Microsoft 365 is one of the world’s most widely used business productivity platforms, with more than a million companies worldwide (600,000+ in the U.S., alone) relying on its office productivity apps and tools. Installing it on multiple devices isn’t difficult, but it requires some specialized steps.
- Determine whether this is your first installation of Microsoft 365 apps on any device. If you have any Office app installed, you may already have full access to Microsoft 365 apps and just need to install them. (All users can install Microsoft 365 apps on up to five devices). If this is the case, skip to Step #4.
- Check System Requirements. Most newer phones, PCs, laptops and tablets will meet the minimum system requirements. However, some are surprisingly tough. For example, Microsoft 365 will not run on any PC OS earlier than Windows 8.1 (not even Windows 8). We don’t have room to cover system requirements, but you can review them (MAC or PC) here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/microsoft-365-and-office-resources.
- Sign into the Microsoft System. Once you are comfortable your device meets the system requirements, navigate to https://setup.office.com/. You will be asked to sign in with your Microsoft account using your email address. Optionally, you can sign in with a Windows Hello login or a security key. If the email address doesn’t exist in the Microsoft system, you will be prompted to create one. Make sure you typed the email correctly before you create a new Microsoft login. Sign into the Office setup page.
- Install Microsoft Office. From the Office home page, click the Install Office button (some versions will just say Install). In the interface that appears, click Office 365 Apps. Depending on your browser, select Run (Edge or Internet Explorer), Setup (Google Chrome), or Save File (Mozilla Firefox). Select Yes if you see the User Account Control prompt that asks, “Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device?”
- When installation completes, you see the phrase, “You’re all set! Office is installed now.” An animation will play to show you where to find Office applications on your computer. Select Close when you are ready to do so.
- Activate Office. Search on your computer or device for any Office app and open it. Once it opens, accept the license agreement and you are done!
- Install Office on Other Devices. To install Office on nearly any modern device, you can repeat these steps if you choose. However, for mobile devices, it’s usually easier to visit the App store for your device manufacturer. Look for Microsoft Office rather than the individual apps. The experience is similar (although not exactly the same), and it varies by device. Office has a very user-friendly mobile interface that makes it easy to work with.
Allow some time to explore your new productivity apps and how they interact with one another across your devices. Its popularity isn’t a fluke. Microsoft 365 is being continually improved and enriched by its developers for your benefit.
