Are you sure about non-transferable?

Office 2013 can’t be moved from the computer you first install it on – we’re quite sure.

“I can’t see any other media mentioning the non-transfer rule for Office 2013 retail packages. Are you sure about that?”

We’re absolutely sure. It’s true that most Office 2013 reviews don’t mention it but that’s partly because Microsoft downplays that important detail in the (so far, justified) hope that it’ll be overlooked.

We’ve received many similar questions, most of them polite but some not so polite. Accusations of telling ‘gross lies’ being the least of the calumnies sent our way.

There’s no doubt that retail purchases of Office 2013 are for a SINGLE PC and NOT transferable from that computer after installation. Unlike retail versions of past Microsoft Office which allowed two installations that could be transferred to another computer.

The direct evidence is there in the Software Licence Agreement (the SLA is the newer name of the EULA)

We have a copy of the Office 2013 Software License Agreement here with the relevant passages highlighted:

” How can I use the software?

We do not sell our software or your copy of it – we only license it. Under our license we grant you the right to install and run that one copy on one computer　(the licensed computer) for use by one person at a time, but only if you comply with all the terms of this agreement. Our software license is permanently assigned to the licensed computer. “

“Can I transfer the software to another computer or user?　

You may not transfer the software to another computer or user.　”

It’s the same wording for both Retail and OEM copies of Office 2013. OEM copies are sold, usually pre-installed, on new computers.

Not satisfied?

The retail boxes of Office 2013 that we’ve seen include only the phrase ‘1 PC’ which is strictly true but doesn’t tell the whole story.

We wonder if any ‘Fair Trading’ or consumer protection agency is prepared to take on Microsoft about the lack of clear disclosure of the changed terms?

Amazon is more careful about disclosing the Office 2013 terms. One of the bullet point ‘Product Features’ is:

” One time purchase for the life of your PC; non-transferrable“

See Also

• Office 2013 licenses now transferable
• Office 2013: the real startup guide
• Office 2013 – watching the sales pitch
• Office 2013 – one product, two trials
• Office 2013 prices double and beyond
• Office 2013 Software License Agreement
• Office 2013 pricing summary
• Click-To-Run exaggerations
• Getting the Office 2013 Preview