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Re-Installing Office 2016 w/ single-use Key Card (Reformatting Computer)

Anonymous
2021-10-01T04:22:41+00:00

Hello,

I'm using MS Office 2016 with a purchased single-use 25-digit product key (not a 365 subscription). It was installed back in 2016 and not linked to a Microsoft account. I would like to reformat the laptop that Office is installed on (due to performance issues that numerous other methods have been unable to resolve). Will I be able to re-install Office on the same computer after reformatting using the same product key, or will I need to purchase a new one? Sorry if this question has been asked before - I've tried searching existing posts but haven't been able to get a definite answer.

Also, if I'm able to use my existing product key, do I need to un-install Office prior to reformatting so that Microsoft will know I'm not attempting to simultaneously use it twice? I'm not familiar with how product keys are being tracked as used/unused or linked to specific devices, but I just want to make sure I'm taking the correct steps so I don't end up unable to use Office anymore once the computer is fixed.

Thanks ahead of time for your help!

Microsoft 365 and Office | Install, redeem, activate | For home | Windows

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  1. Anonymous
    2021-10-01T19:31:58+00:00

    If you did not redeem the key in your Microsoft account - which was allowed for Office 2016 for a short time after release - and you have the key card, you can use it to re-activate on a new computer as the license is allowed to be moved.

    https://support.microsoft.com/office/where-to-e...

    To make it easier for users, Microsoft now requires all licenses to be redeemed in a Microsoft account. Someone told me (I cant test it because my Office 209016 key is redeemed in my Microsoft account) that reusing a key will now add it to a microsoft account.

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  2. Anonymous
    2021-10-01T19:05:14+00:00

    Yes, it makes a big difference. I was describing the situation where it may be possible to use the Product Key to reinstall Office 2016. You cannot reinstall a legitimate version of Office Home and Student/Business 2013/2016/2019 with the Product Key. You can only reinstall it from the Office Account. I think there will be a big clear-out when Windows 11 is introduced.

    Here you are take your choice: purchase Office 2016 - Google Search

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  3. Anonymous
    2021-10-01T18:09:24+00:00

    That is why I asked you what version of Office 2016 you had. Where a person purchases Office 2016 Pro Plus on the internet at knockdown prices it may be possible to reinstall it with the Product Key. But be sure that Microsoft will eventually catch up and a no licence notice will appear. Office 2016 Pro Plus or any Pro Plus versions of Office are only licenced to be sold by certain organisations, such as school, companies etc. They cannot be sold as retail versions, or at least it is a contravention of the licence to do so.

    I can definitely confirm that you cannot reinstall legitimate onetime payment versions of Office more than once with a Product Key. It is a Redemption Key and you can only redeem Office once. Reinstallations are done through the Office Account at: https://account.microsoft.com/services

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  4. Anonymous
    2021-10-01T15:00:38+00:00

    What version of Office 2016 do you have?

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  5. Anonymous
    2021-10-01T04:57:49+00:00

    Hello Califfany

    I'm Diane, an Office Apps & Services MVP, and I’m happy to help you today.

    Yes, you will be able to reinstall it. Since the key wasn't redeemed in an Microsoft account, you can reuse it.

    >>

    do I need to un-install Office prior to reformatting so that Microsoft will know I'm not attempting to simultaneously use it twice

    <<

    No, that is not necessary as it won't remove the license. They detect it when you activate on the new computer.

    https://support.microsoft.com/office/download-a...

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