Removing a Microsoft Office license typically refers to deactivating it from a specific device so that you can install and activate Office on another computer using the same license. This process is managed through your Microsoft Account or the Office 365 Account homepage.
Deactivating a Microsoft Office License from a Device
According to Microsoft's guidance, after you have uninstalled Microsoft Office from a device, the next step to free up that license for use on another device is to deactivate it through your online account portal.
Here are the general steps to deactivate a Microsoft Office license from a device:
- Uninstall Office: First, ensure you have uninstalled Microsoft Office from the device you no longer wish to use it on. This is a crucial preliminary step.
- Access Your Account: Visit the Office 365 Account homepage to manage your installations and deactivate the license.
- Sign In: From any device, go to the following URL: https://portal.office.com/Account/#home. Sign in using the work or school account associated with your Office license, if prompted.
- Manage Installations/Devices: Once signed in, navigate to the section where your installations or devices are listed. This area allows you to see which devices your license is currently activated on.
- Deactivate Device: Find the specific device from which you uninstalled Office and select the option to Deactivate or Remove installation.
By deactivating the license from the old device, you essentially remove that device's claim on one of your allowed installations. This action does not cancel your subscription or license but frees up an "installation slot" allowing you to then install and activate Office on a different computer or device.
Why Deactivate a License?
Deactivating a license from a device is necessary when:
- You get a new computer and want to move your Office installation.
- You are no longer using Office on a particular device (e.g., selling or donating an old computer).
- You have reached the maximum number of allowed installations for your specific license type and need to free up a slot.
Quick Steps Summary
For a quick overview, here's a table summarizing the process:
| Step | Action | Location | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Uninstall | Remove Office from the old device. | The device itself | Prepare the device for license deactivation |
| 2. Go to Portal | Navigate to your Office account page. | https://portal.office.com/Account/#home | Access license management features |
| 3. Sign In | Log in using your associated work or school account. | Account portal sign-in page | Verify your identity and access your account |
| 4. Manage | Find the list of devices/installations linked to your license. | Account dashboard or services/subscriptions | View current license usage |
| 5. Deactivate | Select the option to deactivate the specific device/installation. | Device list in the portal | Free up the installation slot |
Following these steps will successfully deactivate your Microsoft Office license from a particular device, allowing you to utilize that license on another machine.
