need to understand how to install and license excel on a windows server with no internet connection

To install and license Excel on a Windows Server without an internet connection, you can follow these general steps:

1. Obtain the Installation Media: Download the installation files for Microsoft 365 Apps (which includes Excel) from a computer that has internet access. You can use the Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC) if you have a volume license.
2. Transfer the Installation Files: Copy the installation files to the server that does not have internet access using a USB drive or other removable media.
3. Install Excel:
   • Run the setup file (usually setup.exe) from the copied installation files on the server.
   • Follow the prompts to complete the installation.
4. Activate Excel:
   • Since the server does not have internet access, you will need to use a different method for activation. You can use a Multiple Activation Key (MAK) for offline activation.
   • During the installation or after, you will be prompted to enter a product key. Enter your MAK key.
   • If prompted, follow the instructions for offline activation, which may involve generating a request file on the server and using another computer with internet access to complete the activation process.
5. License Management: Ensure that you have enough licenses for the number of installations you are performing. Each license allows a user to install Microsoft 365 Apps on multiple devices, but you must comply with the licensing terms.

By following these steps, you should be able to successfully install and license Excel on your Windows Server without needing an internet connection.

References:

• Overview of licensing and activation in Microsoft 365 Apps

Hello,

The key challenge here is that modern Office licensing is designed around online activation, so when the server can’t reach Microsoft’s activation service, you need to use an offline method.

Here’s how you can approach it step by step:

First, make sure you’re using the right edition of Office/Excel. The retail or Microsoft 365 subscription versions won’t activate offline. For servers, you’ll need a volume license build of Office (for example, Office Standard or Office Professional Plus obtained through Volume Licensing Service Center). That’s the only channel that supports offline activation.

Once you have the correct media, install Excel using the Office Deployment Tool or the ISO from VLSC. During setup, don’t worry about activation prompts — you’ll handle that separately.

For licensing, you’ll use either:

• KMS (Key Management Service) if you have a KMS host in your environment. The server will talk to your internal KMS host instead of Microsoft online.
• MAK (Multiple Activation Key) if you don’t have KMS. With MAK, you can activate offline by using the telephone activation method. You’ll run slmgr /ipk <your MAK key> to install the key, then slmgr /dti to generate an installation ID. You call Microsoft’s activation center, provide that ID, and they give you a confirmation ID to enter with slmgr /atp <confirmation ID>.

I hope this helps,

If this guidance proves helpful, please kindly click “Accept Answer” so we know we’re heading in the right direction 😊. And of course, I’m here if you need further clarification or support.

Domic Vo.