How to Activate Microsoft Word (2013 → 2024 & Microsoft 365)
An unlicensed Word opens every document read-only. Because Word shares the Office licensing store with Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook, one activation run fixes the whole suite. Below is the exact method for each Word build.
Pick the right method for your Word build
- Word 2024 / 2021 / 2019 Click-to-Run → Ohook, permanent and offline.
- Word in Microsoft 365 Apps → Ohook, no subscription or sign-in needed.
- Word 2016 / 2013 Volume (MSI) → Online KMS, 180-day renewing lease.
- Word 2016 / 2013 Retail → convert Retail to Volume, then KMS.
- Word LTSC 2024 → Ohook, stable across the whole servicing window.
Activate Word step by step
- Close all Office apps and end WINWORD.EXE in Task Manager if it lingers.
- Run the activator as administrator.
- Open the Office tab → click Ohook.
- Wait for the success message, then reopen Word.
- Check File → Account → 'Product Activated'.
Verify and keep the licence
- File → Account shows 'Product Activated' with no expiry date.
- Saving, printing and track-changes work again.
- Ohook survives monthly Click-to-Run updates; no re-run needed.
- Only a full Office reinstall requires activating again.
Frequently asked questions
▸How do I activate Microsoft Word for free?
Word is licensed with the rest of the Office suite. Run the activator as administrator, open the Office tab and choose Ohook for Word 2019/2021/2024/365 — activation is permanent and offline.
▸How can I tell whether Word is activated?
Open Word → File → Account. 'Product Activated' under Product Information means the license is in place; a yellow activation bar means it is not.
▸Word is in reduced functionality mode — can I still edit documents?
No. Unlicensed Word opens documents read-only and blocks saving, printing and most formatting. Activating restores full editing instantly, without reinstalling.
▸Does activating Word remove the 'Activate Office' banner?
Yes. The banner disappears after the license is written and Word is restarted.
▸Will my documents or templates be affected?
No. Activation only writes a license token. Documents, templates, AutoCorrect entries and the Normal.dotm file stay untouched.
▸Does Word 2016 use the same method?
Word 2016 MSI builds use KMS with a renewing 180-day lease. Click-to-Run Word 2016 can be converted to Volume first and then activated the same way.
▸Is activation lost after a Windows reinstall?
Office activation is per-install, so reinstalling Windows means reinstalling Office and running the activator once more.
▸Can I activate only Word and not Excel?
No. All Click-to-Run Office apps share a single licensing store, so Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook activate together.
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