It has set the benchmark as the go-to office software across various platforms.
You are using it every day but suddenly the product activation failed error pops up when launching MS Office.
It keeps popping up on every launch and sporadically when working on Microsoft Office apps.
The real problem starts when you are not able to use MS Office because of the activation error.
Therefore, it is important we fix product activation failed error in Microsoft Office to continue our work.
Dont worry, we have easy-to-follow solutions to activation failure errors.
One of the reasons can be that the activation check process is not running.
Search for an Office app such as Word, or Excel from the Start Menu.
Right-click and selectRun as administrator.
This should remove the product activation failed error when the problem is the activation check app.
But if the error persists then head to the next solution.
Run theOSPPREARM.exeFile
This is a working fix forproduct activationfailedand has worked for the majority of the users.
OSPPREARM.exe is a utility associated with Microsoft Office, specifically with the Office Software Protection Platform (OSPP).
By running OSPPREARM you might reset and extend this grace period.
Here is how you’ve got the option to do it.
Head to This PC by pressingWindows+Etogether or manually open it.
- throw in the following in the address bar and head to Microsoft Offices installation folder.
If you are on an x86(32-bit) version of Windows then head to the following address.
Note Here 16 in Office16 denotes MS Office 2016.
So if you have other versions such as Microsoft 2019 then it will be Office19.
Also, when you cannot find theOSPPREARM.exefile here then head to this address instead.
Then head to any of the Microsoft Office app and verify if the product activation failed error has disappeared.
If it is appearing then consider repeating the steps for two-three times.
However, if is still failing then head to the next solution.
Update MS Office
A glitch or bug in Microsoft Office can cause the product activation failed error.
Here is how you might do perform the update.
Launch any of the MS Office apps.
We launched Word for this tutorial.
Head toAccount, located at the bottom of the home page.
SelectUpdate Nowfrom the Update Options button.
Then a prompt checking for Microsoft Office updates will appear.
Meanwhile, you’re able to carry on with your work while it downloads available updates.
Then Microsoft Office updates will be prepared to be installed.
Then it will ask you to save work and end the Microsoft apps.
ClickContinueafter saving everything to load the updates.
Now check ifProduct Activated Failed in Microsoft Officestill persists in any of the MS Office apps.
If it still does then head to the next solution in the basket.
This could lead to errors like product activation failure, amongst other disruptions.
Here it’s possible for you to fix the date and time to solve this.
Close all apps of Microsoft Office and then move ahead to the next step.
Head to Date and Time controls from the Start Menu search.
Then enable both the options automatically for time and time zone.
After that, terminate the time and date tweaks.
5. upgrade your Subscription
UntilOffice 2016, MS Office had a one-time purchase model.
So sometimes you get logged out of your subscription on the PC, or it can be get expired.
Here is how you could log into Microsoft Office and keep the subscription active.
Head to Microsoft Office from the Start Menu.
ClickSign into log into the account.
Put in your Microsoft Offices credentials or select an account to jump in.
Now look at the top right of the window.
It is more common than you.
Suppose you installed one version a while back and forgot about it when the new version came in.
Therefore you should remove the older versions MS Office to fix the product activation error.
Here is the easiest way to do it.
Go to Apps uninstallation section by searchingAdd or Remove Programsin the Start Menu search.
Search forOfficein the search bar and you will see results below.
Single-click to select older Office and then hit theUninstallbutton.
This will remove the extra copy of MS Office from the computer.
After that, restart the computer for making the final changes.
Then you’ve got the option to launch MS Office and see the product activiation status.
If it is still failing then you’re able to move to the next solution.
Resetting can often help patch up the product activation failed in MS Office.
And here is how you’re free to do it by going to the apps uninstallation section.
Head to apps uninstallation section like the previous section and search forOffice.
Select Office installation and then clickAdvanced Options.
Scroll down to the Reset section and then tap on theReset button.
Then confirm again and Microsoft Office will be reset.
Then you could launch MS Office and it will start as a freshly installed utility.
You might have to sign in again.
This will fix product activation failed error in Microsoft Office.
If for any reason it fails to do so then move to the next solution.
They periodically release updates to address these issues and enhance the softwares functionality.
Microsoft continuously monitors its software for issues.
Here is how you’ve got the option to check Windows update to solve the activation issue.
Head to Windows Update from the Start menu.
Click onCheck for Updatesand wait a couple of seconds.
The available will be downloaded and then you have to clickRestartNowto install them right away.
Note check that to back up your work before going ahead with the updates installation.
Reset Windows
This fix for product activation failure is a big step for your system.
You might want to backup your data and files before proceeding forward.
Head toReset This PCfrom the Start menu.
Then selectGet Startedin the Reset This PC section.
You will be able to reset Windows to fix product activation failed in Microsoft Office.
you could head straight toContact Uspageand select Microsoft 365 for advanced support.
They will start by suggesting to post in their forums.
source: www.techworm.net
