Activate Office for Mac with the licence file: step-by-step guide
Office for Mac is not activated with a key. Install Office, run no update, then install the licence file supplied with your order: Office is activated.
The steps
Download Office
Use the download button in the delivery email or on your “My licences” page. If it is missing, reply to the delivery email.
Install Office
Open the downloaded file (double-click) and follow the installer. Do not run Office updates at this stage: they can block activation.
Install the licence file
Download the activation licence file (button in the email or in “My licences”), open it, click “Continue” then “Install”. Enter your Mac password if asked.
Open Word or Excel
Office opens without asking for a key: it is activated. You can now update Office.
Special cases
- “Unidentified developer” message: right-click (or Control-click) the file, then “Open”, and confirm.
- Office asks for a key or a sign-in: the licence is not installed yet. Go back to step 3.
- Updates already installed: remove the licence with the Microsoft licence removal tool (open the .pkg file, “Continue”, “Install”), then go back to step 3.
If activation fails
Note the message shown, then reply to the delivery email with a screenshot. A technician checks the licence and sends you a replacement or refunds you.