How many devices a licence covers
One licence for one PC or Mac, and how that works for reinstalls and new computers
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Each Office 2024, Project, Visio and Windows licence we sell covers one computer, as the product name says, for example 1 PC or 1 Mac. Windows Server is licensed by the number of physical cores in the server, and the Office 365 Pro Account is advertised for up to five devices. Activating a product on a second computer doesn't add a second licence, even when the activation goes through.
What one licence means
Microsoft's Windows 11 licence terms give "the right to install and run one instance of the software on your device (the licensed device)", and a virtual machine counts as a separate device that needs its own licence. Office LTSC 2024 is licensed per device in the same way, for one PC or one Mac.
For several computers, buy one licence for each.
Reinstalling on the same computer
Reinstalling on the computer the licence belongs to is covered by the licence. For Office LTSC 2024 on Windows, each new activation counts towards the key's activation limit, so use Repair Office for a damaged installation before you think about reinstalling. Your product key has reached its activation limit explains what happens when the count runs out.
Replacing hardware or moving to a new computer
Whether a licence can move depends on its type. A retail Windows licence can move to another device you own, once it's removed from the old one. An OEM licence stays with the device it came with. Volume licences follow the terms of the licensing programme. Retail, OEM and volume licences explains each type, and the product page says which one your product uses.
Before you move a licence, contact us with your order number and we can confirm what applies to it.
Office 365 Pro Account
The supplier advertises the account for up to five devices, across Windows PCs, Macs, tablets and phones. To move the account to a new device, sign out of one you no longer use, as Manage the devices on your Office 365 Pro Account explains.
Windows Server
Windows Server 2025 Standard needs a core licence for every physical core, with at least 16 per server, and Client Access Licences for the users or devices that connect. How Windows Server 2025 Standard is licensed works through it.