Alex Ruben
How to Download and Install Microsoft Office 2021 Professional Plus: A Complete Guide
In this comprehensive guide, you will learn how to download and install Microsoft Office 2021 Professional Plus using official Microsoft methods. This step-by-step tutorial will ensure you have the latest version installed correctly and legally, providing a smooth experience with all essential features of the Office suite. By the end of this guide, you will not only have Office 2021 up and running but also know how to activate it and purchase a genuine license if needed.
Before starting, ensure that you have a compatible Windows operating system (Windows 10 or Windows 11 recommended), a stable internet connection for downloading the software, and administrative privileges on your computer to perform the installation. You will also need to create a folder on your desktop to store the installation files.
Step 1: Create a Folder for Installation Files
Begin by creating a dedicated folder for the Office installation files. Right-click on your desktop, select New, and then click on Folder. Name this folder “Office” for easy identification.
Step 2: Download the Office Deployment Tool
Open your web browser (preferably Google Chrome) and search for the “Office Deployment Tool”. Click on the official Microsoft link to download it. Make sure to select English as the language option during the download process.
Step 3: Run the Office Deployment Tool
Once downloaded, locate the Office Deployment Tool file in your downloads folder. Right-click on it and select Run as administrator. Click Continue when prompted, and select the folder you created earlier (“Office”) to extract the files.
Step 4: Download the Office Customization Tool
Return to Google Chrome and search for the “Office Customization Tool”. Click on the tool link and select the appropriate version based on your system architecture (32-bit or 64-bit). Most modern systems will be 64-bit.
Step 5: Configure Installation Settings
In the Office Customization Tool, choose the version “Office LTSC Professional Plus” and select the applications you wish to install. Ensure that the language is set to English (United States). Uncheck unnecessary options and ensure to automatically accept the license terms.
Step 6: Export Configuration Settings
Once you have configured the settings, export the configuration file. Name it configuration.xml and save it in the “Office” folder.
Step 7: Move Configuration File to the Correct Location
Navigate to the “Office” folder, select the configuration.xml file, and copy it. Then, go to your C: drive and paste it there for easy access during installation.
Step 8: Install Office 2021 Using Command Prompt
Open the Command Prompt by searching for “cmd” in the Windows search bar. Right-click on it and select Run as administrator. Once opened, navigate to the “Office” folder by typing:
CD C:\path\to\your\Office\folder
After navigating, execute the following command to start the installation:
setup.exe /configure configuration.xml
Wait for the installation process to complete.
Step 9: Activate Microsoft Office 2021
After installation, open any Office application such as Microsoft Word. You’ll be prompted to activate your Office. If you have a product key, select Change Product Key and enter your key to activate the software. If you wish to use the trial version, follow the on-screen instructions to activate it temporarily.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
If you encounter any errors during installation, ensure that you have a stable internet connection and sufficient disk space. If issues persist, consider disabling any active antivirus software temporarily, as it may interfere with the installation process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Microsoft Office 2021 a lifetime purchase?
Yes, Microsoft Office 2021 is a one-time purchase; however, it requires activation with a valid product key.
Can I install Office 2021 on multiple devices?
Typically, a single license is valid for installation on one device. For multiple installations, you will need to purchase additional licenses.
What should I do if I lost my product key?
If you lose your product key, you can retrieve it if you purchased it through a Microsoft account. Otherwise, you may need to contact Microsoft Support for assistance.