SD SoftwareDiscountUSA.com · How-To Guide
The quick steps: Grab the product key from your order email → go to office.com/setup → sign in to a Microsoft account → enter the key → download and install. That's it — usually done in under ten minutes.
Just bought Microsoft Office and want to get it running? Setting it up is simpler than it looks. Whether you picked up Office 2024, an older version, or a single app, the process is the same: redeem your product key with a Microsoft account, then download and install. Here's exactly how, step by step.
What you'll need
-
Your product key — the 25-character code from your SoftwareDiscountUSA order email.
-
A Microsoft account — free to create if you don't already have one.
-
An internet connection — for redemption and download.
Step-by-step: install & activate Office
1
Find your product key
Open your order confirmation email from SoftwareDiscountUSA. Your 25-character product key (formatted XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX) is inside, along with your download link. Can't find the email? Check your spam folder, or contact our support team and we'll resend it.
2
Go to office.com/setup
In your web browser, visit office.com/setup (Microsoft also accepts Microsoft365.com/setup). This is Microsoft's official redemption page.
3
Sign in to a Microsoft account
Sign in with your Microsoft account, or create one for free if you don't have one. Use an account you'll remember — your Office license is tied to it, so you can reinstall later without the key.
4
Enter your product key
Type in your 25-character key (you can enter it without the hyphens) and follow the prompts to finish redemption. This links the license to your Microsoft account.
5
Download, install, and you're activated
After redeeming, download the installer from account.microsoft.com and run it. Office installs and activates automatically against your account — no extra steps. Open Word or Excel and you're ready to go.
Installing on a Mac
The process is the same on macOS: redeem the key at office.com/setup with your Microsoft account, then download the Mac installer from your account and run it. Just make sure the version you bought is offered for Mac before installing.
Troubleshooting common hiccups
"This key has already been used." Usually this means redemption already completed successfully. Don't re-enter the key — just sign in at account.microsoft.com and install from there.
The installer won't run or you get an activation error. Make sure you're installing the same version you purchased, and that any older or trial Office is uninstalled first.
Still stuck? Our US-based support team is available 24/7 and can walk you through it or issue a replacement if needed.
Common questions
Do I really need a Microsoft account?
Yes. Microsoft ties your Office license to a free Microsoft account, which is what lets you reinstall later without needing the key again. Creating one takes a minute.
Where do I find my product key?
It's in your SoftwareDiscountUSA order confirmation email, sent within minutes of purchase. If you can't find it, check your spam folder or contact our support team to have it resent.
Can I move Office to a new computer later?
Because your license is linked to your Microsoft account, you can sign in at account.microsoft.com on a new PC or Mac and reinstall — no need to buy again or re-enter the key.
What if my key won't activate?
Reach out to our 24/7 US-based support team. Every license we sell is genuine, and if there's ever an issue activating, we'll get it working or make it right.
Need to buy Office first? Browse Office 2024, a Microsoft 365 plan, or individual apps — and if you're not sure which to get, read our guide on which Office version to buy.
