Office 2016 Volume License Serializer: A Comprehensive Guide

Microsoft 365 includes the robust Office desktop apps that you're familiar with, such as Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. However, if you're looking for a one-time purchase option or a volume license version of Office, this guide is designed to help you complete the installation process.

Office 2019 includes significant improvements over Microsoft Office 2016 and earlier versions of on-premises Office. It is different from Microsoft 365, which is a subscription-based model that offers the most collaborative and up-to-date features in one seamless, integrated experience.

If you wish to purchase the Microsoft Office 365 Business plan, you can find more information on the Microsoft page embedded within this guide. We have also discussed how to complete Microsoft Office 365 Family Subscription and how to Cancel Office 365 Family Subscription.

While you can download Office 2021, 2019, and Office 2016 for free from Microsoft, you need to own a license key or have a Microsoft 365 subscription to use the programs. However, there are no upgrade options available, so if you plan to upgrade to the next major release, you'll have to buy it at full price.

Deploying Volume Licensed Office 2016

To deploy and operate the VL Serializer package file on each personal computer that you'd like to activate Office as a volume licensed version, follow these steps:

1. Quit out of all Office 2019 for Mac apps.

2. In the dialog box that opens, if you're on Office 2019 for Mac, you'll see a version number that starts with '16.17' or higher and license type will say Retail License 2019 or Volume License.

Active Directory- Based Activation

Active Directory-based activation enables an organization to activate volume licensed versions of Office, including Project and Visio, on computers that are joined to an Active Directory domain. This applies to volume licensed versions of Office LTSC 2021, Office 2019, and Office 2016 (including Project and Visio).

Checking Your Version

Before you begin, confirm that you're on Office 2019 for Mac by clicking Word > About Word in the top menu.

If you run into any work-stopping issues after installing Office 2019 for Mac, you can go back to Office 2016 for Mac (Version 16.16) if you had it previously installed. Microsoft released Office 2019 for Mac on September 24th, 2018 (Version 16.17).

These instructions are for customers who have purchased a one-time version or volume license version of Office for Mac, not Microsoft 365 customers. If you have any questions or concerns about deploying and operating the VL Serializer package file, refer to the official Microsoft documentation or contact their support team for assistance.

By following these steps, you'll be able to successfully deploy and operate the VL Serializer package file on your personal computer, activating Office as a volume licensed version.

Office 2016 volume license serializer