Before You Begin: What You'll Need
Gather these items before starting the transfer process:
Your Product Key
The 25-character product key used to activate Office 2021. Check your email or purchase confirmation.
Backup Your Data
Export your Outlook data, custom templates, and dictionaries before uninstalling.
Access to Both Computers
You'll need to deactivate on the old PC before activating on the new one.
Stable Internet Connection
Required for downloading Office and online activation.
Understanding Your License Type
Your transfer options depend on your license type:
Retail License (Recommended)
TransferablePurchased from stores or authorized resellers like Prise Keys
Can be transferred to a new PC after deactivating on the old one
OEM License
Not TransferablePre-installed on a PC by the manufacturer
Tied to the original hardware and cannot be transferred
Volume License
DependsFor organizations with multiple installations
Governed by your organization's licensing agreement
Not sure which license you have? Retail licenses from Prise Keys are always transferable to new computers.
Step 1: Deactivate Office on Your Old PC
Before installing on your new computer, you should deactivate Office on your old PC.
Method 1: Uninstall via Settings (Easiest)
- 1On your old PC, open Settings (Windows + I)
- 2Go to Apps > Installed apps
- 3Search for 'Microsoft Office 2021'
- 4Click the three dots (...) next to it
- 5Select 'Uninstall' and confirm
- 6Wait for the uninstallation to complete
Method 2: Using Command Line (Complete Removal)
- 1Open Command Prompt as Administrator
- 2Navigate to Office folder: cd "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office16"
- 3Run: cscript ospp.vbs /dstatus (note the last 5 digits of your key)
- 4Run: cscript ospp.vbs /unpkey:XXXXX (replace XXXXX with those 5 digits)
- 5This removes the license from the activation server
- 6Then uninstall Office via Settings as in Method 1
Method 3: Using Microsoft Support Tool
- 1Download Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant
- 2Run the tool and select 'Office'
- 3Choose 'I have Office installed, but I'm having trouble uninstalling it'
- 4Follow the prompts to completely remove Office
- 5This ensures all Office components are removed
If you no longer have access to your old PC, you may need to contact Microsoft support or use phone activation on your new PC.
Step 2: Install Office 2021 on Your New PC
With Office removed from your old PC, you can now install it on your new computer.
Option A: Download from Microsoft Account
If your license is linked to a Microsoft account
- 1Go to account.microsoft.com/services
- 2Sign in with your Microsoft account
- 3Find Office 2021 under 'Subscriptions'
- 4Click 'Install' to download the installer
- 5Run the installer and wait for it to complete
Option B: Download from Official Site
Using the Office Deployment Tool or direct download
- 1Go to setup.office.com
- 2Sign in if prompted
- 3Enter your product key when asked
- 4Download and run the installer
- 5Wait for installation to complete
Option C: Use Installation Media
If you have an offline installer or ISO
- 1Insert the USB or mount the ISO file
- 2Run setup.exe from the media
- 3Follow the installation wizard
- 4Wait for all components to install
Step 3: Activate Office 2021 on Your New PC
After installation, activate Office with your product key.
Open Any Office Application
Launch Word, Excel, or any Office app on your new PC
Accept License Terms
Accept the license agreement if prompted
Enter Product Key
Go to File > Account > Change Product Key and enter your 25-character key
Click Activate
Click the Activate button and wait for confirmation
Verify Activation
Check File > Account to confirm 'Product Activated' status
If Online Activation Fails
You may need phone activation if:
- •The license was recently used on another PC
- •Network issues prevent online activation
- •You've exceeded the activation limit
- 1In any Office app, go to File > Account
- 2Click 'Activate by Phone'
- 3Call the number for your region
- 4Enter your Installation ID
- 5Receive and enter the Confirmation ID
Transfer Your Office Data to the New PC
Don't forget to migrate your important Office data:
Outlook Emails & Settings
C:\Users\[Username]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook- 1Export your data: File > Open & Export > Import/Export
- 2Choose 'Export to a file' > 'Outlook Data File (.pst)'
- 3Select folders to export and save the file
- 4Copy the .pst file to your new PC
- 5Import: File > Open & Export > Import/Export > Import from .pst
Custom Templates
C:\Users\[Username]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Templates- 1Navigate to the Templates folder on old PC
- 2Copy all .dotx, .xltx, .potx files
- 3Paste them in the same location on new PC
Custom Dictionaries
C:\Users\[Username]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\UProof- 1Copy the CUSTOM.DIC file from old PC
- 2Place it in the same location on new PC
- 3Your custom words will be preserved
Quick Access Toolbar Settings
Export from each Office app- 1In each Office app: File > Options > Quick Access Toolbar
- 2Click 'Import/Export' > 'Export all customizations'
- 3Save the .exportedUI file
- 4Import on new PC using the same menu
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Product key already in use
This means the key is still registered to your old PC. Either deactivate on the old PC using the command line method, or use phone activation to explain you're transferring to a new computer.
Activation limit reached
You've exceeded the number of allowed activations. Use phone activation and explain you're transferring your license. Microsoft support can reset your activation count.
Old PC is broken/inaccessible
Use phone activation on your new PC. When prompted, explain that you no longer have access to the old computer. Microsoft can usually release the license.
Office keeps asking for activation
Try repairing Office (Settings > Apps > Office > Modify > Repair) or re-enter your product key. If issues persist, use the command line to remove and re-add the key.
Different Office version installed
Ensure you're installing Office 2021, not a trial or different version. Uninstall any existing Office versions before installing Office 2021 with your key.
Useful Command Line Tools
Run these commands in an elevated Command Prompt:
cscript ospp.vbs /dstatusCheck current activation status
cscript ospp.vbs /unpkey:XXXXXRemove product key (last 5 digits)
cscript ospp.vbs /inpkey:XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXXInstall product key
cscript ospp.vbs /actActivate Office
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have Office 2021 installed on both PCs at the same time?
No, a retail Office 2021 license allows installation on only one PC at a time. You must deactivate on the old PC before activating on the new one. However, you can keep the files on the old PC; they just won't be licensed.
What if I can't access my old computer anymore?
You can still transfer your license using phone activation. Call Microsoft's activation line and explain that you're transferring your license to a new computer because the old one is no longer accessible.
Will I lose my documents when transferring?
No, your documents (Word files, Excel spreadsheets, etc.) are separate from the Office application. Just copy them to your new PC. Office data like Outlook emails and custom settings should be exported and imported separately.
How many times can I transfer my Office 2021 license?
There's no official limit on transfers for retail licenses, but you can only have it active on one PC at a time. If you encounter activation limits, phone activation usually resolves this.
Can I transfer Office 2021 to a Mac?
Yes, if you have Office 2021 for Mac or a license that covers both platforms. The process is similar: deactivate on the old device, download from your Microsoft account, and activate on the Mac.
What's the difference between transfer and reinstall?
Transfer means moving your license to a different computer. Reinstall means setting up Office again on the same computer (like after a Windows reset). For reinstalls on the same PC, you usually don't need to deactivate first.
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