How to Install and Activate Visio and Project (2024, 2021, 2019)

Quick answer: Visio and Project install the same way as Office. For volume keys, use Microsoft's Office Deployment Tool with the Visio or Project Product ID, then enter your key under File → Account. For retail keys ("Retail" and "MS account global" listings), redeem the key at microsoft365.com/setup and install from your Microsoft account.

This guide covers Visio 2024 Professional, Project 2024 Professional, their 2021 and 2019 versions, the retail editions such as Visio 2024 Pro Retail, and bundles like Visio & Project 2024 Professional. Visio and Project are Windows-only.

Before you start

• Uninstall any trial or older version of Visio or Project from Settings → Apps → Installed apps.
• If Office is already installed, use the same architecture (64-bit or 32-bit). For the smoothest setup, use the same version and licence type as your Office (for example Office 2024 volume with Visio 2024 volume).
• Visio and Project 2024 and 2021 need Windows 11 or Windows 10.

Method A: Volume keys with the Office Deployment Tool

1. Download and run the Office Deployment Tool, extracting it to C:\ODT.
2. Create configuration.xml in that folder. This example installs Visio and Project 2024 Professional; delete the line you don't need.

<Configuration>
  <Add OfficeClientEdition="64" Channel="PerpetualVL2024">
    <Product ID="VisioPro2024Volume">
      <Language ID="en-us" />
    </Product>
    <Product ID="ProjectPro2024Volume">
      <Language ID="en-us" />
    </Product>
  </Add>
  <Display Level="Full" AcceptEULA="TRUE" />
</Configuration>

3. Open Command Prompt as administrator and run cd C:\ODT, then setup /configure configuration.xml.
4. When installation finishes, open Visio or Project, go to File → Account → Change Product Key and enter the 25-character key from your order email.
5. Check that the Account page shows "Product Activated".

Installing Office at the same time? Add the Office Product ID (for example ProPlus2024Volume) to the same file. Our Office for Windows guide lists every ID.

Command-line activation

From an administrator Command Prompt:

cd "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office16"
cscript ospp.vbs /inpkey:XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX
cscript ospp.vbs /act

Method B: Retail keys with your Microsoft account

1. Go to microsoft365.com/setup, sign in and enter your key.
2. Open account.microsoft.com/services, find Visio or Project and select Install.
3. Run the installer, then open the app and sign in with the same account to activate.

The licence stays on your account, so you can reinstall on a new PC by signing in again.

Troubleshooting

Still stuck? Reply to your order email with a screenshot of File → Account.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need Office installed to use Visio or Project?

No. Visio and Project are standalone apps and work without Office, although they integrate with Excel and Outlook when Office is present.

How long are Visio and Project supported?

The 2024 versions are supported until 9 October 2029. The 2021 versions reached end of support on 13 October 2026 and the 2019 versions on 14 October 2025; they keep working without new security updates.

Is there a Mac version?

No. Visio and Project desktop apps run only on Windows.

Useful links