Project Std 2021 - Installation cannot be activated. Activated up to the limit of your Multiple Activation Key

Question

Hello,

Please provide guidance on Project Standard 2021 since I have a valid key but the scenario was as follows:

Previously the Project Standard 2021 was already installed on another computer.

I have installed Project Standard 2021 on a new computer but the error:

I cannot get the Project Standard 2021 activated, I tried the following steps:

1. Repair the installation and re enter the serial number
2. And I tried activate over phone but I read that the activation over phone are not available anymore

3.To release the license using an MS account I think it won´t be possible since I have not information.

Kindly provide your feedback.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Dear @Ever Rojano,

Thank you for reaching out and for clearly outlining the steps you have already tried. Based on the error message you are receiving, this indicates that the product key you are using is a Volume Licensing key (MAK) and that its activation limit has already been reached.

With MAK licenses, each activation counts against a fixed number of allowed activations, and once this limit is reached, additional activations are blocked.

Note: This applies even in scenarios where the software is moved to a new device or reinstalled multiple times, as each activation attempt consumes one count.

In this case, the only supported resolution is to request the activation count for the MAK key reset or increased. This action must be performed by an authorized administrator through the appropriate licensing channels.

If the key was provided by your organization (company or school), you will need to contact your IT or licensing administrator. Only they can request an increase to the activation limit or provide you with a new valid key. Individual users do not have the ability to reset or release MAK activations.

Note: If you do not know who your IT Admin is, please refer to this article: How do I find my Microsoft 365 admin?

If you are the license owner or administrator, you can contact Microsoft Volume Licensing Support and request a MAK activation limit increase. Microsoft may ask for details such as your agreement information and proof of purchase before approving additional activations

Please kindly refer to this article for step-by-step instructions and requirements to request an increase to MAK activation limits: Find and use product keys for volume licensing | Microsoft Learn

You'll need to provide your information on this web form regarding your request: 

For more information/support: Here is how to contact Microsoft Activation Center: Volume License Key Phone Numbers | Microsoft Volume Licensing 

Note: Please understand that as a forum moderator, my role is to provide general guidance and troubleshooting support. I don’t have access to internal systems or backend tools, and I appreciate your understanding of these limits.

I hope the information shared helps point you in the right direction. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out. I'm happy to assist.

Thank you for your patience and understanding. I'm looking forward for your reply.

---

If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".   

Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.

Answer 2

The error indicates that the key used for Project Standard 2021 is a Multiple Activation Key (MAK) / volume license key and its activation limit has been reached. In this situation, the key cannot be further activated on additional devices.

For such keys:

1. MAK / volume keys are intended only for organizations that purchased volume licensing. They are not valid for resale to individual users.
2. Each MAK has a fixed activation count. Once that count is exhausted (for example, due to multiple installs, reinstalls, or being sold to many users), further activations are blocked.
3. When the limit is reached, only the organization that owns the volume license can work with its administrator or Microsoft to manage or increase activations. Individual end users cannot reset or reclaim activations themselves.

Given this:

• If the key was obtained from a third‑party seller as a “single” or “retail” license, it is very likely an unauthorized volume (MAK) key. In that case, the recommendation is to stop using that key and request a refund from the seller, as this usage violates the licensing terms and the key may be blocked at any time.
• If the key was provided by an employer or school under a volume agreement, contact the organization’s IT/licensing administrator. Only they can provide a new key or reassign a valid license to the new device.

There is no supported way for an individual user to bypass the MAK activation limit or move such a license between personal devices without going through the organization that owns the volume license.

---

References:

• Can't activate Office - Microsoft Q&A
• microsoft office LTSC professional plus 2024says not activated and wont allow the key - Microsoft Q&A