How to Check Microsoft Office is Activated or Not

Microsoft Office is a useful productivity tool for professionals, students, and businesses. It is equipped with powerful applications and advanced features that assist users in creating professional documents, conducting data analysis, preparing presentation slides, and so on. However, to unlock all premium features such as Outlook, advanced Excel functions, and security updates, your copy of Office must be properly activated with a valid, genuine license key.
This guide explains how to check Microsoft Office activation status on both Windows and Mac, explains why activation is important and where to obtain a reliable license key for uninterrupted use.
Why is Checking Microsoft Office Activation Status Important?
Office license key verification is essential to ensure you have an original copy of MS Office and to confirm that you have purchased the genuine license key. Failing to activate your license key may lead to limited functionality and repeated activation prompts. Here are the benefits of having a verified Office license key:
- Get access to a complete Office suite without any restrictions.
- Receive regular updates and security patches from Microsoft.
- A proper activation prevents frequent activation warnings.
- You will not receive annoying activation warnings frequently.
- Experience better integration with other Microsoft services, such as OneDrive and Microsoft Teams.
How to Check If Microsoft Office is Activated on Windows?
If you’re running the Windows operating system on your PC, you can check Office activation in two ways. Try these methods:
Method 1: Open Any Office Application
- Open any Microsoft Office apps, such as Word or Excel.
- Click on the File > Account and find the Product Information option.
- If you see the option “Product Activated”, your license is active.
- If it says “Activation Required or Unlicensed Product,” your license is not activated. You need to enter your license key to activate it.
Method 2: Use Control Panel
- Search for ‘Control Panel’ in your Windows Search Bar and open it.
- Click on Programs > Programs and Features.
- Now, find Microsoft Office and check if the software is activated.
How to Check if Office is Activated on Mac?
If you’re a Mac user, then verifying the Office activation status is different from Windows. Take a look:
- Open an app of Microsoft Office for Mac, whether it’s Word, Excel, or another.
- Click on the Application menu at the top and choose Help > Check Activation.
- If your Office is activated, you can see a message that shows the license key is activated.
How to Check MS Office Activation Status Via Command Prompt?
To quickly verify your Office activation in a short way, follow these simple steps:
- Type “cmd” in the box and press “Ctrl+Shift+Enter” to run as administrator.
- Now, enter the following command and tap Enter: Cscript “c: \Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office16\OSPP.VBS” /dstatus (Based on the Office version, you can change the path “Office16” to use the correct path)
Apply the command as it is, and the activation status will be displayed with details.
What Will You Do If Your Microsoft Office is Not Activated?
Still, if your Office is not activated, follow this process to resolve the issue:
- Make sure you have used the valid product key.
- Run a troubleshooter in this way: Settings > Update & Security > Activation.
- Restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.
- Connect your device to the internet, because some licenses need the internet for online activation.
- If you failed to activate, contact your vendor or Microsoft support for further assistance.
Buy Permanent Microsoft Office License Keys from Msckey
Microsoft Office is an essential productivity suite from Microsoft with multiple benefits that fulfill the needs of different users. It includes all the classic applications, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, and more, enhanced with improved capabilities. Msckey offers all versions with genuine lifetime license keys for professionals, academic users, or businesses with a one-time purchase, unlike a Microsoft 365 subscription. You can find different versions, including Office 2016, Office 2019, Office 2021, or the most updated and latest Office 2024 Professional Plus.
Why You Need to Buy from Msckey?
Who doesn’t like to buy from a trusted seller? Specially if a licensed reseller of Microsoft? They offer an affordable price for Microsoft Office lifetime licenses. Look at the benefits of purchasing at Msckey:
- Get quick delivery after completing payment.
- Receive the download link, license key, and complete product setup guidelines with the delivery email.
- Invoice of purchase.
- Trusted by 10000+ customers & businesses globally.
- 24/7 live chat or email support facility.
Final Thoughts
To experience better productivity and premium features with your Microsoft Office, it’s important to verify that your Office license is correctly active or not. This article provides a comprehensive guide on why you should keep Office activated with a valid license key, how to check your activation, troubleshoot common issues, and how to get Microsoft Office license keys!
FAQs
Q1: What is the process to know if my Office license is permanent or not?
It’s simple: go to the Product Information section of any Microsoft Office app and see if the product is activated. Because there is no renewal system for a permanent license.
2. Does the permanent license expire?
No. If you see the notification of expiration, you might be using a trial version or purchasing a subscription pack.
3. Can I transfer my Office license to another computer?
It depends on the type of license. When purchasing a license key, carefully check the license type (Retail, bind, or OEM) and its description.
4. I need a monthly subscription to Microsoft Office. Is it possible?
Yes, Microsoft provides Office 365 subscription plans on a monthly and yearly basis. Also, you can buy an Office 365 Pro Plus account from Msckey at a cheap price.
5. Is it safe to buy a Microsoft license key from a third-party website?
Yes, but only if you buy from a trusted and verified reseller. Many unauthorized sites sell cheap or pirated keys that may stop working, violate Microsoft’s license terms, or even expose you to security risks. Buy from reputable platforms that provide genuine license keys with proof of authenticity. Always check reviews, refund policies, and if the reseller is recognized in the market.