When upgrading to a new computer or switching devices, one important task for many users is transferring their Microsoft Office 2021 Home & Student license. This is a common concern for those who’ve purchased the one-time license and want to avoid repurchasing the software. Luckily, transferring your Office 2021 Home & Student license to a new device is possible, though it involves a few simple steps.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process to ensure a smooth transition. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to deactivate Office on the old computer and activate it on your new machine.

Can You Transfer Your Microsoft Office 2021 License?

Yes, if you purchased a one-time license for Microsoft Office 2021 Home & Student, you can transfer it to a new computer. The license allows installation on one device at a time. Therefore, if you need to use it on a new computer, you’ll first need to deactivate it on the current one before transferring it.

The transfer process is straightforward but requires an understanding of how Microsoft licenses work. Office 2021 Home & Student is linked to your Microsoft account, which makes it easier to manage installations and reactivations.

Pre-Transfer Preparation: Things to Keep in Mind

Before you begin the transfer process, consider the following:

  1. One License Per Device: The Office 2021 Home & Student license is valid for one device at a time. Therefore, you cannot use the same license on multiple devices simultaneously unless you deactivate it on the old one first.
  2. Backup Important Files: Make sure you back up any important files, such as Word documents or Excel spreadsheets, before uninstalling Office from your old computer.
  3. Ensure You Have Your Microsoft Account Details: Since your Office license is tied to your Microsoft account, ensure you have your login details (email and password) ready. You’ll need these to activate Office on your new device.

Step-by-Step Guide to Transferring Microsoft Office 2021 Home & Student

Step 1: Deactivate Office 2021 on the Old Computer

The first step is to deactivate the Office 2021 license from your old computer. This ensures that Microsoft recognizes the transfer and allows you to install it on the new device.

  1. Open Office on your old computer: Launch any of the Office apps, such as Word, Excel, or PowerPoint.
  2. Sign in to your Microsoft Account: Go to the top-right corner of the app, where you’ll see your account name or icon. Sign in with the Microsoft account that is linked to your Office 2021 license.
  3. Access Account Settings:
    • In Word, for example, click File > Account.
    • Look for the section labeled Product Information.
  4. Deactivate Office: You should see an option to Sign Out or Deactivate Office. Click this option to deactivate Office on the old computer. This will free up the license for use on the new computer.
  5. Uninstall Office: To ensure no confusion, uninstall Office from the old computer by going to the Control Panel > Programs and Features, then right-click on Microsoft Office 2021 and choose Uninstall.

Step 2: Install Microsoft Office 2021 Home & Student on the New Computer

Now that you’ve deactivated Office on your old computer, it’s time to install it on your new device.

  1. Visit the Microsoft Account Portal: On your new computer, open a browser and go to https://account.microsoft.com/.
  2. Sign in with Your Microsoft Account: Use the same Microsoft account that you originally used to purchase and activate your Office 2021 Home & Student license.
  3. Go to Services & Subscriptions:
    • Once you’ve signed in, navigate to the Services & Subscriptions section.
    • You should see your Office 2021 Home & Student license listed here.
  4. Download Office: Next to the Office 2021 Home & Student listing, there should be an option to Install Office. Click this button, and follow the on-screen instructions to download the Office setup file.
  5. Run the Installer: Once the download is complete, open the setup file and follow the prompts to install Office on your new computer.

Step 3: Activate Microsoft Office on the New Computer

After the installation process is complete, you’ll need to activate Office using your Microsoft account.

  1. Open any Office app: Launch Word, Excel, or PowerPoint on your new computer.
  2. Sign in to Your Microsoft Account: When prompted, sign in with the same Microsoft account you used to purchase the Office 2021 Home & Student license. This will link Office to your new computer.
  3. Complete Activation: After signing in, Office should automatically recognize your license and activate the software. You’re now ready to use Office on your new device.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Issue 1: I’ve Already Used My License on Multiple Devices

If you receive an error message stating that your license is already in use on another device, ensure you’ve properly deactivated Office on your old computer. Follow the deactivation steps again to ensure Office is signed out.

Issue 2: Unable to Sign in with Microsoft Account

If you’re unable to sign in with your Microsoft account, double-check your login details. If necessary, reset your password via the Microsoft website.

Issue 3: Office Won’t Activate on the New Computer

If Office won’t activate on your new device, make sure:

  • You’re using the correct Microsoft account associated with the Office 2021 purchase.
  • You have a stable internet connection.
  • Office has been completely deactivated from the old computer.

In rare cases, you may need to contact Microsoft Support for assistance with activation issues.

Conclusion

Transferring your Microsoft Office 2021 Home & Student license to a new computer is a straightforward process that can be completed in just a few steps. The key is to deactivate the license on the old computer before activating it on the new one. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily move Office 2021 to your new device without having to purchase a new license.

If you encounter any issues during the process, Microsoft’s support resources are available to help resolve activation or transfer problems. Now that you know how to transfer your Office license, you can confidently upgrade to a new device and continue using your favorite Office apps.