Microsoft’s Office suite of productivity tools often comes pre-installed on Windows computers in trial form. While this is convenient for users looking to immediately get started with their new PCs, it can create trouble for those attempting to fix damage that occurred in a hard drive crash. Since there’s no reason to include an install disc when the software comes packaged into the operating system, re-installing the Office suite requires an alternative approach than simply sticking discs in the tray and following on-screen instructions.
![How To Reinstall Office 2013 How To Reinstall Office 2013](https://cdn1.tekrevue.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/install-office-2013-office-365.jpg)
Step 1
Locate your Microsoft Office product key. If Office came with your PC, you’ll find the product key printed on a small sticker somewhere on the PC’s case. Write down the product key on a notepad so you’ll be able to access it with ease.
Step 2
Navigate to the Microsoft Office backup download website (see Resources). Click “Go to My Account.”
Step 3
Enter your Microsoft account details (or create a new account). The “Office Products” portion of your Microsoft account provides access to all activated Office licenses. If you haven’t activated your license previously, you’ll need to do so now. On the “Office Products” screen, select “Activate Office Now.”
Step 4
Enter the product key you found on your PC case. Click “Get Started” and follow the on-screen instructions to complete registration.
Step 5
Return to the “Office Products” screen. If you have successfully added your Office license to your account, you’ll see an “Install” button next to your current version of Office. Click this button to start the download process.
![Reinstall Reinstall](https://www.intowindows.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Repair-Office-2013-Installation-Step3_thumb.jpg)
Double-click the downloaded Office install file to start your re-installation. Once the installer finishes, you’ll be able to use Office just as you did before your hard drive failure.
How To Reinstall Office 2013 Without Disk
Tips
- If you’re unable to locate your Office product key, contact Microsoft’s “Accounts and Billing” support experts (see Resources). They can walk you through locating a key or provide you with a new one if you have proof of purchase.
- Each Microsoft Office license allows for installations on up to five separate computers. If you have used your key too many times due to multiple installs and crashes, a Microsoft support expert can assist you in transferring your license to the new hard drive.
Warning
- Information in this article applies to Microsoft Office 2013 and Windows 8. It may vary slightly or significantly with other versions or products.
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When you buy a new computer with Microsoft Office preinstalled or purchase a copy of Office at a retail store, be sure to put the software's product key in a safe place. Do the same with the username and password of your Microsoft account if you buy Office online. If your hard drive crashes and you need to reinstall Office, you can't do it without that code.
1.
Locate your 25-character Microsoft Office product key. Look for a sticker on a card if you purchased Office from a retailer, either with or without the DVD. Sign in to Office Online with your Microsoft account (link in Resources) if you purchased and downloaded Office online to retrieve your 25-character product key.
2.
Register for an evaluation copy of Microsoft Office from Microsoft TechNet (link in Resources) and download the setup program if Office was preinstalled on your drive and destroyed in the crash, or if you no longer have the original media. Download the Microsoft Office setup program if your purchase is linked to your Office Online account with Microsoft.
How To Reinstall Office 2013
3.
Navigate to your saved download and double-click it to launch the setup program. If you have the original media, insert the DVD into the optical drive and wait for the Autorun box to appear, then select 'Continue.'
4.
Read the Microsoft Software License terms, check the box to accept them and select 'Continue.'
5.
Tap or click 'Install Now' to reinstall Office to your computer. Select 'Finish' when the installation is complete.
Things Needed
- 25-character Microsoft Office product key
- original installation DVD or Microsoft account
References (3)
Resources (3)
About the Author
Steve McDonnell's experience running businesses and launching companies complements his technical expertise in information, technology and human resources. He earned a degree in computer science from Dartmouth College, served on the WorldatWork editorial board, blogged for the Spotfire Business Intelligence blog and has published books and book chapters for International Human Resource Information Management and Westlaw.
Photo Credits
- Zedcor Wholly Owned/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images