Microsoft Project Keeps Asking for Activation – Fix

Microsoft Project Keeps Asking for Activation – Fix
It is a common and frustrating problem to have Microsoft Project repeatedly ask for activation even after you have successfully activated it. This “activation loop” typically occurs when the software cannot properly verify your license on startup. The issue is usually caused by a corrupted license cache, conflicts from other Office products, or a faulty sign-in process.

This guide will provide a series of effective solutions to get your Microsoft Project to stay activated permanently.

Understanding the Activation Loop
The activation loop error happens when your license token, which is stored on your PC, becomes corrupted or is in conflict with another Office license. When you open Project, it checks for this token, finds it to be invalid, and then prompts you to activate the product all over again.

Step-by-Step Solutions
Solution 1: Sign Out and Sign Back In
This is the simplest solution and often fixes minor license token issues by forcing a re-sync with your Microsoft account.

Open Microsoft Project.

Go to File > Account.

Click “Sign Out” under the User Information section.

Close Project completely.

Re-open Project and go back to File > Account.

Click “Sign In” and sign in with the exact Microsoft account that your Project license is tied to.

Solution 2: Use the Office Repair Tool
A corrupted installation can cause activation problems. Using the built-in repair tool can fix these issues without a full reinstallation.

Press the Windows key + I to open Settings.

Go to Apps > Installed apps (Windows 11) or Apps & features (Windows 10).

Find your Microsoft Office or Microsoft Project product in the list.

Click the three-dot menu next to it and select “Modify”.

In the new window, select “Online Repair” and click “Repair”. The online repair is a more comprehensive fix that requires an internet connection.

Solution 3: Clear the Office License Cache (Command Prompt Method)
This is a targeted and highly effective solution for activation loops. It involves using the Office Software Protection Platform script to remove all old license tokens.

Open Command Prompt as an administrator.

Navigate to the Office installation folder by typing one of the following commands and pressing Enter:

For 32-bit Office on 64-bit Windows: cd “C:Program Files (x86)Microsoft OfficeOffice16”

For 64-bit Office: cd “C:Program FilesMicrosoft OfficeOffice16”

Once in the folder, run the following command to clear the license tokens:
cscript ospp.vbs /dstatus

This will display a list of all installed licenses. Note down the last five characters of the product key for your Project installation.

Now, run the following command to remove the license:
cscript ospp.vbs /unpkey:XXXXX (Replace XXXXX with the last five characters of your product key).

Restart your computer and open Project again. You will be prompted to sign in, and the activation should now hold permanently.

Solution 4: Uninstall Conflicting Office Products
Having multiple versions of Office, Project, or Visio installed (especially if they are from different license types, like a Microsoft 365 trial and a perpetual license) can cause activation conflicts.

Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps and check the list for any other Office, Project, or Visio products you don’t need.

Uninstall any older or trial versions.

Run the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant (SaRA) to perform a clean and complete removal of all Office remnants.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will clearing the license cache affect my other Office apps like Word or Excel?
A: Yes, the ospp.vbs command affects all Office products on your PC. You may need to sign in and reactivate your other Office apps as well, but this will resolve any potential conflicts and prevent future issues.

Q: I work in a corporate environment. Could this be a different issue?
A: Yes. If your organization uses a Key Management Service (KMS), the problem could be a communication issue with the KMS server. In this case, you should contact your IT department for assistance.

Conclusion
The “Microsoft Project keeps asking for activation” loop is usually a fixable software issue related to a corrupted license cache. By following a systematic approach—starting with signing in/out and progressing to clearing the license cache—you can resolve this issue and ensure that your Project license is correctly validated every time you open the application.