Microsoft has changed its license for Office 2013 so that you can move it to a new machine. You simply uninstall from the existing machine and reinstall on the new machine with the same license key (so save those keys in a safe place). But what happens if your PC dies and you can’t uninstall? You can reinstall on a new PC but you will have to call Microsoft to get the key reactivated.
In typical Microsoft fashion this change is only a partial solution and leaves the majority of users out in the cold, since it applies only to a retail license. If you buy Office with your computer from a manufacturer like Dell it is not transferrable. Also note that this transfer option will not apply to other methods of purchasing Office such as purchasing a key card only or a download version, from Amazon for instance.
Anyone who wants the freedom to use Office on multiple devices should consider one of the Office 365 subscription editions, which include the rights to install the software on up to five PCs or Macs, with a one-click deactivation process.
The quote below is from a Microsoft blog.
Based on customer feedback we have changed the Office 2013 retail license agreement to allow customers to transfer the software from one computer to another. This means customers can transfer Office 2013 to a different computer if their device fails or they get a new one. Previously, customers could only transfer their Office 2013 software to a new device if their PC failed under warranty.
While the license agreement accompanying Office 2013 software will be updated in a future release, this change is effective immediately and applies to Office Home and Student 2013, Office Home and Business 2013, Office Professional 2013 and the standalone Office 2013 applications. These transferability options are equivalent to those found in the Office 2010 retail license terms. The updated text is as follows:
Updated
transferability provision to the Retail License Terms of the Software License
Agreement for Microsoft Office 2013 Desktop Application Software:
Can I transfer the
software to another computer or user? You may transfer the software to another
computer that belongs to you, but not more than one time every 90 days (except
due to hardware failure, in which case you may transfer sooner). If you
transfer the software to another computer, that other computer becomes the
“licensed computer.” You may also transfer the software (together with the
license) to a computer owned by someone else if a) you are the first licensed
user of the software and b) the new user agrees to the terms of this agreement
before the transfer. Any time you transfer the software to a new computer, you
must remove the software from the prior computer and you may not retain any
copies.
At Microsoft, we strive to make Office the very best
product to help busy people and families get things done. A key ingredient in
our formula for success is listening to our customers, and we’re grateful for
the feedback behind this change in Office licensing. Thank you. –Jevon Fark, Office Team
