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Should I Install Microsoft Office Before or After Running PCmover?

This article explains the recommended order for installing or upgrading Microsoft Office when you’re also using PCmover to move to a new PC.

When you’re moving to a new PC and also dealing with Microsoft Office (installing it fresh, upgrading, or re‑using a license), it’s important to do things in the right order. That helps avoid activation issues, missing apps, or duplicate installs.

Key Principles

  • PCmover does not generate new Office licenses—it moves what you already own.
  • Installing Office on the new PC before running PCmover can be fine in some scenarios, but not all.
  • In many cases, the safest path is to:
    1. Confirm your Office license status.
    2. Decide: migrate Office vs fresh install.
    3. Then run PCmover with the right options.

Scenario 1: Office already installed on the new PC

If your new PC came with Office pre‑installed (or you’ve already installed it):

  • Recommended:
    • Keep the new PC’s Office install.
    • Configure PCmover not to overwrite or duplicate Office.
  • Typical steps:
  1. Sign in to your Microsoft account on the new PC and make sure Office is activated.
  2. On the old PC, run PCmover and choose a transfer layout that:
      • Moves your documents, settings, and other apps.
      • Skips moving Office apps, unless support has advised otherwise.
  1. After migration, open Word/Excel/Outlook on the new PC to confirm Office is still activated.

Scenario 2: No Office installed on the new PC, and you want to migrate the old Office

If you want to keep using the existing Office version from your old PC:

  • Recommended:
    • Do not install Office on the new PC beforehand.
    • Let PCmover transfer the existing Office programs and related settings.
  • Steps:
  1. Confirm any Trial of Office is uninstalled on the new PC.
  2. Confirm your license allows installation on the new PC (single‑use vs multiple installs).
  3. Run PCmover from old PC to new PC.
  4. After migration, open Word/Excel/Outlook on the new PC:
      • If prompted, sign in or re‑enter your product key.
      • Follow any activation prompts from Microsoft.

Scenario 3: You’re upgrading Office at the same time

If you’re moving PCs and upgrading Office (e.g., Office 2013 → Microsoft 365):

  • Recommended:
    • Run PCmover first to move your documents and settings.
    • Install the new Office version after the migration.
  • Steps:
  1. Run PCmover to transfer your files, profiles, and apps (you can skip moving the old Office app itself if you plan a full upgrade).
  2. On the new PC, install the new Office (Microsoft 365 / Office 2021, etc.).
  3. Verify that your documents and Outlook data files (PST/OST) are present and accessible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What if I already installed Office and then ran PCmover?

  • In many cases, this is okay, but you may:
    • End up with duplicate shortcuts.
    • Need to re‑activate Office if Microsoft detects a “new” device.
  • If Office misbehaves after migration, consider a quick repair via Apps & Features → Microsoft Office → Modify → Online repair.

Q: Can PCmover move my Microsoft 365 subscription to a new PC?

  • PCmover can move your Office apps and data, but licensing is controlled by Microsoft.
  • Typically you just sign in with the same Microsoft account on the new PC to re‑activate.

Q: I’m still not sure which order is right for me.

  • If you’re uncertain, safest sequence is:
    • Run PCmover, transfer everything except Office.
    • Install Office fresh on the new machine using your existing subscription or product key.
    • Reconnect Outlook to your email accounts.