What do you do when you launch Microsoft Office and get the prompt "Activation Required" but don't have a product key? Whether you lost the product key, didn't purchase the Office, or downloaded a cracked version, numerous methods exist to activate Microsoft Office 2023 without the product key.
This article is a step-by-step guide on how to activate Microsoft Office without a product key. It will also provide answers to questions about the legality of doing this, potential risks, and an alternative software you can use.
How To Activate Microsoft Office Without Product Key?
In this step-by-step guide to activate Office without a product key, we will discuss four methods you can use. Note that these steps work on all versions of Microsoft Office. With these methods, you don’t need to buy anything or enter a product key. So, follow the instruction as it applies to your situation.
For Windows Users – Use Free Activator: KMSpico
If you use a Windows PC, KMSpico is one of the best programs to activate Microsoft Office. KMSpico is a free-to-download key management service activator software designed by TeamDAZ. It is a powerful tool designed to activate different Microsoft Office and Windows product versions.
The KMSpico tool is a simple tool that permanently activates Microsoft Office. As long as you don't format your PC, even if you are connected to the internet or logged into your Microsoft Office account, you won't have to do the same steps to activate the license in the future.
Here’s how to activate Office 365 without a product key using KMSpico:
1. Visit KMSpico's official website to download the KMSpico software.
2. Turn off the antivirus on your PC by going to Settings > Privacy & Security > Window Security, then click on Open Windows Security to turn off Virus & threat production and other malware detection as it may interfere with the KMSpico installation or activation process.
3. Go to the download folder on your PC and double-tap on the KMSpico rar file to extract it. If you get a prompt to enter a password, use 2023 and click the proceed button.
4. After extracting the file, run the KMSpico installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
5. When installation is complete, open the software and click on Activate Office.
6. A command prompt window will pop up, allowing it to run until you get a success prompt, ensuring your PC remains connected to the internet at all times.
For Mac Users – Use the VL Serializer Tool
If you are a Mac user, the VL Serializer tool is the best tool to activate Microsoft Office. The Volume License Serializer is an easy activation method that activates the Office on your PC using a volume license key. Typically, this method is used by organizations and enterprises.
The VL Serializer is a small command-line-based tool that activates the version of Office installed on your Mac. It allows users to deploy a pre-activated copy of Office on a given Mac computer. As such, you won’t see any activation prompt when you open the copy of Office.
Here’s how to activate Microsoft Office using the VL Serializer Tool:
1. Install Microsoft Office on your Mac PC, but do not open it.
2. Go to Microsoft Volume Licensing Service Center or Github to download the Microsoft Office VL Serializer.
3. When the download is complete, open the Serializer and click Continue to install.
4. Choose a destination where you want to install it and select Continue.
5. You may be prompted to enter your Mac password on the next page. If you have one, do so, then select Install.
6. When installation is complete, click on Close to continue.
7. Go to Launchpad, open any Microsoft Office program like Excel or Word, and click on the skip the sign-in option.
8. On the next page, click on Start Using Word or Excel, depending on what Microsoft program you open.
9. To check if the program is successfully activated, open Excel, for example, then click on the Excel option, then About Microsoft Excel.
For Android Users – Download and Install Cracked Version
Android users are another category of users we will discuss in this guide. Using Microsoft Office products on an Android phone still requires activation to unlock all its features. Typically, to get this activation, you need a Microsoft account linked to a premium subscription.
However, if you don't want to pay for a Microsoft Office 365 subscription, downloading and installing a cracked version of Microsoft Office 365 is the easiest option. But be cautious if you choose to do this, as downloading a cracked version of any software, particularly from a third-party website, might be a potential risk. These risks include Viruses, leaking personal info, legal issues, additional rogue apps forced to install, etc.
Here’s how to activate Microsoft Office by downloading a cracked version:
1. Go to Google and search for the keyword Microsoft 365 MOD APK.
2. From the displayed list, click on a third-party website from which you are comfortable downloading software.
3. Find the download link and download the software.
4. Ensure you enable app installation from an unknown source by going to Settings > Security, then toggle the switch on for Unknown Source.
5. Go to your download folder, find the Microsoft 365 MOD file, and click it.
6. Now tap on the Install button and wait for the installation to complete.
7. When installation is complete, open Microsoft 365 and enjoy its premium service.
For iOS Users – Use Microsoft 365
Unfortunately, for those using an iOS device, there’s no way to use the premium version of the Microsoft Office app without paying. However, if you're adamant about using Microsoft Office, downloading the Microsoft 365 app is the best option. Microsoft 365 is a subscription-based software, but you can use it in free mode. However, when using Microsoft 365 in free mode, many of it will be with limited features.
Here's how to install Microsoft 365 on an iOS device:
1. Go to the App Store, tap on search, then search for Microsoft Office.
2. When the download is complete, open the Office app.
3. When the app opens, you will be prompted to create a Microsoft Office account, sign in or skip, or choose Not Now to skip this process.
