Microsoft 365 Apps activation error: "The products we found in your account can't be used to activate"

  • Article
  • Applies to:
    Microsoft 365

When activating Microsoft 365 apps, you might encounter the following error:

The products we found in your account can't be used to activate.

Try the following troubleshooting methods to solve the problem.

Notes:

Update Microsoft 365

It is recommended that Microsoft 365 be configured to install updates automatically. To check for updates, open an Office app (such as Word), select File, and then select Account. Select Update options, and then select Update now.

Run the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant (SaRA) Sign in troubleshooter

Run the SaRA Office sign in issue troubleshooter.

Sign out of Office and sign back in
  1. Open an Office app, such as Word.
  2. Select your name and profile picture or icon at the top.
  3. Select Sign out.
  4. Select Sign in.
  5. Make sure you are signed in with your Work or School account, not your personal Microsoft account.
  6. Try activating Microsoft 365 again.

Make sure you have the correct Office installed

Go to https://portal.office.com/account to check which Office version and edition you have available.

If no Office version is shown, you don’t have an Office license assigned to the account you are signed in with. If you are signed in with your Work or School account, and don’t have a license assigned, contact your Microsoft 365 Administrator to get a license assigned. How do I find my Microsoft 365 admin?

If you have Microsoft 365 for Business Basic, you won’t have any Office applications to install. You can use Office Online apps at https://office.com.

Make sure that the version listed (32-bit or 64-bit) matches your version of Windows. To check what version of Windows you have installed, go to Start > Settings (gear icon) > System > About, and check the System type.

If you have a different edition or version installed on your device, run the SaRA package to uninstall Office. Restart the device, and install from https://portal.office.com/account to get the correct version.


Uninstall Office apps and then reinstall

Run the SaRA package to uninstall Office. Restart the device, and install from https://portal.office.com/account to get the correct version.

Reset Microsoft 365 activation state

Run the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant (SaRA) to reset the Microsoft 365 activation state.

For manual steps or more information, see Reset Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise activation state.

Check Shared Computer Activation (SCA)

If you’re using SCA, see Microsoft 365 Apps Shared Computer Activation issues.