Learn how to activate Windows using a product key or digital license, check your activation status, and link your Microsoft account.

Summary. Windows 10, version 2004 and 20H2 devices that have the January 2021 nonsecurity preview release, or a later version, installed might experience Windows activation failures containing error code 0xC004C003. Activation. Edition: < edition name >.

There are three methods to which you can activate your product: Online via the internet, by telephone using our automated systems, and by a live support advocate. Online: When you begin activation, Windows will try to use your internet connection to activate online.

Try guided support. If Office activation fails, you'll see Unlicensed Product or Non-commercial use / Unlicensed Product in the title bar of your Office apps, and most features of Office are disabled. To restore all features of Office, you'll need to fix the problem that's causing activation to fail.

Fixes or workarounds for recent Office installation or activation issues. Excel 2021 Word 2021 Outlook 2021 PowerPoint 2021 More... Last updated: January 2024. The issues listed below reflect the issues caused by the most recent product updates. For more troubleshooting help, see Troubleshoot installing Office below.

Windows activation requires either a 25-character Windows product key or a Windows digital license. Find out which activation method your device uses and where to find it.

The Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant works by running tests to figure out what's wrong and offers the best solution for the identified problem. It can currently fix Office, Microsoft 365, or Outlook problems. If the Support and Recovery Assistant can't fix a problem for you, it will suggest next steps and help you get in touch with ...

If you haven't installed Office on another computer yet, follow the instructions in Install Office on your PC or Mac. Follow the steps in Activate by telephone, described above. Uninstall Office from the original computer. Read the Software License Terms to review terms on transferring Office. Open an Office application, such as Word.

Learn how to activate Office that is pre-installed on new Windows 10 PCs or using a new product key.