Do I need additional activation?

Question

After installing Office Home 2024 on my Windows 11, I launched Excel.

However, there is no "Authentication Verified" message on the account screen, no "Update Account" button, and only a Switch Account button.

The product name is displayed as Ms Office Home 2024, and the Excel information at the bottom says "Microsoft® Excel® 2024 MSO (Version 2601 Build 16.0.19628.20214) 64-bit

[Moderator note: PII removed]

Do I need additional activation?

Answer 1

Hello NaYoung Shin,

Thank you for posting your question in the Microsoft Q&A forum!

I understand that you have confusion when using your Office Home 2024. That's very understandable and believe me you're not alone. I am here to help you out.

As your concern, do you need additional activation?

No additional activation is required if all of the following are true which they are in your case:

• The product name shows Microsoft Office Home 2024
• Excel opens normally without any activation prompts
• There’s no “Activate” banner or “Unlicensed product” message
• You can edit and save files
• Excel shows a License ID and version information

For one‑time purchase versions like Office Home 2024, activation usually happens automatically the first time you open an app and accept the license terms. You won’t always see an “Authentication verified” message afterward.

What you’re noticing is expected behavior for non‑subscription Office:

• No “Update Account” button This button is mainly used with Microsoft 365 subscriptions. Office Home 2024 updates itself through Windows Update / Office updates, not account-based subscription management.
• Only “Switch Account” is shown That’s normal. A Microsoft account can be present just for identity or reinstall purposes—it doesn’t mean ongoing sign‑in or verification is required.
• No “Authentication Verified” message That message is not consistently shown for one‑time purchase licenses. Microsoft confirms activation silently once it succeeds.

If you want absolute confirmation:

1. Open Excel
2. Select File > Account
3. Look under Product Information

If it does not say Unlicensed Product and there’s no Activate button, Office is activated. This aligns with Microsoft’s activation behavior for non‑subscription Office versions.

I hope this will help with your situation. Please feel free to reach back if you have further update or more questions.

Best Regards,

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