Thank you for choosing Microsoft 365 Family from KARINEX. This guide takes you step by step through installation and activation – from the system requirements and redeeming your licence key to your first steps in the Office apps.
Microsoft 365 Family gives you and up to five additional people the full Office apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote) as well as 1 TB of OneDrive storage per person. As the subscription owner, you additionally have access to the Copilot AI features in the Office apps.
Still unsure whether Family is the right choice? Our comparison of Single, Family and Business Standard will help you decide.
What's included
After your purchase at KARINEX, you will receive by email:
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Licence key | 25-character product key (XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX) |
| Download link | Access to the current Microsoft 365 installation file |
| Invoice | As a PDF, with VAT shown separately |
| Guide | This installation guide |
System requirements
Please make sure that your system meets the following requirements:
| Component | Minimum requirement | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Windows | Windows 10 or newer | Windows 11 |
| macOS | macOS 10.14 or newer | current macOS version |
| Processor | 1.6 GHz dual-core | 2.0 GHz quad-core or better |
| Memory | 4 GB | 8 GB or more |
| Hard drive | 4 GB available | 10 GB (SSD recommended) |
| Resolution | 1280 × 768 | 1920 × 1080 or higher |
| Internet | Broadband (required) | 16 Mbit/s or faster |
| Browser | current version (Edge, Chrome, Safari, Firefox) | current version |
Before installation
Check your internet connection
Microsoft 365 is installed and activated online. Make sure you are connected to the internet throughout the entire process.
Uninstall previous versions
If an older Office version is already installed, we recommend removing it beforehand to avoid conflicts.
Windows: Control Panel → Programs and Features → select Office version → Uninstall. macOS: Applications → drag the Office folder to the Trash → empty the Trash.
Administrator rights
Installation requires administrator rights. Have your administrator password ready.
Have your licence key ready
Your 25-character product key was sent to you by email. Save this email or write down the key before you begin.
Installation step by step
Step 1: Open your Microsoft account
Open your web browser and go to setup.office.com. Sign in with your Microsoft account or create a new account.
Step 2: Enter the product key
Select "Redeem product" or "Add product" and enter your 25-character key. Formatting is applied automatically.
Step 3: Licence confirmation
Microsoft checks your key and shows a summary:
- Product: Microsoft 365 Family
- Term: 12 months from activation
- People: up to 6
- OneDrive: 1 TB per person
Confirm with "Next" or "Install now".
Step 4: Choose language and version
Select the language (e.g. English) and the version: 64-bit (recommended) or 32-bit (only for older systems). Click "Install".
Step 5: Start the download
The download starts automatically. The file is typically called OfficeSetup.exe (Windows) or Office Installer.pkg (macOS) and is around 3–4 GB in size.
Step 6: Run the installation file
Windows: Double-click the file in your Downloads folder and confirm the User Account Control prompt with "Yes". macOS: Double-click the package and follow the wizard.
Step 7: Installation in progress
Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote and other components are installed. The computer must remain switched on and connected to the internet.
Step 8: Installation complete
When it has finished, the message "You're all set! Office is installed now." appears. Click "Close".
Activation with your licence key
Where do I find my licence key?
Your key was delivered by email from KARINEX immediately after purchase, subject line: "Your Microsoft 365 Family licence from KARINEX". Format: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX.
Carrying out activation
Activation already takes place during the online installation (Step 3). You can check the status as follows: Windows: Word → File → Account → Product Information. macOS: Word → About Word → Licence Information.
Common activation errors and solutions
| Error message | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| "Product key invalid" | Typo or key already used | Re-enter the key carefully; if the error recurs, contact KARINEX support |
| "No internet connection" | Offline during activation | Establish a connection and try again |
| "Account already assigned" | The key is linked to a different Microsoft account | Sign in with the original account or contact support |
| "Region not supported" | Key for a different region | Contact KARINEX support |
First steps after installation
Install updates
Microsoft 365 updates itself automatically. You can check this as follows: Windows: Word → File → Account → Update Options → Update Now. macOS: Word → Help → Check for Updates.
Connect your Microsoft account
Sign in to the Office apps (top right, "Sign in"). This synchronises your documents with OneDrive and lets you use Office on additional devices.
Share the benefits with your family
You can share Microsoft 365 Family with up to five additional people: account.microsoft.com/services → Microsoft 365 Family → "Share benefits". Each person receives the full apps and 1 TB of their own OneDrive storage.
Install the mobile apps
Download Word, Excel and PowerPoint onto your smartphone or tablet (iOS: App Store, Android: Google Play) and sign in with the same Microsoft account.
Copilot AI in Microsoft 365 Family
Microsoft 365 Family includes Copilot AI in the Office apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook). Important: These AI features are available exclusively to the subscription owner – not to the other up to five people with whom the subscription is shared. They use the Office apps and their 1 TB of OneDrive storage in full, but without integrated Copilot features.
For the AI-powered features, the subscription owner has a monthly allowance ("AI Credits") available. Copilot in Excel requires the file to be saved in OneDrive and AutoSave to be enabled.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can I install Microsoft 365 Family on several devices?
Yes. Each of the up to six people can install Office on several devices (PC, Mac, tablet, smartphone) and be signed in on up to five devices at the same time.
Is Copilot included in Microsoft 365 Family?
Yes – the Copilot AI in the Office apps is available to the subscription owner. The other people in the family subscription receive the Office apps and 1 TB of OneDrive, but without Copilot integration.
What happens when my subscription expires?
After the 12 months have elapsed, the apps switch to a restricted mode: documents can still be viewed and printed, but no longer edited. OneDrive storage is reduced to 5 GB. You can renew at KARINEX at any time.
Can I transfer the licence key to a different Microsoft account?
No. Once the key is linked to a Microsoft account, it is bound to that account.
Does Microsoft 365 work offline?
Yes. After installation and activation you can work offline. An internet connection is needed roughly every 30 days for a licence check.
Which languages are supported?
Microsoft 365 is available in over 100 languages. You can change the display language under File → Options → Language.
How do I uninstall Microsoft 365?
Windows: Control Panel → Programs and Features → Microsoft 365 → Uninstall. macOS: Drag the Microsoft Office folder to the Trash. Your subscription remains active and can be reinstalled on another device.
What is the difference between Family and Single?
Family is for up to six people with 1 TB of OneDrive each (up to 6 TB in total), Single for one person with 1 TB. You will find a detailed comparison in the edition comparison.
Support and contact
If you have any questions about installing or activating your KARINEX product, we are happy to help:
Email: support@karinex.de
Product page: Microsoft 365 Family at KARINEX
Response time: within 24 hours (on business days).
Right of withdrawal: Special conditions apply to digitally supplied software. You will find details in our terms and conditions on karinex.de.
Legal notices
Microsoft partnership: As a Microsoft partner in the Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) programme, KARINEX is authorised to sell Microsoft products in the European market.
Trademarks: Microsoft, Microsoft 365, Office, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneDrive and Windows are registered trademarks of the Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
Licence terms: Use is subject to the Microsoft Terms of Use (microsoft.com/de-de/servicesagreement). The licence is bound to a Microsoft account.
Data protection: Your data is processed in accordance with the GDPR. You will find information in our privacy policy on karinex.de.
This guide has been prepared with the utmost care. We accept no liability for errors or subsequent changes made by Microsoft.
