Microsoft Office is essential for productivity, and a proper activation ensures the software's copy is genuine and hasn't been used on more devices than the license allows. This process helps maintain its integrity and assures users of its legitimacy.

However, there are instances when users might encounter issues during the activation process, leading to notification messages like "This copy of Microsoft Office is not activated." Such messages are alarming if you're editing or working on a document and suddenly have limited access to essential features.

In this article, we explore the reasons behind these issues and provide a guide on different solutions to tackle them.

The error occurs due to multiple factors, but all are around the use of an invalid serial key. Here are some of the issues you may encounter:

• You might have Microsoft Office account discrepancies. 

• The software wasn't correctly installed and needs a repair or a reinstall.

• The date and time might be interfering with software activation.

• You're running a non-genuine or pirated version of Windows.

• The security measures might be interfering with your Microsoft Office apps.

• Your Office 365 or other Office subscription has expired, and now you're using the app without a valid product key.

• You might need an updated Office version.

Check the suggested fixes below to activate your Windows copy correctly.

After installation, Microsoft Office comes with a grace period, allowing you to explore its features without needing an activation. However, it’s limited.

The unlicensed product will transition into a reduced functionality mode after the 30-day trial version. 

What does this mean? 

While you can still open the Office apps and view or print documents, the ability to edit or create new ones is restricted.

As you continue using the unlicensed product, you might notice a message in the title bar of your Office app indicating its unlicensed status. 

Over time, even more features within the Office products become inaccessible. For instance, certain tools or options might be grayed out, and a dialog box might frequently appear, reminding you to activate your copy.

To regain full access to the Office suite, activating it using a valid Microsoft account is vital. 

So, what you can do is visit the Microsoft website and follow the activation prompts for a genuine Office account. You can also get an original and affordable Microsoft Office 2021 Key at RoyalCDKeys.

When you find the "copy is not activated" alert on your applications, a potential solution is to ensure you're logged in with the appropriate office ID. 

It's possible that the account you used to purchase the Office license differs from the one you're currently using to access Microsoft Office.

Here is a step-by-step guide to ensure you're logged in with the correct Microsoft account:

1. Open any Office application, such as Word, PowerPoint, or Excel.

2. On the left bar, click on 'Account.'

3. Ensure you're signed in with the Microsoft account associated with your Office license.

4. If not, Click 'Change account' and select the correct account.

Another way to verify this is by visiting the official Microsoft website, signing in with each of your accounts, and checking which one has the license.

Microsoft Office is not immune to issues, so one common problem would be a corrupted installation, which leads to activation issues. 

If this is the case, a solution to a not-activated license can be a quick or online repair.

Follow the next step-by-step guide to fix your Office products problem:

1. Search and select 'Control Panel.'

2. Select 'Programs'> 'Programs and Features.'

3. Locate 'Microsoft Office' in the installed application list.

4. Right-click on it and select 'Change.' A dialog box will appear with repair options.

5. Choose your repair type:

• Quick Repair: This option will quickly fix any issues without an internet connection. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

• Online Repair: Use it if 'quick repair' doesn't solve the problem. This is a more thorough repair mode but requires an internet connection.

Restart your computer and verify the software’s integrity.

Reinstalling Office programs involves removing your computer's current version and installing a fresh copy. This is often the most effective solution to start running Office without problems. 

This method can resolve activation errors, software glitches, and reduced functionality modes.

Here's a guide to help you through the process:

1. Close all running Office applications.

2. To prevent interruptions, temporarily disable your antivirus software and turn off the Windows Defend Firewall.

3. Go to 'Control Panel' and select 'Programs & Features.'

4. In the installed applications list, locate your Microsoft Office version.

5. Right-click on it and select 'Uninstall.'

6. To remove Office-related entries and ensure a clean activation, you can use the 'Registry Editor.'

7. Visit the official Microsoft website and download the latest version corresponding to your valid product key.

8. Locate the installation file and double-click to start the process.

9. Follow the on-screen instructions. When necessary, enter the right product key to activate the software.

10. Ensure you sign in with the correct Microsoft account email associated with your subscription.

11. Restart your computer.

12. Re-enable your antivirus software and turn Windows Firewall on. 

Another common oversight that leads to unlicensed product errors is having incorrect date and time settings on your computer. 

