Activate Office 2021 Pro Plus: A Step-by-Step CMD Guide

Hey guys! Ever found yourself staring blankly at your screen, wondering how to activate Office 2021 Pro Plus without breaking the bank? Well, you're in the right place! This guide will walk you through activating your Office suite using CMD (Command Prompt). It might sound a bit technical, but trust me, it's easier than you think. So, let's dive in and get your Office 2021 Pro Plus up and running!

Why Activate with CMD?

You might be asking, "Why use CMD when there are other methods?" Good question! Activating Office 2021 Pro Plus via CMD offers several advantages:

It's Free (Mostly): This method often relies on KMS (Key Management Service) servers, which can provide temporary activation. While not a permanent solution like a genuine license, it's a viable option for many users.
No Extra Software: You don't need to download any suspicious activators or tools. Everything is done through Windows' built-in Command Prompt.
Relatively Simple: Once you get the hang of it, the process is straightforward and can be repeated easily.
Bypassing Restrictions: Sometimes, standard activation methods fail. CMD can bypass these restrictions and get your Office activated.

However, keep in mind that using KMS servers for activation might not be entirely legal if you're using it for commercial purposes without a proper license. Always consider the ethical and legal implications before proceeding.

Step-by-Step Guide to Activate Office 2021 Pro Plus Using CMD

Alright, let’s get down to business. Follow these steps carefully to activate your Office 2021 Pro Plus.

Step 1: Uninstall Previous Versions (If Any)

Before we start, it's crucial to remove any existing Office installations. This prevents conflicts and ensures a smooth activation process. Here’s how:

Go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
Find any Microsoft Office versions (e.g., Office 2016, Office 2019).
Right-click on each and select Uninstall.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation.
Restart your computer after uninstalling all previous versions.

Step 2: Install Office 2021 Pro Plus

If you haven't already, install Office 2021 Pro Plus. Make sure you have the correct installation files. If you don't have them, you'll need to obtain them from a reliable source. Once you have the installer, follow these steps:

Run the setup.exe file.
Follow the on-screen instructions to install Office 2021 Pro Plus.
Wait for the installation to complete. This might take a few minutes.

Step 3: Open Command Prompt as Administrator

The Command Prompt needs administrative privileges to execute the necessary commands. Here’s how to open it:

Press the Windows key, type cmd, and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open Command Prompt as administrator.
Alternatively, you can right-click on the Start button and select "Command Prompt (Admin)" or "Windows PowerShell (Admin)".

Step 4: Navigate to the Office Installation Directory

Next, you need to navigate to the Office installation directory. The exact path depends on your system architecture (32-bit or 64-bit) and the Office version. Here are the common paths:

For 64-bit Office on 64-bit Windows:

cd C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office16

For 32-bit Office on 64-bit Windows:

cd C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office16

For 32-bit Office on 32-bit Windows:

cd C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office16

Note: Replace Office16 with Office19 or Office21 if you're using Office 2019 or 2021, respectively. Use Office15 for Office 2013. To check the correct directory, you can manually navigate through File Explorer.

Step 5: Install the Office KMS Client Key

Now, you need to install the KMS client key for Office 2021 Pro Plus. These keys are generic and allow you to connect to a KMS server for activation. Execute the following command:

 cscript ospp.vbs /inpkey:FXYTK-NJJ8C-GB6DW-3DYQT-6F7TH

This command uses the ospp.vbs script (Office Software Protection Platform script) to install the product key. If the command is successful, you should see a message indicating that the key has been installed.

Step 6: Set the KMS Server Address

Next, you need to set the KMS server address. This is the server that will activate your Office suite. You can find various public KMS servers online. However, be cautious when using public servers, as their availability and reliability can vary. Here’s the command:

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 cscript ospp.vbs /sethst:kms8.msguides.com

Replace kms8.msguides.com with another KMS server address if needed. Ensure that the server is active and responsive.

Step 7: Activate Office

Finally, it’s time to activate Office. Use the following command:

 cscript ospp.vbs /act

This command initiates the activation process. If everything goes well, you should see a message indicating that Office has been successfully activated. This might take a few seconds, so be patient.

Step 8: Verify Activation

To verify that Office is indeed activated, use the following command:

 cscript ospp.vbs /dstatus

This command displays the license status of your Office installation. Look for the line that says "LICENSE STATUS: ---LICENSED---". If you see this, congratulations! Your Office 2021 Pro Plus is successfully activated.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. Here are some common issues you might encounter and how to troubleshoot them.

Error: "The Software Licensing Service reported that the product key is invalid"

This error usually means that the product key you entered is incorrect or blocked. Double-check the key and try again. If the issue persists, try a different KMS server.

Error: "The connection to the KMS server failed"

This error indicates that your computer cannot connect to the KMS server. This could be due to several reasons:

Firewall: Ensure that your firewall is not blocking the connection to the KMS server. Add an exception for the ospp.vbs script.
Internet Connection: Verify that you have a stable internet connection.
KMS Server Down: The KMS server might be temporarily down. Try a different server.

Office Still Shows as Unlicensed

If Office still shows as unlicensed after activation, try restarting your computer and reopening Office. Sometimes, it takes a restart for the changes to take effect.

Alternative KMS Servers

If the KMS server mentioned above doesn't work, here are a few alternatives you can try. Keep in mind that the availability of these servers can change, so test a few to find one that works for you:

To use these, simply replace the server address in the /sethst command:

 cscript ospp.vbs /sethst:kms.digiboy.ir

Legal and Ethical Considerations

It's essential to address the legal and ethical aspects of using KMS activation. While KMS activation can be a convenient way to use Office, it's important to understand the implications:

For Personal Use: Using KMS activation for personal, non-commercial use is generally tolerated, but it's still technically against Microsoft's licensing terms.
For Commercial Use: Using KMS activation for commercial purposes without a valid license is illegal and unethical. Businesses should purchase legitimate licenses to comply with copyright laws.
Security Risks: Using unofficial activation methods can expose your computer to security risks, such as malware and viruses. Always download software from trusted sources and use reputable KMS servers.

Conclusion

Activating Office 2021 Pro Plus using CMD is a viable option for many users, especially when other methods fail. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can get your Office suite up and running quickly. However, always consider the legal and ethical implications and ensure you're using this method responsibly. Hope this helps, and happy working! Remember to always stay safe and keep your software legitimate whenever possible!

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. We do not endorse or encourage the use of unauthorized activation methods. Always comply with software licensing terms and conditions.