Activation Loop Nightmare: When Office 2024 and Project 2024 Fight for the Same Key

The Activation Headache You Didn’t See Coming

You’re installing Office 2024 Professional and Project 2024 Professional — everything seems smooth until a dreaded loop appears:
“Product already activated” → “Please enter a different key.”
 No matter what you do, it keeps cycling.

If you’ve faced this issue, you’re not alone. Many users are stuck in this activation loop conflict when using both Microsoft Office 2024 and Project 2024 on the same device — especially when they share the same license key source or activation channel.

This guide will walk you through why it happens and, more importantly, how to fix it.

What Causes the Office 2024 vs. Project 2024 Activation Conflict?

When both Office 2024 and Project 2024 are installed on a single machine using bundled licenses — especially with shared deployment tools or VL-type keys — Microsoft’s setup often can’t distinguish between the two correctly. This typically results in:

  • Activation loops
  • Key mismatch errors
  • Repeated prompts to sign in or re-enter a license key

The conflict occurs mostly with bundled solutions like this one:
➡️ Windows 11 + Project 2024 + Office 2024 + Visio 2024 Bundle (3 PCs)

Step-by-Step Fix: How to Resolve the Office & Project 2024 Activation Loop

1. Uninstall Conflicting Versions First

Before you attempt a fresh activation:

  • Uninstall Office and Project completely.
  • Use the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant (SaRA) tool for a clean removal:
    Download SaRA Tool

2. Install One Product at a Time

To avoid overlapping activation issues:

  • First, install Office 2024 Professional and activate it.
  • Then install Project 2024 Professional using its respective setup and key.

Make sure both keys are from the same licensing channel (e.g., Retail or Volume).

3. Use OSPP.VBS Script to Verify Keys

Run this command in CMD (Admin mode):

cscript “C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office16\ospp.vbs” /dstatus

This will display:

  • Installed keys
  • Partial product keys
  • Activation status

This helps confirm whether Office and Project are activated independently.

4. Reactivate Using Correct Key Channel

If Project keeps overriding Office or vice versa:

  • Use the script below to remove existing keys:

cscript ospp.vbs /unpkey:XXXXX

Replace XXXXX with the last 5 digits of the installed key.

  • Then reinstall using the proper key for each.

How to Prevent This Conflict in the Future

  • Avoid Mixing Retail and Volume Licenses
  • Use bundles from trusted sources like
    Office + Project + Windows 11 Combo for 3 PCs
  • Always install and activate one product before the next
  • Keep backup copies of license keys and installation files

Related Queries You May Be Searching For

  • Why does Office 2024 deactivate when I install Project 2024?
  • How to fix Microsoft Office 2024 activation loop?
  • Can I use the same product key for Office and Project 2024?
  • How do I activate Office and Project on the same PC without conflict?

These are common search queries, and this guide is designed to answer all of them step-by-step.

Conclusion

Dealing with activation conflicts between Office 2024 and Project 2024 can be frustrating, especially when you’re doing everything right. But with the right tools and order of operations, this loop can be broken.

For bundled solutions that are tested to work seamlessly, and to avoid future activation headaches, explore verified combinations like this:
👉 Office + Project + Windows 11 Bundle (3 PCs)

For more such expert troubleshooting and licensing tips, visit
 🔗 winandoffice.de

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use one key to activate both Office 2024 and Project 2024?

No, unless the key is bundled and designed for both. Generally, each product requires its own unique activation key, even if bundled together.

Q2: Why does Project 2024 override my Office activation?

This usually happens when both products share the same license channel or are installed using the same ISO setup. The newer install may rewrite activation data.

Q3: What if my key is rejected even after reinstalling?

Try clearing old key data using the ospp.vbs script, then re-enter your key. Also, ensure you’ve downloaded the correct version (32-bit vs. 64-bit) of both products.