Microsoft apps activation failed

Question

I can't use my microsoft applications installed on my laptop anymore. It was showing 'product activation failed' but I can still use them on browsers. I'm using the purchased account provided from my university and it is singed in. The IT service team at the university have already checked and told me that the account is active and not locked. But it's still not working. How can I fix this?

Answer 1

Hi KThi_818,

Thank you for your further reply and cooperation.

Stefan is right that Office Professional Plus 2019 is a different product compared to the Microsoft 365 subscription you own. Due to this situation, I sincerely suggest you can follow this support article: Uninstall Office from a PC - Microsoft Support to completely uninstall the Office 2019 on your device.

After completing the uninstallation then reinstall Office 365 on your PC through the Office portal and check whether you can use your Office or not.

If you have further questions, Please be free to contact and send feedback to me, I’m willing to help you any time.

Appreciate again for your patience and understanding.

Sincerely,

Harry | Microsoft Community Moderator

Answer 2

Based on your screen shots, the problem here is that you have Office 2019 installed while the university offers a Microsoft 365 subscription. These products are different from each other.

Answer 3

Hello,

Thank you for your reply.

My classmates do not face that problem. I have been using the school accounts for word, powerpoint, outlook mail and excel for over two months and this problem arised two days ago.

I have attached the screenshots of the error.

Answer 4

Hi KThi_818,

Greetings. Thank you for posting the thread to our community.

I understand your concern, it seems you’ve encountered activation failed issue when using your Office products with your school account. For the situation you’ve encountered, I do understand the inconvenience caused and feel very sorry about it.

As far as I know and just the same as Stefan mentions, to properly use the Office desktop app, you’ll need the corresponding license in your account, and the license name is called “The latest desktop version of Office”.

In that case, to help you narrow down the situation and identify the root cause of your issue, May I confirm the following information with you?

1. May I confirm whether your classmates have the same issue or not? Could you please provide me a screenshot of the error message you’ve encountered?
2. May I confirm your Microsoft 365 plan name of your account and whether you have the license “The latest desktop version of Office” in your account? You can sign in to the Office portal with your school account: My account and check your Microsoft 365 licenses. Please provide me a screenshot of your Microsoft licenses in the following format as well:

Appreciate your understanding that sometimes the initial reply may not resolve the situation very soon. However, we can work together to narrow down and resolve the situation. Please kindly provide the requested information so that I can work further.

Hope you having a nice day.

Sincerely,

Harry | Microsoft Community Moderator

Answer 5

Double-check with the IT support that you are still allowed to install the full products on a PC. Some licenses will only support the web apps.