Ensuring their accuracy is essential, as they play a role in various operating system processes, including Microsoft activation.

Follow these steps to adjust and verify your computer's date and time settings:

1. Close all active Office applications and programs. This ensures that no processes interfere with the adjustments you're about to make.

2. Navigate to the right-hand corner of your computer's taskbar.

3. Right-click on the time and date area to reveal a menu.

4. Select 'Adjust date/time.' This will open a settings window dedicated to time and date configurations.

5. Within this window's 'Date & time' section, ensure both 'Set time automatically' and 'Set time zone automatically' are toggled on to change your local time zone.

Using the genuine software of Microsoft Office ensures a seamless user experience and safeguards your computer and personal data from potential threats.

Attempting to activate Office apps through unauthorized channels on a pirated Windows version leads to activation issues.

In addition, Microsoft has robust mechanisms to detect non-genuine copies of its operating system. 

If your Windows version or Microsoft Office 365 is identified as pirated, you could face restrictions limiting your access to certain apps, features, and critical updates.

To avoid using a pirated version of your software, you can get an original Microsoft Office product key at RoyalCDKeys.

These security measures are pivotal in safeguarding your system from potential threats. However, there are instances where these protective barriers might interfere with the smooth operation of Microsoft Office apps.

You might encounter activation problems or dialog boxes that hint at conflicts or blockages when installing, updating, or running Microsoft Office applications. 

We recommend temporarily disabling your antivirus or firewall if you face a copy activation error.

Here is a brief guide:

1. Navigate to the 'Control Panel.'

2. Depending on your view (category view or icons), select 'System and Security.'

3. Select 'Windows Defender Firewall.'

4. Once inside, you'll find options to disable the firewall.

5. You can visit your antivirus manufacturer's website for information on deactivating it.

6. With the protective barriers temporarily down, you can install, update, or run your Microsoft applications.

7. Restart your computer and re-enable your security measures.

Microsoft Office apps are frequently updated to introduce new features, fix bugs, and enhance security. 

Running outdated versions exposes you to potential security risks and leads to copy activation errors.

Follow the next steps to update your Office apps:

1. Open any Office program such as Word or Excel.

2. Click on 'Account' in the window's lower left corner bar.

3. The 'Update options' are under the 'Product Information' section. Click on it to reveal a drop-down list.

4. Select 'Update Now' to start the process.

5. After the new version has finished installing, restart your PC.

Ensuring that only one version of the Office products is present on your device is essential. 

When more than one copy of Microsoft Office is installed on your computer, it can also lead to conflicts and unlicensed product issues. This is because the operating system might be confused about which version to run or how to validate the license status.

To determine how many products of Microsoft Office you have and to remove them, follow these steps:

1. Beside the Start button, Click the search bar and type 'Control Panel.'

2. Navigate to 'Programs'> 'Programs & Features.' In the list of installed programs, you'll find all Microsoft Office versions that are currently on your computer.

3. Right-click on the version you wish to remove.

4. Select 'Uninstall' or 'Remove' from the drop-down menu.

5. Follow the instructions to complete the uninstallation process.

6. Restart your computer and open your Office product (e.g., Word, PowerPoint, or Excel.)

If you still encounter the unlicensed product error message, we finally recommend looking for help from reliable sources. Microsoft, being the developer, offers comprehensive support for such issues. 

You can access multiple guides, community forums, and the online repair tool by visiting its official website.

Ensuring that Microsoft Office is genuine and up-to-date is crucial for optimal performance and security. 

This detailed guide provides insights into the potential causes of the copy activation error that you may encounter while using Microsoft Office and offers step-by-step solutions to address them.

From checking for multiple versions of Microsoft programs on your computer, adjusting date and time settings, and even seeking direct support, there are numerous ways to tackle this issue. However, the number one solution will always be having an original key from places like RoyalCDKeys.