Microsoft Office
PC & MacOffice and Microsoft 365 suites are available for Windows and macOS when the purchased edition supports that platform.
Office installation guide
A clean start for Office, Project or Visio
Remove conflicting versions, secure your licence to the right Microsoft account, redeem your product key and install with confidence on a compatible Windows PC or Mac.
Windows & macOS guidance Official Microsoft links Customer-friendly steps
Before you begin
Check the licence and the device first
A two-minute check now prevents the most common account, compatibility and activation problems later.
Microsoft Project
Windows PCThe Project desktop application installs on Windows. Confirm that your key matches the required edition and device before redemption.
Microsoft Visio
Windows desktopVisio desktop installs on Windows. Eligible Mac users can work in Visio for the web through a supported browser and plan.
Seven clear steps
Uninstall, redeem, download and install
Complete the steps in order and use the same Microsoft account throughout the redemption, download and activation process.
Prepare the computer
Uninstall existing Office, Project or Visio
Save your work and close every Microsoft app. Removing incompatible or older installations first helps prevent setup and activation conflicts.
Windows PC
- Open Settings → Apps → Installed apps.
- Search for Microsoft 365, Office, Project and Visio.
- Select the product menu, choose Uninstall and follow the prompts.
- Restart Windows after all required products are removed.
Mac
- Open Finder → Applications.
- Command-click the Microsoft applications you need to remove.
- Control-click the selection and choose Move to Trash.
- Remove old Dock shortcuts, empty Trash when ready and restart the Mac.
Important for Mac users: Microsoft’s complete removal procedure can include Library folders and may affect Outlook data. Back up important data and follow Microsoft’s official Mac uninstall article before removing those folders.
Secure the licence
Create or confirm your Microsoft account
The account used during redemption becomes the account you will use to download, activate and reinstall the product later.
- If you already have an Outlook, Hotmail, Xbox, Skype or Microsoft account, confirm that you can sign in.
- If you need a new account, create one using a new Outlook address or an existing email address.
- Add recovery information and store the sign-in details securely.
- Choose the account carefully—do not redeem the key under a temporary or inaccessible email address.
Use the official destination
Open setup.office.com and sign in
Type setup.office.com into your browser or use the button below. Sign in with the Microsoft account you want permanently associated with the product.
- Confirm the address bar shows an official microsoft.com, office.com or microsoft365.com domain.
- A redirect from setup.office.com to Microsoft’s current Microsoft 365 setup page is expected.
- Do not enter your key on a lookalike website, in a chat message or by email.
Redeem once
Enter the 25-character product key
Find the key in your purchase email, receipt or product packaging. Enter it carefully, then confirm the language and region if Microsoft asks.
XXXXX XXXXX XXXXX XXXXX XXXXX
- Select Next and complete the on-screen redemption prompts.
- Confirm that the correct Office, Project or Visio product appears before continuing.
- After successful redemption, the licence is recorded against the signed-in Microsoft account.
Protect your key: Never publish a screenshot or send the complete key to an unknown person. A genuine product key normally needs to be redeemed only once.
Get the correct installer
Download your redeemed product
After redemption, select the installation option shown for your product. If you return later, sign in to Microsoft’s apps page with the same account.
- Open the Microsoft apps page and sign in with the account used for redemption.
- Locate the redeemed product under your apps, services or subscriptions.
- Select Install or Install apps.
- On Windows, match the 32-bit or 64-bit architecture of any Microsoft Click-to-Run products you plan to keep.
Complete setup
Install on a Windows PC or Mac
Keep the computer connected to the internet and do not close the installer while files are being downloaded and configured.
Windows PC
- Open the downloaded OfficeSetup.exe or the installer supplied for your product.
- Select Yes if User Account Control asks for permission.
- Wait while Microsoft downloads and installs the selected apps.
- When setup confirms completion, select Close.
Mac
- Open the downloaded Microsoft .pkg installer.
- Select Continue, review the options and choose Install.
- Enter the Mac administrator password or use Touch ID when requested.
- Close the installer after it reports a successful installation.
Platform reminder: Office editions that support macOS can be installed on a Mac. Project and Visio desktop installers are for Windows; Visio for the web may be available on a Mac with an eligible plan.
Final check
Open the app and complete activation
Launch Word, Project, Visio or another installed app and sign in with the same Microsoft account used when the product key was redeemed.
- Accept the licence agreement and privacy prompts if displayed.
- If several licences appear, choose the one that matches the product you redeemed.
- On Windows, open File → Account and confirm the product shows as activated.
- On Mac, select Sign In when prompted and allow the licence to validate.
App opens normally
Correct account is signed in
Product shows as activated
Ready to redeem your product key?
Use Microsoft’s official setup page and keep the same account from redemption through activation.
Common questions
Quick answers before you install
Use these checks if the key, account or installation option does not behave as expected.
Can I use a different Microsoft account after redemption?
Use the account that originally redeemed the key. It becomes the account record used to download, activate and reinstall that product later.
Why does setup.office.com redirect me?
Microsoft may redirect setup.office.com to its current Microsoft 365 setup experience. Confirm that the destination remains on an official microsoft.com, office.com or microsoft365.com domain.
My key says it has already been used—what should I do?
Do not keep re-entering it. Sign in with the Microsoft account previously used for redemption and check its apps, services or subscriptions for the product and install option.
Will uninstalling Office remove my documents?
Uninstalling the applications normally does not remove documents you created. Back up important files and Outlook data before making software changes.
Why can’t I find Project or Visio on my Mac?
Project and Visio desktop apps are designed for Windows. Eligible Visio customers can use Visio for the web on a Mac; check the features included with your plan.
Why is there no install button after I sign in?
Check that you signed in with the account used for redemption and that the product appears in that account. Work, school, volume and employer-discount licences may use a different installation route.
Trusted references
Official Microsoft resources
Use these sources for product-specific details, current system requirements and advanced troubleshooting.
Uninstall Microsoft 365 or Office from a PC Uninstall Office for Mac Download and install Office on a PC or Mac Using product keys with Microsoft 365 Install Microsoft Project Use Visio on a Mac
Microsoft, Microsoft 365, Office, Project and Visio are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. This independent guide is not affiliated with or endorsed by Microsoft. Interface wording may change as Microsoft updates its services.