Activate Microsoft Office 2016 - so it'll work

If you bought Microsoft Office 2016, you have to activate the software after 30 days at the latest. We'll show you how activation works both online and by phone.

Activate Microsoft Office 2016 online

You need a free Microsoft account to activate it. It is only necessary for registration, you do not have to use it later. Entering the product key is also only necessary for the first installation. For all subsequent installations, the login with your Microsoft account is sufficient.

1. Open the following Microsoft website and look for the 25-digit product key.
2. If you then click on the "First Steps" button, you can log in to your Microsoft account.
3. When you finally select the region and language, your license will be activated.
4. You can now download Office 2016 or install it from the purchased DVD.
5. Then log in with your Microsoft account when you start Word, Outlook or other Office programs.

Instructions: Activate Microsoft Office 2016

If you have not yet activated Office 2016, you will be reminded of this every time you start the Office application. Follow either this message or the following instructions:

1. Click the "File" tab in the top left corner of Word and switch to the "Account" category in the bottom left corner.
2. If you select the "Activate product" option, you can enter the 25-digit product key.
3. If you wish, you can also set up Office 2016 via the item "I would like to activate the software by phone".

In the next practical tip, we will show you the most important innovations in Office 2016.