When Office gets stuck in an activation loop, it is often because multiple product keys are fighting for priority. You can remove an old license key using its last 5 characters (found using the /dstatus command above). cscript ospp.vbs /unpkey:YYYYY Use code with caution.
(Note: "Office16" corresponds to Office 2016, 2019, 2021, and Microsoft 365. Older versions like Office 2013 will use the "Office15" folder name.) How to Run ospp.vbs Safely
Provides detailed output when activation fails, unlike the vague GUI errors. download ospp.vbs
Use the cd (change directory) command followed by the path to your Office folder. For example, for a standard 64-bit installation of modern Office, type: cd "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office16" Use code with caution. Press . Step 3: Run the Commands The general syntax to run the script is: cscript ospp.vbs [command] Use code with caution.
If you have Microsoft Office installed, this file is automatically included in your local program files. When Office gets stuck in an activation loop,
And so, Eira returned to her guildhall, armed with the knowledge and power of ospp.vbs . She shared her discovery with her fellow apprentices, and together, they crafted works of art that amazed and delighted the kingdom's people.
To view your activation status, license type (Retail, KMS, or MAK), and the last five characters of your active product key, run: cscript ospp.vbs /dstatus Use code with caution. 2. Install a New Product Key (Note: "Office16" corresponds to Office 2016, 2019, 2021,
Uninstalls an input product key using its last 5 characters. /act Triggers immediate Office product activation. /sethst:[name] Sets the Key Management Service (KMS) host name. Troubleshooting Common Errors
If you browsed to the directories above and confirmed that the file is genuinely missing—potentially due to an overzealous antivirus deletion or a corrupted installation—you should restore it using official Microsoft methods. Method 1: Run an Office Quick Repair
C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office16 Office 2013: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office15 Office 2010: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office14