4. You can now enjoy Microsoft 365 in free mode when the app opens up.
Is it Legal to Activate the Office Without a Product Key?
The question about the legality of activating Office without a product key is in a gray area. Ideally, if you didn't purchase Microsoft Office, activating it with the product key you found online is between illegal and unethical. But the real question is, will Microsoft come after you for activating Office without a product key?
Using Microsoft Office without a product key doesn't matter as an end user, as Microsoft will not pursue you specifically. However, it's not the same for companies and business firms as they are the ones who need to pay more attention to legal issues. If you're an employee, illegality matters because your company could be asked to pay hefty fines if you use a Microsoft product without the right to do so.
Best Free Alternative to Microsoft Office – WPS Office
Microsoft Office products have been a staple amongst many users, both for personal and professional use. But if you don't want to deal with issues surrounding using Microsoft Office, such as activation, WPS Office is an alternative software you can consider.
WPS Office is an all-in-one office suite integrated with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and a powerful PDF toolkit. Find out more about the advantages of using WPS Office over Microsoft Office below:
Free download
One of the advantages of using WPS Office is that it is free to download. All you have to do is go to the WPS official website to download the Office Suite, a file, to get access to all its productivity tools. Although there is a premium subscription for businesses and enterprises, many users find the free version of WPS sufficient to handle all their day-to-day tasks.
Lightweight
Downloading the WPS software is ideal if you are looking for a lightweight Office Suite that doesn't compromise on features. This Office Suite works on most PCs because of its minimal requirements. The program uses about 200 MB of hard disk space and works on a PC with as low as a 1 GHz CPU processing speed.
Rich functions
Another reason the WPS Office is an exceptional app is because it is rich in functions. As an office suite, you primarily get Writer, Excel, and PowerPoint programs. You also get a powerful PDF tool to open and edit PDF documents. WPS also has a screen recorder function, OCR tool, smart form, and many more productivity tools.
Delicate template store
Creating a document from scratch can be quite tasking. As such, the WPS delicate template store is a great feature that makes it stand out. Whether you're writing a document, creating a Spreadsheet, or PowerPoint, the WPS template store offers something for everyone. The template store is a great place to get inspiration and complete tasks more efficiently.
Support online documents
Collaboration is important when it comes to working with an Office Suite. With WPS, the cloud storage support makes collaboration a whole lot easier. You can access cloud platforms such as WPS Drive, Google Drive, and OneDrive from the WPS Office. Note that you need to be a premium subscriber to access the cloud platforms on WPS.
Co-editing
In addition to the collaboration support by WPS Office comes with AirPage, a collaborative tool that makes collaboration seamless. This co-editing function makes it easy to easily make changes within Word documents, Spreadsheets, and Presentations. You can then share the documents in groups for them to make changes with your permission.
Compatibility
The WPS Office program is compatible with many file types as Microsoft Office. In other words, you can use the WPS Office to open and edit file types created with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Additionally, you can install WPS Office on Windows, Mac, Android, HarmonyOS, and Linux PCs.
User friendly
Also, WPS Office comes with a user-friendly interface. The layout of the functions, such as the ribbon bar, looks like that of Microsoft Office but more sleek and modern. WPS uses simplified icons that make it easy to identify functions. Furthermore, WPS Office uses a customizable interface and layout that allows opening documents in a tab style, boosting productivity.
WPS AI
Interestingly, WPS comes with an AI integrated into the Office suite. This AI technology is more like a co-pilot that helps in spell checking, utilizing NLP technology, performing data analysis, efficient formatting, intelligent content recommendations, supporting voice typing, and more.
FAQs
How do I get my Microsoft Office product key?
If you purchased Microsoft Office online, you can see the product key from your account profile when you select Order History. You will receive a printed product key if you purchase Office at a physical store.
How much does it cost to get Microsoft Office?
The cost of Microsoft Office varies depending on whether you are getting it as an individual, enterprise, or business. The Microsoft 365 Business Basic costs $6 per user monthly, the Business Standard costs $12.50 per user, and the Business Premium costs $22 monthly. The Microsoft 365 Personal costs $6.99 monthly, or $69.99 yearly, while the Microsoft 365 Family costs $9.99 monthly, or $99.99 yearly.
Are cheap Microsoft Office keys legit?
Getting the Microsoft Office key cheaply can vary in legitimacy. Some cheap Microsoft Office keys are legitimate, while others may not be. So, it's important to remain cautious at all times.
Summary
Conclusively, activating Microsoft Office without a product key is affordable for those who can't afford or don't want to pay for a Microsoft Office subscription. However, you can download alternative software, the WPS, rather than using this method.
The WPS Office suite comes with all the necessary productivity tools and is free to download. And if you need access to its premium subscription, it's much more affordable than the Microsoft package.
