Moving Microsoft Office and other programs to a new computer
Programs aren't copied across. They're installed again on the new computer and signed in, so find your account or license first.
What's usually going on
Most software today is tied to an account, not the computer. Microsoft 365 runs on several of your devices at once; a one-time Office purchase is linked to the Microsoft account that bought it. Older programs may need a product key from an email or box you haven't seen in years.
Worth trying first
Find out which Office you have.
Sign in at account.microsoft.com and open Services & subscriptions. It shows a Microsoft 365 subscription or an Office purchase linked to your account.
Install from your account.
On the new computer, sign in to the same page and choose Install. Then open Word and sign in with the same Microsoft account.
Sign out of the old computer.
Microsoft 365 limits how many devices are signed in at once. Sign out of the old one from the same account page if needed.
Gather licenses for other programs.
Search your email for order confirmations and product keys. Deactivate programs like Adobe or accounting software on the old computer before moving them.
Don't copy program folders.
Dragging a program's folder across rarely works. Install it fresh from the maker's website, then bring your files across.
When to hand it over
If you can't find the account that bought the software, a key won't activate, or the program is old and specialized. We'll track down what you own and make sure it works on the new computer before the old one goes.
Your own technologist, on call.
Tell us a little about your setup. We'll take it from there.