MS Project 2019 License Activation Issue

Question

I am facing an activation issue with my MS Project 2019 license. The software was purchased as a one-time download, but during activation I receive a notification that the product key/serial number has already been used. Please advise on how this can be resolved.

Answer 1

The message that the product key has already been used means the Project 2019 key has already been redeemed and is now tied to a Microsoft account. After redemption, the key itself is no longer used for installation or activation.

To resolve this:

1. Install using the Microsoft account (not the key)
   • Go to the Subscriptions page: https://account.microsoft.com/services.
   • Sign in with the same Microsoft account that was used when the key was first redeemed.
   • Under Services & subscriptions, locate the entry for Project 2019 (or the Office product bundle that includes it) and select Install to download and install.
2. Activate by signing in, not entering the key
   • Open Project 2019 after installation.
   • If prompted to activate, choose Sign in and use the same Microsoft account used in step 1.
   • Do not enter the product key again; activation is done via the account.
3. If unsure which Microsoft account was used
   • Use the guidance in Find the account you use with Office (linked from the article) to identify the correct account that holds the license.
4. If the key was never legitimately redeemed by you
   • If the key was purchased separately and it turns out to be blocked or already used on another account (for example, resold or fraudulently obtained), it may no longer work. In that case, contact the seller and request a refund, as blocked or reused keys cannot be reactivated.

Once the correct account is used, Project 2019 should install and activate without re-entering the product key.

---

References:

• "This product key has already been used" error in Office
• Unlicensed Product and activation errors in Office
• "Product key is not valid" error when activating Office