How to fix license activation error 0xc004c032 while installing Microsoft Office?

Installing Microsoft Office is a straightforward process, but sometimes users encounter issues that prevent them from successfully installing the software. One common error is 0xc004c032, which occurs when the trial version of Office has already been installed and expired on the device. This error can be frustrating, especially if you need to use Office for work or school. Struggling with error 0xc004c032 while installing Microsoft Office? In this article, we’ll walk you through the most effective solutions to fix the issue and get Office up and running in no time.

The detailed error message is as below:

Microsoft Office couldn’t activate your time-based license because the activation server reported a problem.
Error code: 0xC004C032

Understand what is 0xc004c032 license activation error

Error 0xc004c032 is an activation error that occurs when a user tries to install a licensed version of Microsoft Office on a device that already had a trial version installed. The error message appears on the screen, preventing the user from installing Office successfully. The error message may also appear when the user tries to activate Office after installing it.

Why does 0xc004c032 license activation error occur?

The error occurs when the trial version of Microsoft Office has already been installed on the device, and the license has expired. When the user tries to install the licensed version, the activation process fails, and error 0xc004c032 appears on the screen. This error can also occur when the user tries to activate Office after installing it.

Solution 1: Pre-check to Verify the Product Key

If you have received an error code, it may be due to an incorrectly entered product key. Please verify the accuracy of your product key and ensure it is compatible with your version of Office before attempting to install.

Solution 2: Uninstall the Previous Office Version

1. Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type appwiz.cpl and press Enter.
3. Locate the trial version of Microsoft Office and click on the Uninstall button.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to remove the software completely.
5. Restart your device.
6. Try installing the licensed version of Microsoft Office again.

Solution 3: Use the Office Uninstall Support Tool

1. Download the Office Uninstall Support Tool from Microsoft’s website.
2. Run the tool and follow the on-screen instructions to remove any previous Office versions and related files.
3. Restart your device.
4. Try installing the licensed version of Microsoft Office again.

Solution 4: Repair Office Installation

1. Press Windows key + X and select Apps and Features or Installed apps.
2. Locate the Microsoft Office and select the Modify option.
3. Choose Online Repair and click on the Repair option.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the repair process.
5. Restart your device.
6. Try installing the licensed version of Microsoft Office again.

Solution 5: Enter Product key and Activate Microsoft Office using Command Prompt

If you are unable to resolve the error code, we recommend attempting to enter the product key via Command Prompt, making sure to include the dashes. For guidance on how to do this, please refer to the following instructions:

1. Open Command Prompt (CMD) with Run as Administrator option.
2. Type the following command with your Microsoft Office product key in place of <product_key> and press Enter.

   %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Office\Office14\ospp.vbs" /inpkey:<product key>

3. Restart your device and see if Office is installed.

In conclusion, error 0xc004c032 can be frustrating, but it is fixable. By following the methods outlined in this guide, you should be able to resolve the issue and install Microsoft Office without any problems.