Install and Activate Microsoft Office for Mac (Setup.Office.com)
Before You Start (Important)
- Internet is required for install activation.
- You’ll need a Microsoft account (email password) to redeem and activate.
- If you already have a Microsoft Office trial installed, remove it first (Step 4).
✅ Mac installs usually come as a .pkg installer (sometimes inside a .dmg).
If you downloaded a Windows
.img file, that is for Windows and won’t install on macOS.
Step 1: Redeem Your Product Key
Redeem your key to link Office to your Microsoft account:
- Open Safari/Chrome and go to setup.office.com
- Sign in with your Microsoft account (or create one)
- Enter your product key and follow the prompts
- When finished, Office will be added to your Microsoft account
Tip: Use the same Microsoft account later when Office asks you to sign in during activation.
Step 2: Download Office for Mac
After redeeming your key:
- Stay signed in at setup.office.com (or go to your Microsoft account “Services & subscriptions”)
- Click Install Office (Mac version)
- Your download will be a file like:
Microsoft_Office_Installer.pkgorMicrosoft_365_and_Office_Installer.pkg(name can vary)
✅ Always download from your Microsoft account after key redemption — it ensures you get the correct Mac installer.
Step 3: Install Office on macOS
- Open Finder → Downloads
- Double-click the downloaded
.pkgfile - Follow the installer prompts (Continue → Agree → Install)
- Enter your Mac password if prompted
- When finished, open Word (or Excel)
If macOS blocks the installer, go to System Settings → Privacy & Security and allow it, then run it again.
Step 4 (If Needed): Remove Existing Office Trial
If activation fails or you see a trial/subscription prompt, remove the trial first:
- Close all Office apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- Open Finder → Applications
- Drag these to Trash if present:
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- OneNote (optional)
- Restart your Mac
- Reinstall Office again from Step 2/3
⚠️ Note: Do not delete personal documents. This only removes the applications themselves.
Step 5: Activate Office (Sign In)
On first launch (Word/Excel), Office will ask you to activate:
- Open Word or Excel
- Click Sign In
- Sign in using the same Microsoft account you used at setup.office.com
- Wait for activation to complete
✅ If activation succeeds, you’re all set.
❌ If it still doesn’t activate, go to Step 6.
❌ If it still doesn’t activate, go to Step 6.
Step 6: Troubleshooting (Most Common Fixes)
A) Wrong Microsoft account
- Make sure you’re signed into the same Microsoft account used to redeem at setup.office.com.
- In Word: Word → Sign Out (or Account) then sign in again with the correct account.
B) Update Office
- Open any Office app → Help → Check for Updates (Microsoft AutoUpdate)
- Install updates, then restart the app
C) Key redeemed but still prompts for a key
- On Mac, activation is typically done by sign-in once the key is redeemed to your account.
- If it asks for a key repeatedly, uninstall and reinstall using the installer from your Microsoft account (Step 2/3).
If you contact support, send: macOS version, Office version, and a screenshot of the activation screen.
Final Notes
After successful activation, Office will remain licensed according to the license type linked to your Microsoft account. If you reinstall macOS or switch devices, you may need to reinstall and activate again by signing in.
Need help? Reply with a screenshot of the activation prompt and I’ll guide you through the exact fix.