Install Office 2021 Standard

This guide walks you through downloading, installing and activating Microsoft Office 2021 Standard on a Windows PC. All you need is the 25-character product key we sent you by email after your purchase, plus an internet connection.

Note: Office 2021 Standard is a perpetual licence with no subscription. No Microsoft account is required for activation, the key is entered directly in the software.

System requirements

Before installing, take a moment to check that your PC meets the requirements:

• Operating system: Windows 10 or Windows 11 (also Windows Server 2019/2022)
• Processor: 1.6 GHz with at least 2 cores
• Memory: 4 GB RAM
• Hard disk: at least 4 GB of free disk space
• Display: resolution of 1280 × 768 or higher

The package includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote and Publisher.

Preparation: remove any existing Office

Many new PCs come with a Microsoft 365 trial preinstalled. Two Office versions on the same system cause installation and activation conflicts, so remove all existing Office installations first:

1. Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
2. Search for "Microsoft 365" or "Office" and uninstall any existing trial or older versions.
3. Then restart the PC.

Don't worry: Uninstalling only removes the programs. Your documents, spreadsheets and email data are kept.

Step 1: Download Office 2021 Standard

We provide the official offline installer directly:

1. Open our download page.
2. Select Office 2021 Standard there.
3. Save the installation file, for example in your Downloads folder.

Step 2: Install Office

1. Double-click the downloaded setup file to run it.
2. Confirm the User Account Control security prompt with Yes.
3. The installation now runs automatically and takes around 10 to 20 minutes depending on your PC. No further input is required.
4. Wait until the completion message appears, then close the window.

Step 3: Activate with your product key

1. Open an Office app, for example Word.
2. If the activation window does not appear automatically, click File > Account > Change product key.
3. Enter the 25-character product key from your order email, ideally by copying and pasting it to avoid typing errors.
4. Click Activate. Office checks the key online and unlocks the licence.
5. Under File > Account you should then see "Product Activated".

Telephone activation for volume licences

Office 2021 Standard comes from the volume licensing programme. Office may therefore ask for activation by telephone instead of online activation. This is normal and only takes a few minutes. You do not speak to anyone, the system is fully automated:

1. In the activation window, select I want to activate the software by telephone.
2. Call the number shown and enter the displayed installation ID using your phone keypad.
3. The automated system gives you a confirmation ID. Enter it in the activation window and click Activate.

Tip: An illustrated step-by-step guide to telephone activation is available in our activation help.

Common problems

• Error message during installation: Usually an old Office or 365 trial version is still installed. Uninstall it, restart the PC and run the setup again.
• Key not accepted: Watch out for mix-ups such as 'Q' and '0' or 'B' and '8'. It is best to copy the key directly from the email.
• "Unlicensed Product" message: Close all Office programs, open Word again and check the status under File > Account.
• Online activation fails: Use telephone activation (see above). It also works when the online route is blocked.

Further help & support

Stuck at some point? Our activation help describes the most common cases in detail. Our team is also available via live chat, and every purchase includes 90 days of free support. Please have your order number ready.