Office still says unlicensed product? Fix the leftover keys
The most common cause is a leftover retail license, not a failed activation.
Diagnose with Microsoft's own script
Run cscript "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office16\OSPP.VBS" /dstatus in a command prompt. You will see every installed Office key, the license channel and current status. Several entries at once explain a large share of persistent warnings.
Remove the old license
Note the last five key characters for the retail entries and run OSPP.VBS /unpkey:XXXXX for each one. Reopen Word and check File → Account. With only the KMS license remaining, the unlicensed banner disappears.
When the banner returns weeks later
- The renewal task was removed by a cleaner or antivirus. Re-apply activation and let it recreate the scheduled renewal.
- A major Office update reset the license channel. Repeat the activation — it takes seconds.
- Third-party license utilities installed another half license. Stick to one activation method only.
Reliable test: if /dstatus shows LICENSED but the UI still warns, remove another key. If it shows nothing licensed, the activation itself needs redoing.
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