Important
Support for Office 2016 and Office 2019 ended on October 14, 2025. Upgrade to Microsoft 365 to work anywhere from any device and continue to receive support.
This error can appear when you try to activate Office that's pre-installed on a new device but hasn't been updated to recognize Office 2019 product keys.
If you're using a new Office 2019 product key, here are two ways to fix this issue:
- Update Office using the steps in Install Office updates and then try again
- Install Office 2019 using the steps in Download and install or reinstall Office on a PC or Mac
This message can also appear when Microsoft 365 apps are pre-installed with your new device, but the Office products you own don't include the same apps. For example:
- Outlook isn't included with Office Home & Student
- Publisher isn't included with Office Home & Business
- Access isn't included with Office Home & Student or Office Home & Business
If you want to use an Office app that's not included with the Office products you own, here are some options:
Buy the individual app from the Microsoft Store
Upgrade to Microsoft 365 or start a Microsoft 365 trial