Do you know the difference between an email bind key vs retail key? Choosing the right license key to activate Office 2021 is important for those who want the full benefits of their investment. There are different types of product keys available in the market. The two main options buyers often see are the Office 2021 Email bind key and the Retail Key.

This article explains the key differences between email bind keys and retail keys, highlighting the pros and cons of each, activation differences and will help you make a smart decision when buying keys. Keep reading to get detailed insights into each type of Office 2021 product key.

What is an Office 2021 Email Bind Key?

An Office 2021 email bind key for Microsoft Office software is permanently linked to the user’s Microsoft account. This type of license key is linked to a single Microsoft account and is transferable to another PC by signing into the same account. but activated on only one device at a time. The bind key is essential in these cases:

• It provides remote workers with flexible access to Office 2021 for Windows and Mac.
• Small businesses can use an email bind key and transfer the key to another device when needed.
• An email bind key has a simple recovery system, so students can use this type of key if they need to recover their license key easily.
• This email bind key is ideal for those who frequently reinstall Office or upgrade devices.

What is an MS Office 2021 Retail Key?

The Office 2021 retail key is a standalone license available in both physical and digital formats. Retail keys are not required to be tied to a Microsoft account, unlike the email bind key. Also, you can connect them for a simple recovery process. Find Office 2021 retail keys from Microsoft or an authorized reseller like Msckey. It’s a unique alphanumeric code that activates Office 2021 for independent usage. These are the common use cases for retail keys:

• The retail key is mostly used for individuals and offline-first setups.
• You don’t need a Microsoft account to activate the key.
• The retail key activation is tied to the specific device or installation.

Pros of Office 2021 Bind Keys

Easy Recovery with Enhanced Productivity: The email bind key has an easy recovery system through a Microsoft account. If you want to reinstall or change your devices, you can easily get your Office 2021 bind key back using your Microsoft account. The Office 2021 email bind key provides a fast and easy way to activate and recover the MS Office suite.

Secure Storage with Better Collaboration: This Office 2021 bind key is attached to the user’s email and electronically stored. When you buy an email bind key, the key is automatically linked to your Microsoft account. So, if you want to use the Office 2021 suite on a new device, sign in to your email address that you used to buy the bind key. Office 2021 supports basic file sharing and editing, while Microsoft Office 365 supports advanced features, like real-time collaboration. 

Convenience for Reinstallation and Centralized Management: An Office bind key makes license recovery easier as the activation is linked to a Microsoft account. The user can reinstall Office or change devices without manually entering the key.

Cons of Office 2021 Bind Keys

Though the email bind key has several benefits, it has limitations too. Check below:

Dependence on Microsoft Account: The email bind key is connected to the user’s email (Microsoft account) for activation, recovery, and license management. It doesn’t require a consistent sign-in to a Microsoft account for daily use, but essential for license management.

Limited Flexibility: The email bind key is linked to a single Microsoft account, so it has limited flexibility where multiple users require separate Office licenses on the same device.

Online Activation: For initial setup and reinstallation of a bind key, your computer requires a stable internet connection. After activation, the Office 2021 can be used offline, but reinstallation or license transfer requires an internet connection.

Learn how to activate Office 2021 via bind key.

Pros of Office 2021 Retail Keys

No Microsoft Account Needed: A retail key is not required to be tied to a Microsoft account; users can independently use it. If the retail key is lost or deactivated anyhow, you can recover it with proof of purchase or stored keys.

Better Operability in Offline Mode: MS Office 2021 retail key is an ideal system for offline environments. Whoever needs an Office 2021 with limited internet functionality, consider a retail key.

Single Device Installation: The Office 2021 retail key is for one device only and doesn’t require linking to a Microsoft account.

Simple Activation Process: Using a retail key, you don’t have to sign in with your Microsoft account to activate Office. Rather, insert a 25-digit activation key and activate your Office software for a lifetime.

Physical Ownership: The retail key offers an independent license without Microsoft account dependency. Therefore, those who need an Office 2021 without account dependency, a retail key is the best option for them.

Cons of Office 2021 Retail Keys

There are some disadvantages of Office 2021 retail keys. Consider these before buying an MS Office 2021 retail key for your device:

Risk of Loss: The retail key has a high chance of losing the physical or digital keys. So, if you forget to store your retail key in a safe place, you can lose the product key.

Complex Recovery: A retail key does not require a Microsoft account, but you can link to a Microsoft account for easier recovery. If you do not store the key in a safe place, the license requires proof of purchase or contact with Microsoft support. The process is a bit more complex and time-consuming than account-based recovery.

Manual Transfer Process: A retail key is manually transferable to another device, but you should uninstall or deactivate Office 2021 from the previous one before activation.

Learn how to activate Microsoft Office 2021 via retail key.

When You Choose The Office 2021 Email Bind Key?

You might choose the Office 2021 email bind key for various reasons. We include some reasons why should need this key:

• An email bind key is a perfect choice for those who depend on a Microsoft account or frequently switch devices.
• When a user prefers an account-based license recovery and reactivation.
• Bind key offers strong account-based security and simplifies the recovery process of licenses.
• You need a license that doesn’t affect when you uninstall the Office 2021 software or the hardware of your device.

When You Choose The Office 2021 Retail Key?

If you want to avoid using a Microsoft account, consider getting a retail key. This option will give you an Office 2021 license key at a cheap price. Here are the reasons that suggest why you should choose the retail key:

• Users who prefer Office 2021 offline environments with limited internet access.
• When users want to activate Office 2021 on a single device with sharing capability. 
• A retail key lets you activate it on one device at a time. You can transfer it to another device after uninstalling it from the first one.

Conclusion

Selecting an Office 2021 email bind key vs retail key depends on the user’s needs and preferences. If you need a license key for Microsoft Office 2021 activation that binds to your email account, convenient recovery, cloud integration, and more, an email bind key is the perfect choice for you. If you need an independent, offline functionality and a flexible Office 2021 license, a retail key is a good option for you.

After reading this full article, you will understand which license type is best for your needs and will help you make a smart choice. Bookmark Msckey to explore more guides and resources related to similar topics to enhance your software experience. 

FAQ

1. Which Microsoft software key has an easy transfer process? 

An Office bind key has a simpler transfer system, because it is connected to your Microsoft account. The Office retail key is also transferable when you store the key and enter the product key during installation, but you must uninstall the key from the old device.

2. Which Office License key is safer to use?

An email bind key is tied to your Microsoft account and reduces the risk of losing access to the license. A retail key is also safe to use when storing the key in a safe place.

3. What Should I Do if I Lost My Retail Key?

If you lose your retail key, recovery is possible with the following process:

• Check your email (used to purchase) or invoice.
• Sign in to your Microsoft account, and if the license is linked, you can recover it.
• Contact the Microsoft support center, providing the proof of purchase. 

4. Which MS Office License Keys are better to use in offline mode?

A Office retail key is better for offline use. It doesn’t require a Microsoft account or a continuous internet connection after the initial installation and activation.