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Activate Microsoft Office programs

The following information is provided to help you to activate your Microsoft Office 2010 programs. For
troubleshooting information, visit the Microsoft Help and Support site.
If you are using this computer at work or as part of an organization, you might be using a volume edition of
Microsoft Office 2010. For information about activating by using a volume license, see Activate volume
editions of Microsoft Office.

In this article
How do I activate my Microsoft Office programs?
How do I activate at a later time?
How can I tell whether my software has been activated?
What is a trial version?
What does convert mean?
What is activation, grace period, and reduced functionality?
What if I am using this computer using at work or as part of an organization?
What if I am using Office Starter 2010?

How do I activate my Microsoft Office programs?

When you start your Office program for the first time after installation, you are prompted to enter your
Product Key, if you have not already done so during Setup.

ACTIVATE OVER THE INTERNET OR BY PHONE

When you enter your valid Product Key, the Activation Wizard automatically runs and it gives you two
choices on how to proceed:
Activate by using the Internet The Activation Wizard automatically contacts the Microsoft
licensing servers through your Internet connection. If you are using a valid Product Key that
has not already been used for the allowed number of installations, your product is activated
immediately.

When you activate through the Internet, your product ID (derived from the installation Product
Key) is sent to Microsoft. A response (the confirmation ID) is sent back to your computer to
activate your product. If you choose to activate your product through the Internet and you are not
already connected, the wizard alerts you that there is no connection.
Activate by using the telephone You can telephone an Activation Center and activate your
product with the help of a customer service representative.
IMPORTANT Activation Center numbers are not listed in this article, because there are many

numbers, and the correct number for you is based on several factors. Microsoft software can be
obtained under various licenses, including individual retail licenses, original equipment
manufacturer (OEM) licenses, and volume licenses. Telephone numbers vary by product license
and country/region. In step 2 of the Activation Wizard, use the telephone number provided to call
the Microsoft Activation Center.
Telephone activation might take longer than activation through the Internet. You should be at your
computer when you call, and you should have your software Product Key available.
1.

In the Activation Wizard, select the country/region where you reside and where
you plan to use the product.

The wizard provides one or more telephone numbers.

2.

Call the Activation Center.

The customer service representative asks you for your installation ID (displayed on your
screen) and other relevant information. After your installation ID is verified, you receive a
confirmation ID.
3.

In the Activation Wizard, type the confirmation ID in the spaces provided at the
bottom of the screen, and then press ENTER.

NOTES

1.

Telephone activation is not available for Trial and Subscription versions.

2.

Microsoft Text Telephone (TT/TTY) services are available for individuals who are
deaf or hard of hearing. In the United States, using a TT/TTY modem, dial (800)
718-1599. From outside the United States, using a TT/TTY modem, dial (716) 8716859. TT/TTY service is only available in English.

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How do I activate at a later time?

If you don't want to activate your copy of the software when you install it, you can activate it later.
If you have a problem with your activation, contact a customer service representative by using the
telephone number provided in the wizard.
NOTE

Telephone support is not available for Trial and Subscription versions. Therefore, the wizard does

not provide a telephone number for either of these versions.

1.

Click the File tab.

2.

Click Help, and then click Activate Product Key.

3.

Follow the instructions in the Activation Wizard.

4.

When the wizard finishes, exit the Office program, and then restart it.
If you click Activate Product Key again before you exit and restart your Office program,

NOTE

you see a message saying that This product has already been activated.
5.

Repeat steps 1 through 4 for any Activate Product Key button that you see.

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How can I tell whether my software has been activated?

1.

Click the File tab.

2.

Click Help.

If you don't see an Activate Product Key button, your software has been
activated.

If you do see an Activate Product Key button, your software hasn't been
activated. You should follow the instructions in the "How do I activate at a later
time" section.

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What is a trial version?

A trial version allows you to evaluate the Office 2010 for a limited amount of time, typically 30 or 60 days.
NOTE

Some trial versions cannot be converted to the full product. In such cases, you must uninstall the

trial version and install the full product separately.

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What does convert mean?

Convert means you have finished evaluating a trial version and have decided to purchase the full product.
You are prompted to provide a Product Key that you already have or will purchase online.
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What is activation, grace period, and reduced functionality?

To continue to use all of the features of your product, you must activate the product. Microsoft Product
Activation is a Microsoft anti-piracy technology that verifies software products are legitimately licensed.
Activation This process verifies the Product Key, which you must supply to install the product, is in use
on computers permitted by the software license.
Grace period Before you enter a valid Product Key, you can run the software for 30 days, which is the
grace period. During the grace period, certain features or programs may be enabled that are not included in
the product you have purchased. After you enter a valid Product Key, you will see only the programs and
features you have purchased.
Reduced Functionality mode After the grace period, if you have not entered a valid Product Key, the
software goes into Reduced Functionality mode. In Reduced Functionality mode, your software behaves
similarly to a viewer. You cannot save modifications to documents or create new documents, and
functionality might be reduced. No existing files or documents are harmed in Reduced Functionality mode.
After you enter your Product Key and activate your software, you will have full functionality for the programs
and features you purchased.
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What if I am using this computer using at work or as part of

an organization?

If you are using this computer at work or as part of an organization, you might be using a volume edition of
Microsoft Office 2010. For information about activating by using a volume license, see Activate volume
editions of Microsoft Office.
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What if I am using Office Starter 2010?

If you are using Microsoft Office Starter 2010, the software came pre-installed on your computer. Office
Starter 2010 is already activated, and there is no Product Key for you to enter.
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