I once bought a laptop that already had the version of Microsoft Office on it, now I've bought a new laptop, can I somehow take the version I bought with me on the new laptop?
No, that doesn't work. The software packages are usually permanently connected to the hardware. I even had the problem that even the included recovery CD (yes, there was something like that) didn't work after the BIOS on the mainboard was replaced due to a defect.
Office 2007 or 2010 got thrown for a 10 and does it exactly like that.
Up to and including MS Office 2010, the install code (license key) was still saved on the hard drive. This can then also be read out with a corresponding tool (Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder) and "taken with you"
As of MS Office 2013, the software is linked to your Microsoft account. You can try to install the supplied recovery software on the new laptop, provided that you use the same Microsoft account for the Windows installation (system installation) as on the old device. Sometimes you will be asked for the product ID (not to be confused with the license key!). The product ID will be shown to you if you click on the question mark in the open Office - in the menu bar - and then select the "Info" option.
If you no longer have the original version of your Office (and if you are familiar with the registry) you can too! OFFLINE! Install the same version of Office as purchased. Then you change the product ID in the registry, as stated in the original version. Only then will you go online again.
If all of this doesn't work, get an older version with a read out license key and install it. Alternatively, you can also use the cloud office integrated in Windows 10.
Personally, I still work today - under Windows 10 - with the MS Office2000. Some features are no longer active or not yet available (SilverLight-based functions / FrontPage / Cloud functions, etc.), but I can install this version whenever I want, wherever I want and as often as I want!
