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

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.

Table of Contents

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
				
			

Method 2: Use Our Office LTSC Installer Tool Without Commands

If you do not want to create a configuration file manually or run Office Deployment Tool commands yourself, you can use our Office LTSC Installer Tool. This method is designed for users who want a simpler installation process for Office LTSC 2024, Word LTSC 2024, Excel LTSC 2024, Project LTSC 2024, Visio LTSC 2024, and other supported volume-licensed Office apps.

The tool prepares the correct installation package for you. Instead of editing XML files, choosing Product IDs, or typing commands in Command Prompt, you only select your Office version, choose the product you want to install, enter your MAK key, and download your ready-to-use installer.

Microsoft’s official method for Office LTSC 2024 still uses the Office Deployment Tool, configuration XML, and the Office CDN. Our installer tool follows that same deployment logic, but makes the process easier for regular users by preparing the files automatically.

When Should You Use This Method?

This method is useful if you have a valid MAK key but are not comfortable using Command Prompt. It is also helpful when you only want to install selected Office apps instead of the full Office suite.

For example, if you purchased only Word LTSC 2024, the tool can prepare an installer for Word only. If you purchased Excel LTSC 2024, it can prepare an installer for Excel only. If you purchased both Word and Excel as separate apps, you can select both apps and enter a separate MAK key for each one.

This helps avoid a common activation problem where the customer installs the wrong Office edition. For example, a Word LTSC volume key cannot activate a retail Microsoft 365 or consumer Office installation. The installed product must match the license type.

How to Use the Office LTSC Installer Tool

Using the tool is simple. First, choose the Office year, such as Office 2024, Office 2021, or Office 2019. Then select the product family. For Office LTSC 2024, this may include Office LTSC suites, standalone Office apps, Project LTSC, or Visio LTSC.

After that, choose the exact product you want to install. If you select a full Office suite, such as Office LTSC Professional Plus 2024, you may be able to choose which apps from the suite should be installed. If you only need Word and Excel, the installer can prepare the setup to install only those selected apps.

If you select standalone apps, such as Word LTSC 2024 and Excel LTSC 2024, the form will ask for a separate MAK key for each app. This is important because standalone app keys must be matched with the correct standalone Office volume product.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Open the Office LTSC Installer Tool on this page.
  2. Select your Office year, such as 2024.
  3. Select the product family, such as Office LTSC, Office Apps LTSC, Project LTSC, or Visio LTSC.
  4. Choose the product or apps you want to install.
  5. Enter your MAK key. If you select multiple standalone apps, enter the correct key for each app.
  6. Choose your language and system architecture. In most cases, 64-bit is recommended.
  7. Click Download Installer.
  8. Extract the downloaded ZIP file.
  9. Right-click Run-as-Administrator-Install.cmd and choose Run as administrator.
  10. Wait for the installer to download Office from Microsoft’s CDN, install the selected app, and activate it with your MAK key.

Once the process is complete, open Word, Excel, Project, Visio, or the Office app you installed and check the activation status from File > Account.

Why This Tool Is Easier Than the Manual Method

The manual method is still the best option for IT administrators who want full control over deployment files. However, many users simply want to install and activate the product they purchased without writing commands.

The Office LTSC Installer Tool helps by generating the correct configuration automatically. It uses the correct installation channel, prepares the XML file, includes the selected apps, applies the MAK key, and runs the installation process from the official Microsoft Office CDN.

This is especially useful for customers who see an error such as:

This product key is for the volume-licensed version of Microsoft Word LTSC, which currently isn’t installed.

This error usually means the installed Office product does not match the key. By using the correct LTSC volume installer, you can avoid installing the wrong edition and improve the chance of successful activation.

Use the Installer Tool Below

Use the form below to generate your Office LTSC installer package. Choose your product, enter your MAK key, download the installer, and run it as administrator.

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 gives organizations and professional users a stable, long-term Office installation without requiring subscription-based licensing. Advanced users can follow the manual Office Deployment Tool method above, while customers who want a simpler experience can use our Office LTSC Installer Tool to generate the correct installer automatically.

Whether you install Office LTSC Professional Plus 2024, Word LTSC 2024, Excel LTSC 2024, Project LTSC 2024, or Visio LTSC 2024, the most important step is making sure the installed product matches your MAK key. Using the correct LTSC volume installer helps prevent activation errors and makes the installation process smoother.

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

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