Installation Guide

    How to Install Office 2021 on Windows

    Complete step-by-step guide for Windows 10 and Windows 11

    Last updated: December 202410 min read

    Before You Begin

    Installing Microsoft Office 2021 on Windows is straightforward when you follow the right steps. This guide covers downloading, installing, and activating Office 2021 Professional Plus on Windows 10 and Windows 11. Whether you purchased from Microsoft or a third-party retailer, these instructions will help you get started.

    Step 1: Preparation

    Get your system ready for installation

    1

    Uninstall Previous Office Versions

    Remove any existing Office installations to prevent conflicts. Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features, find Microsoft Office, and click Uninstall.

    2

    Check System Requirements

    Ensure your PC meets the minimum requirements: Windows 10 version 1803 or later, 4 GB RAM, and 4 GB free disk space.

    3

    Disable Antivirus Temporarily

    Some antivirus programs may interfere with installation. Consider temporarily disabling it during setup.

    4

    Have Your Product Key Ready

    Keep your 25-character product key accessible. You'll need it during or after installation.

    Step 2: Download Office 2021

    Get the official installer from Microsoft

    Method 1: Microsoft Account (Recommended)

    1. 1Go to office.com/setup or account.microsoft.com
    2. 2Sign in with your Microsoft account
    3. 3Enter your 25-character product key
    4. 4Select your language and click Install
    5. 5The installer (OfficeSetup.exe) will download automatically

    Method 2: Direct Download Link

    1. 1If you received a download link from your retailer, click it
    2. 2The official Microsoft installer will begin downloading
    3. 3Save the file to a location you can easily find
    4. 4Wait for the download to complete before proceeding

    Step 3: Install Office 2021

    Run the installer and complete setup

    1

    Run the Installer

    Locate the downloaded OfficeSetup.exe file and double-click to run it. If prompted by User Account Control, click Yes.

    2

    Wait for Download

    The installer will download Office files from Microsoft servers. This may take 10-30 minutes depending on your internet speed.

    3

    Automatic Installation

    Office will install automatically. You'll see a progress bar showing the installation status. Don't restart your computer during this process.

    4

    Installation Complete

    When finished, you'll see a confirmation message. Click Close to finish the setup process.

    Office 2021 uses Click-to-Run technology, which streams the installation while you work. You can start using apps before the full installation completes.

    Step 4: Activate Office 2021

    Enter your product key to unlock full features

    During First Launch

    1. 1Open any Office app (Word, Excel, etc.)
    2. 2Click 'Activate' when prompted
    3. 3Enter your 25-character product key
    4. 4Click 'Activate Office'
    5. 5Wait for confirmation message

    Through Account Settings

    1. 1Open any Office app
    2. 2Go to File > Account
    3. 3Click 'Change Product Key'
    4. 4Enter your product key
    5. 5Follow the on-screen instructions

    Activation Successful

    You'll see 'Product Activated' under the Subscription Product section in File > Account. All features are now unlocked.

    Step 5: First Launch Setup

    Configure Office for your preferences

    1

    Choose Your Theme

    Select between Colorful, Dark Gray, Black, or White themes. You can change this later in Options.

    2

    Sign In (Optional)

    Sign in with a Microsoft account to sync settings and access OneDrive. This is optional for Office 2021.

    3

    Privacy Settings

    Review and configure privacy settings. Choose what data to share with Microsoft for improving Office.

    4

    Start Creating

    You're ready! Create a new document or open an existing file to start working.

    Step 6: Troubleshooting

    Solutions to common installation problems

    Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant

    Download Microsoft's free tool to automatically diagnose and fix Office installation issues.

    Download tool

    Pro Tips for Best Experience

    Choose 64-bit Version

    Unless you need legacy 32-bit add-ins, install the 64-bit version for better performance with large files.

    Keep Windows Updated

    Regular Windows updates ensure compatibility and security for Office 2021.

    Install on SSD

    Installing Office on an SSD dramatically improves startup and file loading times.

    Create a Restore Point

    Before installation, create a system restore point so you can roll back if needed.

    Save Your Product Key

    Store your product key in a safe place. You'll need it if you reinstall Office later.

    Enable Auto-Updates

    Keep Office updated to get security patches and new features automatically.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Related Office 2021 Guides

    Need an Office 2021 Product Key?

    Get a genuine Office 2021 Professional Plus license with instant delivery and lifetime activation.

    Buy Office 2021 Key