How you activate Office depends on whether you have a Microsoft 365 subscription or a one-time purchase of Office.

Microsoft 365 subscription

If you have a Microsoft 365 subscription, you won’t need a product key to activate. Instead you’ll sign in with the email address that’s associated with Office.

  1. In the Get Started wizard, click Sign in to an existing Microsoft 365 subscription.

    Tip: If the wizard isn’t open, start an Office application and click Activate Now.

    Office for Mac home installation page where you sign in to an existing Office 365 subscription.
  2. Sign in with the email address that’s associated with Office, and select Next.

    Tip: If nothing happens when you select Next, use the Enter key on your keyboard.

Office as a one-time purchase

If you have a one-time purchase of Office for Mac 2011, you’ll need a product key to activate. Find your product key for Office for Mac 2011.

  1. In the Get Started wizard, click Enter your purchased product key.

    Tip: If the wizard isn’t open, start an Office application and click Activate Now.

    Office for mac activate screen

  2. In the Activate Office wizard, enter your product key and click Activate.

    Important: If your copy of Office came with a PIN instead of a product key, go to https://www.microsoft.com/mac/getkey and enter your PIN to get your product key.

    Office for Mac Installation Product Key page

Troubleshoot activation for Office for Mac 2011

If you're experiencing these common issues, see these articles to help troubleshoot your error:

Still having issues? Contact Microsoft Support.

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