How to Check Microsoft Office Activation Status
Three methods to verify Office activation: the in-app Account screen, ospp.vbs /dstatus from CMD, and PowerShell registry queries. The Account screen tells you most users what they need; ospp.vbs tells admins everything.
Method 1: In-app check (easiest)
- Open Word (or any Office app).
- File → Account.
- Look for 'Product Activated' under the product name.
- 'Subscription Product' = Microsoft 365 / Office 365.
- 'Product Activated' = perpetual license (2016/2019/2021/2024).
Method 2: ospp.vbs /dstatus
- Open elevated CMD.
- cd "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office16"
- cscript ospp.vbs /dstatus
- Look for LICENSE STATUS: ---LICENSED--- and LICENSE NAME (Office16ProPlusVL_KMS_Client, Office16ProPlusVL_AAA_Client, etc.).
- REMAINING GRACE field shows time left for KMS leases.
Method 3: PowerShell registry query
- Get-ItemProperty HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Office\ClickToRun\Configuration | Select ProductReleaseIds, ClientCulture
- Shows installed Office product ID and locale.
Decoding LICENSE NAME
- Office16ProPlusVL_KMS_Client → KMS-activated Volume License.
- Office16ProPlusVL_AAA_Client → Ohook-activated (permanent).
- Office16ProPlusR_OEM_Perp → OEM perpetual (came with PC).
- Office16ProPlusR_Grace → 30-day grace period after install.
Frequently asked questions
▸Why does Word say 'Unlicensed Product' even after running KMSAuto?
The license token cache may be stale. Close all Office apps, delete C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Office\Licenses, then re-run KMSAuto.software → Ohook.
▸How long does a KMS Office lease last?
180 days. A scheduled task renews silently every 7 days.
▸What does 'REMAINING GRACE' mean?
Time remaining before Office enters reduced-functionality mode. For KMS licenses, it resets to 180 days after each successful renewal.
▸Can I check Office activation without admin rights?
Yes — the File → Account screen works without elevation. ospp.vbs /dstatus requires admin.
▸How do I see all licenses installed for Office?
cscript ospp.vbs /dstatusall lists every SKU detected, including unlicensed and expired entries.
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