I needed to install for free software tool "Project Professional 2021-DVD". This is installed and I have the access key. However, how do I actually access this software?

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I needed to install for free software tool "Project Professional 2021-DVD". This is installed and I have the access key. However, how do I actually access this software?

Jacinda Lee Conner 0

I am a student that needs to access the "Project Professional 2021-DVD" software. It is installed onto my computer file; however, I am unsure of how to actually access this. On azure Microsoft is there a tab that I go to to input the key for this software? I am confused.

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Answer 1

Tina L 12,340 Microsoft External Staff Moderator

Hello @Jacinda Lee Conner,

Thank you for reaching out to the Microsoft Q&A forum!

For your situation, I’m wondering could it be that you got confused after reading the part in the article that says:

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For reference: Install Project

If it is correct, I will explain detail to you clarify:

That part is mainly for users who haven’t installed the software yet and want to redeem their product key online to link it with their Microsoft account.
This helps with future reinstallation or license management.

Since you mentioned the software is already installed from DVD and you have the product key, you don’t need to go to that site.

If you do see "Project" when you type it into the Windows search bar, you click to open Project Professional 2021. When you open it for the first time, it should prompt you to activate the software.

You just enter your 25-character product key when asked and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the activation.

Note: Project Professional 2021 (DVD version) is a standalone desktop app, and it doesn’t require Azure or any online portal to activate.

If you don’t see the app installed or if you encounter any errors, please provide me more detail:

Could you please send me the detail screenshot?
Are you currently using your school account (provided by your educational institution) or personal account when trying to access the software?

Once again, thank you again for raising this issue; it’s helped broaden my understanding. I hope you understand that I want to help as much as I can within the scope of this forum.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

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Jacinda Lee Conner 0 Reputation points

2025-10-10T19:49:02.3033333+00:00

Hello,

I was able to figure it out. I could not login to Microsoft because it doesn't take student emails. So I logged in with my personal account, put in the access key for the software for 64 bts, and then it downloaded the Microsoft 365 and Office with the project software app. I was able to find the app on my computer.

Your response helped me navigate this much better. Thank you.
Tina L 12,340 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-10-12T07:19:07.46+00:00

Hello @Jacinda Lee Conner,

I'm very happy to hear that my information helped you better understand the issue and successfully install the software!

If you find any replies that bring helpful information, please kindly accept it as an answer and vote it up using the original account that raised the question. Once marked, the answer will automatically pin to the top, making it easier for others to see that the issue has been resolved.

As other users also search for similar information in this community, your marked answer will definitely help them find the correct channel and useful guidance more quickly.

Looking forward to hearing from you again!
Tina L 12,340 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-10-13T07:27:29.92+00:00

Hello @Jacinda Lee Conner,

I hope this message finds you well.

This is my second follow-up. If you have additional questions, please feel free to tag my name in your reply so I can assist you promptly and more personally.

Looking forward to hearing from you soon.