cant install office 2021 for mac on a mac mini

I purchased my imac from a friend about 4 years ago and it had office 2016 installed and this ran without any problems. I used the migration tool to migrate all the apps etc from the imac to a new mac mini. The migrated Office 2016 did not run on the the mini. I contacted the original (non-microsoft) supplier and was told 2016 would probably not run on the mini and an upgrade to 2021 would so an upgrade product key was supplied for a price.

That was when the problems started. I added the new product key to my microsoft account, downloaded the 2021 software package as shown on my account, installed it and tried to run it. Apparently the package I downloaded installed Office 2019 and it was not possible to activate it as the product key must be for 2021.

I tried many times all suggestions given above, running the licence removal tool, removing all microsoft apps and files from the mini, restarting etc, etc but no matter what I did, the downloaded file was always 2019.

Eventually it seems that the problem is probably due to the originally purchased 2016 not being a "legit" version so problems such as I am having are not unexpected.

So I have now cleaned all microsoft apps and files from my mini and will purchase a legit version of Office 2024 and install that and hope all will be well.

The concern I have is that the product keys for the 2016 and 2021 (or 2019) versions still show up in my microsoft account under subscriptions. If I install the legit 2024 version, I hope it run with the 2024 product key and not get mixed up wit the older product keys.

Since this is a public forum, we will hide your personal identifiable information, and I have sent that image of yours containing your personal identifiable information in a private message so we can work together to resolve the issue. 

Hello c gee

I can see that you are having trouble install Office 2021 to your Mac mini

From what you described, the Office apps on the Mac mini are likely still picking up older activation information stored on the device, which is why the apps continue showing the previous account instead of the Office 2021 license linked to the new account.

Since you have tried several methods suggested by Q&A assist, I would like to add some additional methods to help you too:

1. Run the Office license removal tool for Mac to clear any existing Office license data from the Mac. Refer to this site for how to use it: How to remove Office license files on a Mac
2. If the old account still appears, open Keychain Access and remove these entries if they are listed:
   • Microsoft Office Identities Cache 3
   • Microsoft Office Identities Settings 3
   • Microsoft Office Ticket Cache
3. Restart the Mac, then open Word or Excel and sign in with the Microsoft account that shows Office Home & Business 2021 for Mac under the subscriptions page.
4. If the sign-in window does not appear, open a blank file and go to File > New from template > Sign in.
5. If Office asks you to choose a license, make sure to select the correct Office 2021 license.

Feel free reply back to this post and update me on this issue, I'll be happy to help.