You must feel really stuck when the dreaded "Product Activation Failed" error pops up on your screen. It's frustrating, especially when you're mid-task and don't have many alternatives to Excel at hand. But don’t worry—you’d be surprised at the amazing alternatives out there (we'll touch on those later). For now, let’s focus on getting your system back on track. We'll walk you through why this error happens and, more importantly, how to fix it quickly and effortlessly.
Common Activation Issues for Microsoft Excel
If your Excel isn’t opening and you’re stuck with that frustrating activation error, here are a few things you should check:
Verify the Product Key
Make sure the product key you entered during installation is correct. A small typo can create big problems.
Subscription Status
Check if your Microsoft 365 subscription is active. Payments that don’t go through could cause your subscription to expire.
Internet Connection
Ensure you have a stable internet connection. A weak or no connection can prevent Excel from verifying your license with Microsoft.
Firewall Might Be a Roadblock
Your firewall settings could be blocking the activation process. Try tweaking them or temporarily disabling the firewall.
Is Your Antivirus Overprotective?
Some antivirus programs may flag the activation process as suspicious. Check your antivirus settings and make exceptions if necessary.
Running an Outdated Version
If your Excel isn’t updated, it might be the culprit. Update to the latest version to avoid activation issues.
Too Many Devices
Using the same product key on more devices than allowed could trigger this error. Make sure you’re within the limit.
Clock Isn't Ticking Right
Set your computer’s date and time correctly—yes, even this can cause issues!
Account Mismatch
Double-check that you’re logged into the right Microsoft account connected to your Office license.
When in Doubt, Restart
Sometimes, a good old reboot can work wonders. It might not solve everything, but it’s worth a shot!
How to Fix Product Activation Failed in Microsoft Excel
It's only natural to feel frustrated when Excel throws up activation errors. If you're facing issues with activation, it's important to make sure everything is set up correctly. Here are a few tips and methods you can follow to ensure your activation is done right and fix the issue quickly.
Method 1. Sign In with the Right Microsoft Account
The first method we’ll explore is verifying whether the account you've used to sign into Microsoft Excel is correct. This is a common issue, as users often accidentally sign in with the wrong account. Since the wrong account won’t have the active subscription, this could be the cause of the problem. Let’s begin by first confirming the account you're using.
Step 1: To check the subscription status, open MS Excel on your system and navigate to the "Account" tab in the left pane.
Step 2: The Account page will display your Microsoft account details in the center. Confirm that the signed-in account is the same one used to activate your subscription.
Step 3: If a different account is signed in, select the “Account” icon in the top-right corner and choose the "Add an Account" option. Use the email associated with your active Microsoft subscription to sign in.
Method 2. Check Your Microsoft Office Subscription
If you have signed in with the correct Microsoft account, let's go back to Excel and check the current subscription status. One of the reasons the product activation failed Excel error may appear is that your subscription has been deactivated. To check this, follow these steps:
Step 1: Open Excel again and navigate to the "Account" tab. This time, click on the "Manage Account" button, which will redirect you to your online account page.
Step 2: On the account page, select the "Subscription" tab to view your current Microsoft Office subscription status.
If you missed the last billing cycle, clear any outstanding payments, and this should resolve the “Excel Product Activation Failed" error successfully.
Method 3. Check the Time and Date on Your Computer
If the date and time on your computer are incorrect, you may encounter Microsoft Excel product activation issues. Simply check the bottom right corner to see if your computer's date and time are set correctly. If not, follow these steps:
Step 1: To adjust your date and time, start by clicking the "Windows" icon on your taskbar and searching for "Settings", or simply press "CTRL + I" to quickly access the Windows settings.
Step 2: Once you're in the settings, navigate to the "Time & Language" section found on the left-hand side.
Step 3: You can either set the time automatically by clicking the "Sync now" button, or manually adjust it by disabling the "Set time automatically" option with the toggle switch.
Method 4. Update the Office App to the Latest Version
Due to a loss of connectivity or automatic updates being turned off, your Office suite may not be updated, which could lead to issues, including the Excel activation error. Here's how you can update your Microsoft Excel to the latest version.
Step 1: Open Excel on your system and navigate to the "Account" tab located in the left pane.
