Based on “customer feedback”, Microsoft has reversed its policy of not allowing customers to transfer the retail version of Office 2013 to a different computer unless their device failed under warranty. Customers can now transfer Office 2013 to a different computer if their device fails or they get a new one.
The change in policy, which applies to Office Home and Student 2013, Office Home and Business 2013, Office Professional 2013 and the standalone Office 2013 applications, was announced on the Office News Blog, and is effective immediately.
The updated text of the new license agreement is as follows:
Updated transferability provision to the Retail License Terms of the Software License Agreement for Microsoft Office 2013 Desktop Application Software:
Can I transfer the software to another computer or user? You may transfer the software to another computer that belongs to you, but not more than one time every 90 days (except due to hardware failure, in which case you may transfer sooner). If you transfer the software to another computer, that other computer becomes the “licensed computer.” You may also transfer the software (together with the license) to a computer owned by someone else if a) you are the first licensed user of the software and b) the new user agrees to the terms of this agreement before the transfer. Any time you transfer the software to a new computer, you must remove the software from the prior computer and you may not retain any copies.
According to Microsoft, these transferability options are “equivalent” to those found in the Office 2010 retail license terms.
Further reading: Microsoft, Office 2013
