How to Deploy and Activate Office LTSC 2024 Using a MAK Key

November 6, 2024

Deploying Office LTSC 2024 across an organization using a Multiple Activation Key (MAK) streamlines the setup and activation process for users. This guide walks you through each step to efficiently deploy and automatically activate Office 2024 using the Office Deployment Tool (ODT) and a custom configuration file.

Why Use MAK for Office LTSC 2024?

A Multiple Activation Key (MAK) is ideal for large organizations that need to activate Office on a specific number of devices without ongoing network connectivity requirements. With MAK, each device activates Office individually, meaning that once a machine is activated, it doesn’t need constant connection to the corporate network for reactivation. This approach is straightforward, making it easy to manage Office activations for stable, long-term installations like Office LTSC 2024.

Step 1: Configure Deployment Settings

Begin by creating a custom XML configuration file that specifies your Office LTSC 2024 deployment preferences.

Open the Microsoft Office Customization Tool

Visit Microsoft Office Customization Tool to start configuring the deployment.

Product and Release Settings

Architecture: Choose between 32-bit or 64-bit depending on your organization’s devices.
Product: Select Office LTSC Professional Plus 2024 or Office LTSC Standard 2024 or specific apps you need.
Update Channel: For LTSC, choose the LTSC Channel for stability and essential updates only.
Apps: Include or exclude specific Office applications as needed.

Language Preferences

Set the Primary Language and any Additional Languages or Proofing Tools required for your users.

Installation Settings

Deployment Source: Choose Cloud (Microsoft servers) or Local Source for on-premises installations.
Show Installation: Select Full UI, Progress Only, or Silent.
Shut Down Running Applications: Enable this to close active Office applications during installation.

Update and Upgrade Settings

Uninstall Existing MSI Versions: Enable to remove older MSI-based installations of Office, including versions of Visio and Project, to avoid compatibility issues.
Upgrade Architecture: Automatically update 32-bit installations to 64-bit if needed.

Licensing and Activation

Accept License Terms: Select this to skip manual license acceptance.
Product Key: Enter your MAK Key to enable automatic activation during deployment.

Export Configuration File

Export the settings as an XML file and save it in the same folder where you’ll place the Office Deployment Tool (ODT). This file will guide the ODT during the installation process.

Step 2: Download the Office Deployment Tool

Download the Office Deployment Tool

Get the latest version of the ODT from Microsoft’s official site: Download here.

Extract and Organize

Run the downloaded file to extract setup.exe. Place the setup.exe and your configuration XML file in the same folder for easy access.

Step 3: Deploy Office LTSC 2024 Using the Office Deployment Tool

Open Command Prompt as Administrator

Search for Command Prompt, right-click it, and select Run as administrator for necessary permissions.

Navigate to the Deployment Tool Folder

In Command Prompt, use the cd command to change the directory to the folder containing setup.exe and your configuration XML.

				
					cd C:\Path\To\OfficeDeploymentTool

Run the Download Command

Run the following command to begin installation based on the settings in your configuration file:

				
					setup /download configuration.xml

Apply Final Configurations

After download is finished, ensure configurations are fully applied by running:

				
					setup /configure configuration.xml

Advantages of Using MAK for Office LTSC 2024

Using a MAK key for Office LTSC 2024 enables seamless, one-time activations. Once installed, Office applications remain activated without needing additional network checks, simplifying ongoing IT management. This approach is also effective for devices that don’t frequently connect to the corporate network, providing flexibility for hybrid work environments.

Wrapping Up

Deploying Office LTSC 2024 with a MAK key offers stability, flexibility, and control, ideal for organizations looking for long-term software support without frequent updates. By following this guide and using the Microsoft Office Customization Tool along with the Office Deployment Tool, you can efficiently deploy and activate Office LTSC 2024 across multiple devices.

Stay tuned to our blog for more Office & Volume License insights and tips.