Quick answer: Redeem your key at microsoft365.com/setup, download the installer from your Microsoft account, run the Microsoft Office installer.pkg, then open Word and sign in with the same account. If your order email includes a licence (serializer) package instead, install Office and then run that package.
This guide covers Office 2024 Standard for Mac, Office 2021 Standard for Mac and Office 2019 for Mac. Installing on Windows? Use our Office for Windows guide.
Before you start
- Check your macOS version. Office 2024 for Mac supports the three most recent versions of macOS. If your Mac is older, update macOS first in System Settings → General → Software Update.
- Remove Microsoft 365 trials or older Office versions by dragging the apps from Applications to the Trash. A trial left signed in can stop your licence from applying.
- Have about 10 GB of free space and an administrator password for your Mac.
- Read your order email to see whether you received a 25-character key or a licence package, and follow the matching method below.
Method A: Install with a 25-character product key
- Go to microsoft365.com/setup and sign in with your Microsoft account. Create a free account if you don't have one.
- Enter the product key from your order email and confirm. You only do this once; the licence is now linked to your account.
- Sign in at account.microsoft.com/services, find your Office product and select Install.
- Open Finder → Downloads and double-click Microsoft Office installer.pkg. If macOS warns about an unidentified developer, Control-click the file and choose Open.
- Select Continue, agree to the licence terms and select Install. Enter your Mac password when asked.
- When the installer finishes, open Word from Launchpad, select Get Started and sign in with the same Microsoft account. Office activates automatically.
Microsoft's support article Download and install Office 2024 on a Mac shows the same steps with screenshots.
Method B: Install with a volume licence package
Office LTSC Standard for Mac is a volume edition. Microsoft activates it with a small Volume License Serializer package rather than a key typed into the app.
- Download the Office installer from the link in your order email and run it as in steps 4-5 above.
- Double-click the licence package (
Microsoft_Office_LTSC_2024_VL_Serializer.pkgor similar) and follow the prompts. - Open Word. It starts activated, with no sign-in required.
Check that Office is activated
Open Word, then choose Word → About Microsoft Word from the menu bar. The window shows the licence, for example "Office LTSC Standard for Mac 2024" or "Office Home & Business 2024". If you can create and save documents, Office is activated.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| "Unlicensed Product" banner | Sign out of Office (Word → Sign Out), quit all Office apps and sign in again with the account where you redeemed the key. |
| Office asks for a Microsoft 365 subscription | You're signed in with a different account, or a Microsoft 365 trial is installed. Remove the trial and sign in with the correct account. |
| Key already redeemed | Each key can be redeemed once. Sign in with the account you first used; your Office is listed there. |
| Installer won't open | Control-click the .pkg and choose Open, or allow it in System Settings → Privacy & Security. |
Still stuck? Reply to your order email with a screenshot of the About window and we'll help.
Frequently asked questions
Does Office for Mac include Access or Publisher?
No. Access and Publisher are Windows-only apps. Office for Mac includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and OneNote.
Can I still use Office 2019 for Mac?
Office 2019 for Mac is out of support. From July 2026 Microsoft runs it in reduced functionality mode, so you can view and print documents but not edit them. For a Mac we recommend Office 2024 for Mac, supported until 9 October 2029.
Can I move Office to a new Mac?
With Method A, sign in to your Microsoft account on the new Mac and install again. With Method B, uninstall from the old Mac and run the licence package on the new one.
Useful links
| Link | What it's for |
|---|---|
| microsoft365.com/setup | Redeeming your key |
| Microsoft account services | Downloading and reinstalling Office |
| Office 2024 for Mac | Buy Office for Mac |
| Office for Windows guide | Installing Office on a PC |