Updated guide for Office 2024, Office 2021, Office 2019 and Office LTSC on Windows.

Have you bought a Microsoft Office licence, but online activation isn’t working? Or is Office asking you to activate it by phone?

Microsoft has introduced a new system that allows you to complete the activation process via an official online portal, without necessarily having to call a telephone number.

In this guide from SOFTASTRD You will find out how to activate Microsoft Office using the new method, by using the Installation ID and the Confirmation ID.

1. What has changed with Microsoft’s telephone activation?

From 3 December 2025, Microsoft has moved from the traditional automated telephone activation system to a new online service called Microsoft Product Activation Portal.

In the past, to activate Office over the phone, you had to call Microsoft, provide your installation ID and receive a confirmation code.

With the new system, you can carry out this procedure directly in your browser.

The official website can be found at the following address:

https://aka.ms/aoh

This system is intended for Microsoft products with a perpetual licence that support this method of activation.

2. Open Microsoft Office and enter the product key

To get started:

1. Open Microsoft Word, Excel or PowerPoint on your Windows computer.

2. If the activation screen appears, enter the 25-character product key.

3. Continue by following the on-screen instructions.

4. If available, select the option “I would like to activate the software by telephone”.

5. Click on Next.

The exact wording may vary depending on the version of Office and the language installed.

Note: The telephone support option is not available for all editions or licence types of Microsoft Office.

3. Identify the Installation ID

Once you have selected telephone activation, Office will display a screen showing the’Installation ID.

This code consists of several groups of numbers and identifies the activation request.

Please do not close this window.

You will need the installation ID to obtain the confirmation code from the Microsoft portal.

4. Log in to the new Microsoft Product Activation portal

Open your browser and go to:

https://aka.ms/aoh

Follow these steps:

1. Open the official Microsoft portal.

2. If required, select Proceed to Sign In.

3. Sign in with a Microsoft account.

4. Complete any security checks.

5. Select the option to activate a Microsoft product.

The account used to log in to the portal does not necessarily have to be the same one linked to the Office licence, provided that the product type supports this procedure.

5. Enter the installation ID

On the portal:

1. Select the Microsoft product you wish to activate, if prompted.

2. Specify the version or edition of Office.

3. Enter the installation ID displayed earlier.

4. Check that all the numbers are correct.

5. Submit the activation request.

The Microsoft system will verify the request.

If the licence is valid and activation is authorised, the portal will display the’Confirmation ID.

If an error occurs, please follow the instructions provided on the portal. Not all requests can be approved automatically.

6. Enter the Confirmation ID in Microsoft Office

Return to the Office activation window, which you left open earlier.

1. Identify the fields for the confirmation ID.

2. Enter the number groups you have received from the Microsoft portal.

3. Check each number carefully.

4. Click on Next.

5. Complete the activation process.

If the code is accepted, Microsoft Office will be activated.

7. How to check whether Microsoft Office is activated

Once you have completed the procedure:

1. Open Microsoft Word.

2. Select File.

3. Click on Account.

4. Check the section Product information.

If activation was successful, Office should display the status Product activated or an equivalent indication.

You will then be able to use Word, Excel, PowerPoint and the other applications included in your licence.

8. Can I activate Office on my computer without an internet connection?

Yes, for licences that support offline activation.

The computer on which Office is installed can remain offline.

In this case:

1. Retrieve the installation ID from the offline computer.

2. Use a smartphone or another device connected to the internet.

3. Log in to https://aka.ms/aoh.

4. Follow the steps to obtain your confirmation ID.

5. Return to the computer in offline mode.

6. Enter the code you have received and complete the activation.

This procedure allows you to activate supported products even on computers that do not have an internet connection.

9. What should I do if the activation doesn’t work?

If Microsoft Office does not activate, check the following points.

Invalid product key

Check that the product key has been entered correctly and that it matches the version of Office you have installed.

Incorrect installation ID

Check all the sets of numbers. Even a single incorrect number can prevent activation.

Activation limit reached

If the licence has reached the maximum number of permitted activations, you may need to contact Microsoft Support.

Mismatched Office version

An Office 2021 licence cannot be used to activate an edition of Office 2024 other than the one authorised.

Telephone activation is not available

Not all Office licences allow activation using an Installation ID and Confirmation ID.

In particular, Microsoft 365 normally uses account- and subscription-based activation.

10. Frequently Asked Questions

Is the new Microsoft activation method free?

Using the official Microsoft portal does not require the purchase of an additional activation service. However, a valid licence is required.

Do I still need to ring Microsoft?

For products supported by the new portal, it is normally no longer necessary to use the previous automated telephone system.

Does this method work with Office 2024 Professional Plus?

It may be available for certain editions and licence types, including some perpetual or LTSC installations. Actual availability depends on the licence channel and the activation options provided.

Can I activate Microsoft 365 using this method?

Generally speaking, no. Microsoft 365 requires you to sign in with an account linked to a valid subscription.

Can I reuse the same Confirmation ID on another PC?

The Confirmation ID should not be regarded as a universal or transferable code. It is linked to a specific activation request.

Conclusion

The new Microsoft Product Activation Portal makes it easier to activate Microsoft products with a perpetual licence that support this procedure.

Thanks to the portal https://aka.ms/aoh, you can request your confirmation ID online and complete the activation process without using the traditional automated telephone system.

If you have purchased Microsoft Office from SOFTASTRD and if you need help, our support team can assist you in checking which version is installed and identifying the correct activation procedure.

SOFTASTRD – Your online shop for software licences and digital support.