Step 2: In the Account tab, you will find the "Update Options" button at the center. Click on it, and then select "Update Now" from the dropdown.
Method 5. Uninstall and Reinstall Microsoft Office
If all else fails, reinstalling might be your final option. Though it can be time-consuming and inconvenient, starting fresh could effectively fix the issue and avoid future complications.
Step 1: Start by searching for "Control Panel" in the search bar.
Step 2: Open the Control Panel and find the "Uninstall" option under Programs.
Note: The steps may vary slightly depending on your Windows version.
Step 3: Find your Office program, right-click it, and select "Uninstall" to remove it from your system.
Step 4: After uninstalling, go to the official Microsoft website using your browser.
Step 5: Click "Sign-in" and log in with the Microsoft account you used for your subscription.
Step 6: Once logged in, you'll be taken to your Microsoft dashboard. Click the "Install and more" button in the top-right corner and choose "Install Microsoft 365 apps”.
Step 7: The download will start and may take a few minutes. Once completed, locate the Office installation file and double-click it to begin the installation.
Step 8: The installation will begin automatically. Let it finish, and your Office apps, including Excel, will be ready to use.
Although reinstalling can be time-consuming, it generally fixes most activation issues. If the problem still exists, consider reaching out to Microsoft support or trying out an efficient alternative like WPS Office, which provides a smooth experience and all the tools you need for productivity.
Best Alternative to Microsoft Excel - WPS Spreadsheet
WPS Office is an office suite that offers all the essential features you'd expect, from a word processor to a spreadsheet tool and presentation maker. Among its offerings, the spreadsheet tool really stands out. Not only is it completely free to use, but it also features an interface that's incredibly similar to Microsoft Excel, giving you that familiar feel without the hefty price tag.
You can get your work done more easily and quickly thanks to its intuitive design, without dealing with the complexities of Microsoft Office. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly yet effective office suite.
WPS Office offers fantastic compatibility across different file formats, ensuring you can work with documents from Microsoft Office, Google Docs, and even PDFs without hassle. It also makes sharing and collaborating easy with its seamless cloud integration. And if you're looking to elevate your workflow, WPS Office’s AI-powered features can help improve productivity by offering smart suggestions and tools to streamline your tasks.
How to Download WPS Spreadsheet
WPS Spreadsheet is very simple to get. Just follow these steps:
Step 1: Open your browser, go to the WPS Office website, and click the "Download" button located at the centre.
Step 2: A file will start getting downloaded. Once the download is complete, double-click the file to begin installing the WPS Office suite.
Step 3: After the installation is finished, you can start using the WPS Office suite.
FAQs
Q1. Can I use Excel on Mobile?
Yes, Excel is available for mobile devices. Microsoft provides the Excel app for Android and iOS, allowing users to create, edit, and share spreadsheets wherever they are. The mobile version retains key features from the desktop, such as data analysis, formulas, and collaboration tools. You can easily download the Excel app from the Google Play Store for Android or the App Store for iOS to access your spreadsheets on the go.
Q2. Why did Microsoft Office product activation fail?
The “Excel Product Activation Failed" error in Microsoft Office occurs when the software cannot confirm the validity of your license or subscription. This issue, which prevents access to certain features, can be triggered by factors such as outdated software, an expired subscription, or incorrect system settings, such as the date and time on your device.
Q3. What role does internet connectivity play in activation?
Internet connectivity is crucial for the activation process in Excel, as it needs to connect to Microsoft’s servers to verify your subscription. To ensure smooth activation, check that your internet connection is stable by testing it with other websites or conducting a speed test.
Why Choose WPS Office as an Excel Alternative?
Excel is a tool that almost everyone eventually needs, even if it’s just for something as simple as listing a monthly budget. Sure, you could do it on paper, but a spreadsheet makes things way more organized—and there’s no risk of losing your document. MS Office is a great tool to help with this, but if you’re looking for an alternative, WPS Office is worth considering.
WPS Office offers similar functionality to Excel, with the added benefit of being lightweight and cost-effective. It includes powerful spreadsheet tools, an intuitive interface, and even cloud integration for easy access from anywhere. Whether you’re managing budgets, creating reports, or just keeping track of tasks, WPS Office can provide the tools you need without breaking the bank. Give WPS Spreadsheets a try and see how easy managing tasks can be!
