How to activate single use Office 2024 for Home on a Mac

Question

I purchased a single license for Office 2024 for Mac and redeemed the product key online. I installed the apps and can open them, but cannot create or edit files, as I get a message saying I need to activate my 365 subscription. I did not purchase a 365 subscription, but a single license for Office only. How do I input my product code so the software will actually function?

Answer 1

All versions of Office for Mac — Perpetual as well as Subscription license — need to be activated as described in this MS article:

Activate Office for Mac

Answer 2

Hi there, this is Marc. Thanks for reaching out to the community.

When you redeem a one-time license for Office 2024 for Mac, the product key itself isn’t entered directly in the app. Instead, it gets tied to the Microsoft account you used during redemption. To activate, sign in to Word or any Office app with that same Microsoft account (File > Account > Sign in). If the apps still prompt for a Microsoft 365 subscription, it usually means you’re signed in with a different account than the one that redeemed the license. Sign out of all accounts in Office, then sign back in with the correct one. Once recognized, the apps should unlock without asking for a subscription. If you’re certain you used the right account but it still doesn’t activate, you’ll need to contact Microsoft Support so they can re-associate the license to your account.

Best regards,