: Users do not need to interact with activation prompts.
If a machine previously had a Microsoft 365 subscription or an older Office license, the credentials might conflict.
Sign in to the or the Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC) using your administrator credentials. Locate your Office 2021 for Mac purchase. Download two specific files: microsoft office 2021 vl serializer mac
While the VL Serializer makes managing Office 2021 easy, remember that Office 2021 is a perpetual, "froz-in-time" release. It receives security patches and stability updates, but it will not receive new feature upgrades over its lifecycle. If your organization decides to move to cloud-based Microsoft 365 licensing down the road, you will need to run the License Removal Tool to strip out the VL serialization before users can sign in with their cloud accounts.
For official documentation and deep-dive troubleshooting, check the Microsoft Learn Overview : Users do not need to interact with activation prompts
Which (Jamf, Intune, etc.) you are using to push the packages.
If a user previously logged into a personal Microsoft 365 account on that machine, clear the old license state using Microsoft's official License Removal Tool before deploying the VL Serializer. Locate your Office 2021 for Mac purchase
It is critical that the version of the VL Serializer matches the version of the Office suite. A VL Serializer for Office 2019 will generally not successfully activate Office 2021, and vice versa. Organizations must ensure they have downloaded the specific serializer corresponding to their purchase agreement (Office LTSC 2021 vs. Standard 2021).