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Frequently Asked Question

Office LTSC 2024 & Windows Activation Help (FAQ)

Answers to the most common installation and activation questions — especially when online activation fails. This page is designed to help you fix issues quickly without waiting for support.

Support: support@digitalkeysbox.com Tip: Send order # + screenshot + Windows build Most issues: edition mismatch / old Office remnants
Quick checks before you start
What should I check first if activation fails?

Most activation failures are caused by one of these:

  • Wrong edition installed (Windows Home vs Pro key, Office Retail/M365 vs LTSC key).
  • Old components still installed (Office 2016/2019/2021/365 remnants).
  • Network restrictions (VPN/proxy/corporate firewall/antivirus blocking Microsoft activation).
Fastest path: disable VPN/proxy temporarily, reboot, confirm the edition you installed matches the key, then activate again.
What information should I send support to solve it faster?
  • Your order number
  • Product name (Windows / Office / Bundle)
  • Screenshot of the exact error message
  • Windows version/build: Settings → System → About
  • For Office: screenshot of File → Account → Product Information
Email: support@digitalkeysbox.com — include screenshots, it saves time.
Pricing & legitimacy
Is the price final? Are there hidden fees or sales tax added later?

Yes — the price shown at checkout is the final price. No hidden fees or surprise charges are added after purchase.

Is this software genuine?

Yes. Licenses activate through official Microsoft activation servers. If a license cannot be activated due to a technical mismatch, our support team will assist and, if needed, provide a replacement or refund according to policy.

Is this a subscription or a lifetime / one-time purchase license?

This is a one-time purchase license. There are no monthly or yearly subscription fees.

Note: Microsoft 365 is a subscription product. Office LTSC is a standalone product (no subscription).
What currency are prices displayed in?

All prices on our website are displayed in US Dollars (USD).

Delivery & downloads
How quickly will I receive my product key and download link?

Delivery is typically instant after payment is cleared. You will see your key on screen and receive an email containing your download information.

I didn’t receive the email — what should I do?

Please check your Spam / Promotions folders first. If you still can’t find it, contact support with your order number and we’ll resend the delivery details.

Is there a download limit?

Yes. To prevent abuse, downloads are limited. If you need additional downloads (e.g., reinstall), contact support with a valid reason and we can reset the counter.

Windows activation & common errors
My Windows key says “The product key didn’t work”. Why?

The most common reason is an edition mismatch — for example, your PC is running Windows Home and you are trying to activate Windows Pro.

Fix: Switch the edition to Pro first, then activate with your purchased Pro key.
How do I upgrade Windows 11 Home → Pro?

Go to Settings → System → ActivationChange product key → enter your Pro key → restart if prompted.

If Home rejects the Pro key: contact support — we will provide a Microsoft generic upgrade key to switch the edition first, then you activate with your purchased key.
What is error 0xC004F050 (edition mismatch) and how do I fix it?

This error usually means your installed Windows edition does not match the key (Home vs Pro, or different edition family).

Fix: Switch to the correct edition first (Home → Pro), restart, then activate with your purchased key.
Windows shows 0xC004C003 / “key is blocked” / “already used”. What does it mean?

This typically appears when Microsoft detects the key cannot be applied in the current state (wrong edition, too many attempts, or activation servers cannot confirm your system state).

  • Confirm you are on the correct edition (Home vs Pro)
  • Reboot and try again
  • Temporarily disable VPN/proxy
If it still fails, send support the error screenshot and your Windows build so we can recommend the quickest fix for your version.
I see error 0x8007007B (KMS / organization activation). How do I fix it?

This means Windows is configured to activate through a corporate/KMS server. This often happens on previously managed PCs or systems with leftover activation settings.

Fix: You must reset KMS settings and activate through Microsoft servers. Contact support — we’ll provide the exact steps for your build.
Does Windows S mode support activation keys?

If your PC is in S mode, you must switch out of S mode first (free via Microsoft Store). After that, you can apply your Pro key normally.

Will my Windows 11 Pro license allow feature updates? What about Windows 12?

Yes — once activated, Windows receives regular updates for your edition. Future “Windows 12” upgrade eligibility depends solely on Microsoft’s policy if/when released.

