Product Activation Failed in Microsoft Office, How to Fix the Product Activation Failed Error in Microsoft Office?
by T Santhosh | Updated Dec 21, 2023
Product Activation Failed in Microsoft Office
"Product Activation Failed" in Microsoft Office occurs when the software is unable to verify its license. When you open Word, Excel, or any Office app and see a message saying "Product Activation Failed," it means there's an issue with confirming that your Office copy is genuine and properly activated.
This can happen for various reasons: maybe there was a problem during the activation process when you first installed Office, or there might be a mismatch between your product key and what Office expects. Sometimes, it could also be due to changes in your computer's hardware that Office doesn't recognize. When this error pops up, it can be annoying because it blocks your access to important tools like Word and Excel. Each time you open an Office app, that error message reminds you that something's not right with the activation. The good news is, there are ways to troubleshoot this issue. We've got a solution to help you fix the "Product Activation Failed" error.
How to Fix the Product Activation Failed Error in Microsoft Office?
When encountering the "Product Activation Failed" error in Microsoft Office, start with a few quick steps.
Quick Checks
Run the Office application as an administrator. You can do this by typing the app name in the Windows Search bar, right-clicking its icon, and selecting "Run as administrator." Additionally, ensure that your Office app is updated to the latest version. Open the app, click on the File tab, go to Account, and then choose Update Options > Update Now.
Avoid Unauthorized Ways
To activate Microsoft Office apps legally and prevent this error, it's essential to buy a subscription from Microsoft's official website or their trusted partners. Using unauthorized methods like cracks or third-party activators might trigger this error. Purchasing a genuine Microsoft 365 subscription from the official sources can resolve this issue.
Avoid Pirated Windows
Similarly, avoid using unauthorized or pirated versions of Windows. If Microsoft detects an illegitimate copy, it might affect Office's functionality and lead to activation issues. Ensure that your Windows operating system is genuine and properly licensed, as using a pirated version could disrupt your Office subscription.
Check Subscription Status
Check your email associated with the subscription for any messages from Microsoft regarding subscription expiration. If an email about subscription renewal or expiration is found, log into your Microsoft 365 account to confirm the subscription status. If the subscription has expired, renew it to fix the error. If no expiration email is received and the subscription is active, verify that you are logged in with the correct account.
Check Logged-in Account
Verify that you're using the same Microsoft account that was used to purchase the Office subscription. Sometimes, if multiple users access the computer, someone might be logged in with an account that doesn't have an active Office subscription. To ensure the correct account is being used, open the Office application, go to the File tab, select Account, and check the User Information section. If a different account is displayed, sign out and sign in again with the correct account.
Verify Date Settings
Incorrect date and time settings on your device can also trigger the "Product Activation Failed" error. Check the date displayed at the bottom right corner of your screen. If the date is incorrect, adjust the date and time settings on your Windows operating system.
Reset Office Apps
If the error persists, consider resetting the Office application where the error is occurring. Resetting an app won't delete your data but might undo any customizations made within the app.
Run OSPREARM.exe
As a final troubleshooting step, try running a file called OSPREARM.exe as an administrator. This file is known to help fix activation errors in Office. To do this, navigate to the Office folder on your computer at C:Program FilesMicrosoft OfficeOffice16, locate the OSPREARM.exe file, right-click on it, and select "Run as administrator." By following these steps, you can troubleshoot and potentially resolve the "Product Activation Failed" error in Microsoft Office, ensuring uninterrupted access to your Office applications.
Cause of Product Activation Failed in Microsoft Office
The "Product Activation Failed" message in Microsoft Office can pop up for a few reasons. Firstly, it could be because you're using the Office app without a proper license or your subscription, like Microsoft 365, has expired. If that subscription isn't active or has expired, you'll see this error. Another reason might be if your Windows operating system is not genuine. Using a copy of Windows that isn't authorized might cause issues with how Office activates itself.
Sometimes, it's about which account you're using. If you're logged into the Office app with a different account than the one you used to subscribe to Office, it can cause confusion and lead to this error. Then, there's the possibility that you haven't updated your Office apps for a while. Not keeping them up-to-date might trigger activation problems. Lastly, even the date on your device matters. If the date isn't set correctly, it can make Office think your subscription has expired when it actually hasn't.
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Microsoft Office
Microsoft Office is a collection of computer programs made by Microsoft. It helps people do different tasks on a computer. It has programs like Microsoft Word, which helps in writing documents, Microsoft Excel for making tables and calculations, and Microsoft PowerPoint, which helps in creating presentations. When it first came out in 1988, it had Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. But over time, it added more programs like Outlook for emails, Access for managing databases, and Publisher for making things like newsletters.
There are different versions of Office for different kinds of computers. The most common one works on Windows and macOS on regular computers. There are also apps for phones and tablets that run on Android and iOS. Plus, there's Office on the web that works in a web browser. In 2013, Microsoft started Office 365. It's a way of using Office where instead of buying it once, you pay a subscription. This way, you always get the newest updates and features. Office 365 became very popular, and in 2017, more people used it than the older versions you buy outright.
Now, Microsoft is changing the name. Instead of calling it "Microsoft Office," they'll use "Microsoft 365." It's the same thing but with more services than just the basic Office programs. This change started in 2023, but they'll still use "Microsoft Office" for older versions.
Product Activation Failed in Microsoft Office - FAQs
It can arise due to expired or inactive subscriptions, using an unlicensed Windows OS, incorrect user account, outdated Office apps, or incorrect date settings.
Run the Office app as an administrator, ensure updates are installed, avoid unauthorized activation methods, check subscription status, and verify logged-in account.
Check your subscription status in your email or Microsoft 365 account; renew if expired. Ensure you're logged in with the correct account used for the subscription.
Yes, incorrect date and time settings might trigger activation issues in Office; verify and adjust date settings if necessary.
Reset the Office app, run OSPREARM.exe as an administrator, or reinstall Office as a last resort if other troubleshooting steps don't resolve the issue.