Setting up Microsoft 365 on Mac

This guide shows you how to set up Microsoft 365 (Personal or Family) on your Mac. You received the 25-character product key from Keywi24 by email after your purchase. Keep that email to hand, as you will need the key in the very first step.

Important: Microsoft 365 is account-based. The key is redeemed online in your Microsoft account. Entering the key directly in Word or Excel (offline activation) is not available for this product.

System requirements

Before installing, check that your Mac meets the requirements:

• macOS: Microsoft supports the three most recent major versions of macOS. The current version of the apps cannot be installed on older systems.
• Processor: Apple Silicon (M series) and Intel Macs are supported.
• Storage: at least 10 GB of free disk space.
• Other: an internet connection for download and activation, plus a free Microsoft account.

Tip: You can find your macOS version in the Apple menu under About This Mac. If your system is too old, update macOS first via System Settings > General > Software Update.

Step 1: Redeem the product key in your Microsoft account

The key is redeemed in a web browser. This step works on any device, including an iPhone or a Windows PC.

1. Open setup.office.com in Safari or another browser.
2. Sign in with your Microsoft account. If you do not have one yet, create one free of charge directly on this page.
3. Enter the 25-character product key from your Keywi24 email.
4. Confirm your country and language and complete the redemption. The subscription is now linked to this account.

Note: When redeeming, Microsoft often asks for a payment method for automatic renewal. You can turn off recurring billing directly during redemption or cancel it at any time later in your Microsoft account, so no follow-up costs arise.

Step 2: Install the apps on your Mac

1. After redemption, Microsoft takes you straight to the download. Alternatively, sign in at account.microsoft.com and open Services & subscriptions.
2. Next to your Microsoft 365 subscription, click Install. Your browser downloads a .pkg installer file (several gigabytes, so the time required depends on your internet connection).
3. Double-click the file in your Downloads folder and follow the installation wizard.
4. Enter your Mac user password when macOS prompts you.
5. Once complete, you will find Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and OneNote in the folder Applications.

Tip: You will also find an overview of all official download sources on our download page.

Step 3: Sign in and activate

Microsoft 365 verifies the licence through your sign-in. The key is not entered again here.

1. Launch one of the apps, for example Word.
2. On the start screen, click Sign in.
3. Use exactly the Microsoft account from step 1, as your subscription is only stored there.
4. Confirm the final prompts. The app checks your subscription in the background and unlocks itself.
5. The other apps usually pick up the sign-in automatically. If not, sign in there once more.

No field for entering the product key? That is normal for Microsoft 365 on the Mac. Activation runs entirely through your account.

Common problems

• "Unlicensed Product" message: Usually a different Microsoft account is signed in. Sign out of the app and sign in again with the account from step 1.
• Key is not accepted: Watch out for mix-ups such as 'O' and '0' or 'B' and '8'. It is best to copy the key directly from the email.
• Installer does not start: Allow the installation under System Settings > Privacy & Security if macOS blocks the file.
• Subscription is not shown: It can take a few minutes after redemption. Sign out of the app and sign in again.
• Apps from the Mac App Store: These can also be unlocked with your Microsoft 365 account. We still recommend the installer from your Microsoft account, as updates then run centrally via Microsoft AutoUpdate.

Help with activation

If you get stuck at any point, use our activation help, where you will find step-by-step solutions to the most common error messages.

Need personal assistance? Our support team is happy to help you via live chat, free of charge for all customers for 90 days from the date of purchase. Please have your order number ready.