Office LTSC 2024 activation & troubleshooting
What Office version is this (Retail, Microsoft 365, or LTSC)?

This page is for Microsoft Office LTSC 2024 (standalone, one-time purchase, no subscription).

Microsoft 365 is subscription-based. LTSC is designed for offline, stable deployments and does not include subscription-only features.
Does Office 2024 include Copilot or Publisher?

No. Copilot is tied to Microsoft 365 subscriptions. Publisher is not included in Office 2024 LTSC.

Microsoft says my Office key is invalid / already used. Why?

The most common reasons are:

  • Wrong edition installed (Retail/Microsoft 365/Standard vs ProPlus, wrong build/language)
  • Old Office remnants (Office 2016/2019/2021/365 components still present)
  • Network restrictions (VPN/proxy/corporate firewall/antivirus)
Best fix: do a full cleanup of old Office versions, reboot, install the correct LTSC edition, then activate again.
Office installed, but activation step never appears (or it keeps using Office 2016 components). What should I do?

This is almost always caused by leftover Office components. Even if Windows “Apps” list looks clean, remnants can remain.

Fix: uninstall all Office entries, then run Microsoft’s official Office removal tool (OffScrub/SaRA), reboot, reinstall LTSC clean, then activate.
Online activation failed — what should I try first?

Try these quick steps (in order):

  • Reboot your PC (important).
  • Disable VPN/proxy temporarily.
  • Temporarily disable “aggressive” antivirus/firewall rules.
  • Ensure system date/time are correct.
  • Try activation again from File → Account.
If it still fails, your system likely has an edition mismatch or old Office remnants. Send support a screenshot of the error and your Office version screen.
Why did Office work at first, then later became “Unlicensed product”?

This usually happens if Office was installed but not fully activated right away. Office can run in a grace period, and later requires activation confirmation.

Fix: open any Office app → File → Account and complete activation. If it fails, contact support — we’ll help finalize it.
What happens if I don’t activate Office within ~30 days?

Office may enter reduced functionality mode until activation is completed. To avoid interruptions, activate as soon as installation is finished.

Do I need a Microsoft account to activate Office LTSC?

LTSC activation typically does not require a Microsoft account. However, depending on system configuration and previously installed components, Microsoft may occasionally show sign-in prompts. If you see this, contact support and we will guide you.

Can I reinstall Office after formatting (same computer)?

In most cases, yes — reinstalling on the same device is supported. If Microsoft activation prompts an error after reinstall, contact support and we’ll assist.

Can I transfer my Office license to another computer later?

These licenses are intended for use on one device. Transfers or major hardware changes can trigger re-activation checks by Microsoft. If you need help, contact support — we’ll review your case and advise the best option.

Does VPN / proxy / firewall affect Office activation?

Yes. VPNs, proxies, corporate firewalls, and some antivirus tools can block Microsoft activation endpoints. Disable them temporarily during activation, then re-enable after activation is complete.

Download blocked / “no permissions” / corporate PC
I can’t download the installer — “no permissions” or blocked. What do I do?

This is usually caused by browser restrictions, antivirus rules, or corporate policies.

  • Try another browser (Chrome / Edge / Firefox)
  • Try another network (mobile hotspot)
  • Disable VPN/proxy temporarily
  • If it’s a work PC, your organization may block installers — use a personal device if possible
If you send a screenshot of the message, we can suggest the quickest workaround.
Support, disputes & refunds
Should I open a PayPal dispute if activation fails?
Please contact support first. Most activation issues are technical and can be fixed quickly. Opening disputes usually slows down the resolution.

If our technical support team cannot resolve the issue, we will assist with a refund according to our refund policy.

What if something goes wrong — will I be able to get a refund?

Yes. If our support team cannot resolve your installation or activation problem, we will assist with a refund according to policy.

When will I receive my refund?

Refunds are issued to the original payment method. Card refunds are typically sent to the card-issuing bank within 7–10 business days, and posting time depends on your bank.

If you haven’t received the refund after the bank processing window, please contact your bank first — then contact us with your order number.