How to Remove a License Key from Microsoft Office

By MCAKey Technical Team

Need to move your Office license to a new PC, or troubleshoot an activation issue? Removing the license key from your current machine is the first step. It sounds technical but takes under 2 minutes with the right commands.

Here’s exactly how to do it — works for Office 2016, 2019, 2021, and 2024.

When You’d Need to Remove an Office License Key

1. Switching to a new PC — free up the license before installing on new hardware
2. Activation errors — a corrupt license entry can block reactivation
3. Upgrading Office edition — clean removal before installing a new key
4. Selling or resetting a PC — remove your key before handing it off

How to Remove an Office License Key

Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator

Press Win + R, type cmd, press Enter. Then right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.

Step 2: Navigate to the Office Installation Folder

For 64-bit Office (most common on modern Windows):

cd "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office16"

For 32-bit Office on a 64-bit system:

cd "C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office16"

⚠️ Replace Office16 with Office15 for Office 2013, or Office14 for Office 2010. Not sure which? Check C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\ in File Explorer.

Step 3: Find Your Installed License Key

Run this to see all installed Office licenses and their last 5 characters:

cscript ospp.vbs /dstatus

Look for the line showing Last 5 characters of installed product key. Note those 5 characters — you’ll need them next.

Step 4: Remove the License Key

Replace XXXXX with the 5 characters you just noted:

cscript ospp.vbs /unpkey:XXXXX

You should see: Uninstalling product key for… product key uninstall successful.

Step 5: Verify the Key is Gone

Run the status check again to confirm:

cscript ospp.vbs /dstatus

If it returns “No installed product keys detected” — you’re done. The license is fully removed.

Step 6 (Optional): Install a New Key

If you’re replacing the key rather than just removing it, install the new one:

cscript ospp.vbs /inpkey:XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX

Then activate immediately:

cscript ospp.vbs /act

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Conclusion

Five commands. Under 2 minutes. Whether you’re moving licenses, troubleshooting, or upgrading — this is the clean way to do it without touching the registry or reinstalling Office.

Need help? Contact MCAKey support — we respond within a few hours.