Are you seeing the dreaded ‘Microsoft Word Unlicensed Product’ error? Worry not! This error message usually pops up when there’s a problem with the activation of your Microsoft Office suite. But don’t let it get you down! With a few simple steps, you can troubleshoot the issue and get back to typing up your documents in no time.
Step by Step Tutorial: Solving ‘Microsoft Word Unlicensed Product’ Errors
Before we dive into the steps to solve this error, let’s understand what they’re meant to achieve. These steps are designed to check the status of your Office suite, ensure it’s properly activated, and resolve any issues that might be preventing it from being recognized as a licensed product.
Step 1: Check your subscription status
First things first, let’s make sure your Microsoft Office subscription is active.
If your subscription has expired, you’ll need to renew it to continue using Microsoft Word without the unlicensed product error. If it’s active, you can move on to the next step.
Step 2: Update Microsoft Office
Make sure your Office suite is up to date as updates often fix bugs that may cause the unlicensed product error.
To update Microsoft Office, open any Office app, go to the ‘File’ menu, click on ‘Account,’ and then select ‘Update Options’ followed by ‘Update Now.’
Step 3: Run the Office Activation Troubleshooter
The Office Activation Troubleshooter can help fix activation issues that might be causing the error.
To run the troubleshooter, go to your Office account settings, find the ‘Troubleshoot’ option, and follow the on-screen instructions.
Step 4: Check your Internet connection
A stable internet connection is required for Office activation to verify the product license.
Ensure you’re connected to the internet. If the problem persists, try restarting your router or connecting to a different network.
Step 5: Repair Office Installation
Sometimes, a corrupted Office installation can cause activation problems. Running a repair can fix these issues.
To repair your Office installation, go to the Control Panel, find ‘Programs and Features’, select Microsoft Office in the list, and click on ‘Change’ followed by ‘Repair.’
After completing these steps, your Microsoft Word should be recognized as a licensed product, allowing you to use it without any more pesky error messages.
What Happens After Completing the Troubleshooting
Once you’ve gone through the troubleshooting steps, your Microsoft Word should run smoothly. The ‘Unlicensed Product’ error message should be gone, and you can use all the features of the Office suite without any hitches.
Tips: Solving ‘Microsoft Word Unlicensed Product’ Errors
- Ensure that you’re signed in with the correct Microsoft account associated with your Office license.
- If you’re using Office for work or school, check with your IT department to ensure the license is valid and assigned to you.
- Avoid using multiple Microsoft accounts on the same device as it can cause activation conflicts.
- If you’ve recently changed your hardware, reactivating Office may be necessary as the license is tied to the device it was initially activated on.
- Keep your Windows operating system up to date to avoid compatibility issues with Office.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes the ‘Microsoft Word Unlicensed Product’ error?
This error typically occurs when Microsoft Word can’t verify the license status of your Office suite. It might happen if your subscription has expired, your Office suite isn’t updated, or there’s an activation glitch.
Can I still use Microsoft Word with the unlicensed product error?
You might be able to use Microsoft Word with limited functionality, but you won’t be able to access all features until the error is resolved.
Will these troubleshooting steps work for Office 365 and Office 2019?
Yes, these steps are applicable for both Office 365 and Office 2019 versions.
What if the troubleshooting steps don’t solve the issue?
If you’ve tried all the steps and the problem persists, you may need to contact Microsoft Support for further assistance.
Can the unlicensed product error occur on both Windows and Mac?
Yes, this error can occur on Microsoft Office for both Windows and Mac operating systems.
Summary
- Check your subscription status.
- Update Microsoft Office.
- Run the Office Activation Troubleshooter.
- Check your Internet connection.
- Repair Office Installation.
Conclusion
Dealing with the ‘Microsoft Word Unlicensed Product’ error can be frustrating, but it’s often a simple fix. By following the steps laid out in this article, you can usually solve the issue on your own. Remember to keep your Office suite updated, check your subscription status, and ensure a stable internet connection for smooth, error-free use of Microsoft Word. If all else fails, Microsoft Support is always there to help you out. So go ahead, give these troubleshooting tips a try, and get back to creating, editing, and sharing your documents with confidence!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.