How to install and activate Office 2024, Office 2021, Visio and Project

01Before you install

• Uninstall other Office versions first, including Microsoft 365 trials that came with the PC (Settings → Apps → Installed apps). Different Office versions on one PC often conflict.
• Office runs on Windows 11 and Windows 10. These versions are not for Mac.
• Keep your 25-character product key at hand (key email or your account).

02Install Office 2021, Visio 2021 or Project 2021

1. Download the installer from the link in your key email. It's an .img file from Microsoft's servers.
2. Double-click the .img file. Windows opens it like a DVD drive.
3. Run Setup.exe and wait while Office downloads and installs. This can take 10–30 minutes depending on your connection.

03Install Office 2024

1. Download the Office 2024 installer from the link in your key email.
2. Run the downloaded file and allow it to make changes.
3. Wait while Office downloads and installs, then close the installer.

04Activate with your product key

1. Open Word (or Visio / Project).
2. When asked to sign in or activate, choose to enter a product key. You can also go to File → Account → Change Product Key.
3. Type your 25-character key and confirm.
4. Office checks the key online. Under File → Account it should say Product Activated.

05Visio and Project next to Office

Visio 2021 and Project 2021 install alongside Office. For this to work, they need the same version family and the same 32/64-bit type as the Office already installed. If the installer refuses, uninstall the other Office version and try again, or ask us.

06Office 2021 support ends October 13, 2026

Office 2021 keeps working after this date, but Microsoft stops releasing security updates for it. If you're buying today, Office 2024 Professional Plus is supported until October 9, 2029. Compare them in Office 2024 vs Office 2021.