How to Unlock & Activate Microsoft Word

Telephone activation takes longer than online activation, and the telephone number to call varies based on several factors.

When you download a free trial copy of Microsoft Office, which includes Word, you typically have a period during which you can try the program free. Once that period expires, Word partially "locks," reducing functionality by restricting you from creating or editing documents. If you purchase Word, you have 30 days to activate it before the program "locks." Unlock and register Word by purchasing a product key and activating the program. Activate Word over the Internet or, if you are not using a trial or subscription version of Word, by calling the Activation Center.

Instructions

Activate Online

1. Connect to the Internet, and then start Microsoft Word.

2. Click "File" and then select "Help." Select "Activate Product Key" to start the Activation Wizard.

3. Follow the directions provided in the Wizard, which will prompt you to enter your product key and register the product online.

4. Close Word and reopen it once the Product Wizard is complete. Confirm that you have unlocked and activated Word by clicking "File" and then selecting "Help." If the "Activate Product Key" option you selected earlier is no longer visible, you have activated Word correctly.

Activate Over the Telephone

1. Open Microsoft Word. Click "File" and then select "Help." Select "Activate Product Key" to start the Activation Wizard.

2. Enter your product key and country/region when prompted by the wizard. The wizard will provide an installation ID and the phone number to use to activate over the telephone.

3. Proceed to Step Two of the wizard. Call the Activation Center at the number the wizard gave you. The representative will ask you for the installation ID number and then provide you with a confirmation ID.

4. Type the confirmation ID in the space at the bottom of the screen. Press "Enter."

5. Close Word and then open it again. Confirm activation by clicking "File" and then selecting "Help." The "Activate Product Key" option you selected earlier should no longer be visible, indicating a successful activation.

Tips & Warnings

• If you use Word at work and many others use the program as well, you probably have a volume edition. In this case you will activate Word using a Multiple Activation Key, or MAK. If you do not have an MAK, consult with your system administrator for a Key Management Service, or KMS, key.

• If you have trouble with activation, visit the Microsoft Support "Fix a Technical Problem" site for help.

• Deaf or hard-of-hearing users who speak English may activate using a TT/TTY modem by calling 800-718-1599 from within the U.S. or by calling 716-871-6859.

References

• Microsoft: Activate Office 2010 Programs
• Microsoft: Resources to Help You Activate a License in Microsoft Office Programs
• Microsoft Office: Activate Volume Editions of Office 2010

Resources

• Microsoft: Description of the Office Activation Wizard
• Microsoft: Support