Setting up Microsoft 365 on Windows

Microsoft 365 is not activated with a classic offline product key, but through your Microsoft account. The 25-character product key you received from us by email is redeemed online once and credits the subscription term directly to your account. You then install the apps on your Windows PC. Allow around 15 to 30 minutes for the complete setup.

Before you begin

Have the following ready:

• Product key: You will find the 25-character key in the email we sent you after your purchase. It is best to copy it directly from there.
• Microsoft account: The licence is permanently linked to this account. If you do not have one yet, you can create one free of charge when redeeming the key.
• Internet connection: Redemption, download and activation only work online.

Important: Do not redeem the key in Word or Excel via "Change product key". That route only applies to one-time purchase licences such as Office 2021. For Microsoft 365, always use the Microsoft redemption page in your browser.

System requirements

• Operating system: Windows 10 or Windows 11 (with current updates)
• Processor: 1.6 GHz or faster, at least 2 cores
• Memory: 4 GB RAM (64-bit)
• Hard disk: around 10 GB of free disk space
• Display: resolution of 1280 × 768 pixels or higher

Step 1: Redeem the product key

The key is redeemed in your browser on the official Microsoft page, not in an Office app.

1. Open setup.office.com in any browser.
2. Sign in: Sign in with your Microsoft account or create a new one. Make a note of which account you use, as the apps must later be signed in with the same account.
3. Enter your 25-character product key.
4. Confirm your country and language.
5. Click Next. The subscription term is credited to your account immediately.

Note on payment method: When redeeming, Microsoft often asks for a payment method for automatic renewal. You can turn off recurring billing directly during redemption or at any time later in your Microsoft account, so no follow-up costs arise.

If you already have an active Microsoft 365 subscription, the new term is added to the existing one. No days are lost.

Step 2: Download and install the apps

1. After redemption, Microsoft usually takes you straight to the download. If not: sign in at account.microsoft.com and open Services & subscriptions.
2. Next to your Microsoft 365 subscription, click Install.
3. Run the downloaded file OfficeSetup.exe by double-clicking it.
4. Confirm the Windows security prompt with Yes.
5. Setup automatically downloads Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and the other apps. Depending on your internet connection, this takes 10 to 30 minutes. Leave the PC switched on during this time.

Pre-installed Office? If an Office trial or an older version of Office is installed on your PC, uninstall it first under Settings > Apps and restart the PC. This prevents licence conflicts. You will also find an overview of all official installation sources on our download page.

Step 3: Sign in and check activation

1. After installation, open an app, for example Word.
2. In the sign-in window, sign in with the same Microsoft account you used to redeem the key.
3. Accept the licence agreement.
4. Check: under File > Account it should now say "Subscription Product" with "Microsoft 365".

Setup is now complete. You can also sign in on other devices with the same account, including tablets and smartphones.

Common problems

• Key is not accepted: Check for typing errors (such as "0" and "O" or "B" and "8") and copy the key directly from our email. Remember: the key only works on the redemption page, not in the Office apps.
• "Unlicensed Product": Check under File > Account whether the correct Microsoft account is signed in. If necessary, sign out and sign in again with the account from step 1.
• Conflict with an older version of Office: Office 2016, 2019 or 2021 running alongside Microsoft 365 often causes activation errors. Uninstall the old version and restart the PC.
• Installation stops: Check your internet connection and free disk space, restart the PC and then run Setup again.

Stuck?

We have compiled solutions to the most common error messages in our activation help section. Alternatively, you can reach our team directly via live chat. Every purchase includes 90 days of free support. Please have your order number ready.