things to Avoid
Avoid these errors when managing your Microsoft 365 license.
Looking for a Key in the Windows Registry
The product key stored in the Windows Registry is often encrypted and not the key you need for reinstallation. Rely on your Microsoft account page instead.
Exceeding the Installation Limit
Most personal Microsoft 365 plans allow installation on up to 5 devices. If you try to install on a sixth, you must first deactivate one from your account portal. The error message will direct you to manage your devices.
Using an Account That Didn’t Purchase the Subscription
Only the Microsoft account used to buy or redeem the subscription can view the product key and manage installations. Ensure you are signed in with the correct account.
Product Key Retrieval Methods Compared
| Item | Microsoft Account Portal | Command Prompt (wmic) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use Case | Personal and retail Microsoft 365 subscriptions | Volume licensed installations on business PCs |
| Key Format | Standard 25-character product key | Volume License Key (GVLK) or retail key |
| License Management | Deactivate devices, view billing, renew | Read-only key retrieval; management done by admin |
| Access Requirement | Internet connection and Microsoft account login | Local administrator rights on the PC |
You can now locate your Microsoft 365 product key and transfer your Excel license to a new device. Always start by checking your Microsoft account Services page for the most accurate information. For persistent activation issues, use the online repair tool from Windows Settings > Apps > Microsoft 365. Remember that for business accounts, your IT department controls the central license management portal.