How to fix Word Unlicensed Product error (Word is not licensed)

It's frustrating to be in the middle of a project and be interrupted by an unlicensed product notification. Luckily, there are steps to quickly fix Word Unlicensed Product errors. In this article, TipsMake will offer some easy-to-apply solutions. Whether you use Windows or Mac, you can fix errors. 

The most common error manifestation is when opening the Word work window and encountering a message that the product has not been activated or does not have a valid license for use.

What is Unlicensed Product?

Word unlicensed product error is a message that Microsoft displays when it sees that your Word has not been activated or does not have a valid license for use.

It's possible that the version has not been activated or the license you purchased has expired.

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But the cause of the error is not only copyright issues, but sometimes also conflicts between applications that operate in parallel.

If you haven't updated the application for a long time, it can also cause the Unlicensed Product error!
First you need to check Word's copyright to determine the cause of the error.

1. Open Word > Files > Account.
2. Check the status: Product Activated or Activation Required.
3. Select About Word to view licensing information.

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In case your copyright is valid, try the following 2 computer tips to fix errors in Word in particular and Microsoft Office applications in general.

In case the copyright is locked, expired, not activated, etc., you can reinstall the latest version of Office. Remember, there is Active integration inside!

Summary of how to fix Word Unlicensed Product errors super quickly

Apply to fix Unlicensed Product Microsoft Office error (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).

Activate Office products (account not activated yet)

1. Open the Word application: File > Account > Check information in 'Product Information'.
2. Press the 'Activate Product' button according to the on-screen instructions and enter the product key. (If you don't have the key, buy it from Microsoft).
3. Continue entering the key and follow the instructions on the screen.

Make sure you have removed all Active Tools before.

Fix Word Unlicensed Product error, turn off antivirus, buy license, redownload

A common reason why Word encounters an Unlicensed Product error is due to conflicts between currently running applications.

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1. Try turning off the anti-virus application on your computer to fix the error quickly.
2. To fix the Word Unlicensed Product error, you can purchase a Microsoft Word license. By going to 'File' > Account > 'Buy a Microsoft 365 subscription'. 
3. Uninstall by going to 'Control Panel' > 'Programs' > Uninstall a program. Then reload Microsoft's official website.

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Activate the software copyright

If you use jailbreak software you need to have a special extension. Please perform the steps below to fix the error!

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Step 1: Click 'Windows' > Start > Command Prompt.

Step 2:

Enter command in Microsoft Office 32bit: cscript.exe '%ProgramFiles(x86)%Microsoft OfficeOffice16OSPP.VBS' /dstatus

Enter command in Microsoft Office 64bit: cscript.exe '%ProgramFiles%Microsoft OfficeOffice16OSPP.VBS' /dstatus

The result of this process will be command lines with 5 characters indicating the license code of Office software. You need to delete them.

Step 3: Delete the codes that appear until a notification is successful.

For example: (remove XXXXX in command)

Enter command in Microsoft Office 32bit: cscript.exe '%ProgramFiles(x86)%Microsoft OfficeOffice16OSPP.VBS' /unpkey:XXXXX

Enter command in Microsoft Office 64bit: cscript.exe '%ProgramFiles%Microsoft OfficeOffice16OSPP.VBS' /unpkey:XXXXX

Note when fixing Unlicensed Product errors

When fixing the 'Unlicensed Product' error, you need to note a few things:

1. Make sure to use a valid product key.
2. Make sure any internet connection is stable to verify activation statuses.
3. Always update your Office version to the latest version to help avoid activation-related errors.

These notes will help you fix errors effectively and use Word more smoothly and without interruption.

TipsMake wishes you success with the instructions in the article. Don't forget to share the article if you find it useful so that you have the motivation to create more good topics!

Kareem Winters

Update 06 February 2024