Microsoft 365 Apps Campus Upgrade 2021

Owned by
Mike Grosshandler
Last updated: Mar 03, 2023
3 min read

Overview

In summer/fall 2021, ITS updated the University to Microsoft 365 Apps (M365), the most current version of Microsoft Office. This provides a consistent, modern collaboration experience for the entire campus community.  

This change affected the version of Microsoft Office that is installed on University-owned computers.  The web browser-based version of Office apps was not affected.

Computers have been updated campus-wide, so you may see changes on your personal University-owned computer, as well as in classrooms, conference rooms, and other spaces with public devices.  

Before you can use any M365 application (like Word, PowerPoint, or Excel), you must sign in with your UAlbany credentials to activate M365 for that computer.

In order to sign in to activate M365 Apps, you will need to complete 2-Step Login with Duo. You may need to authenticate using 2-Step Login with Duo, so be sure to have a Duo-registered device with you. 

If you are unable to complete 2-Step Login on a computer where you have not yet activated M365, you will still be able to use M365 apps (like Word, PowerPoint, or Excel), but they will function in Reduced Functionality Mode.

Frequently Asked Questions

 What is Microsoft 365 Apps?

Microsoft 365 Apps is the modern version of Microsoft Office installed on your computer. It includes the applications that you're familiar with, including Access, Excel, OneNote, Outlook, PowerPoint, Publisher, Teams, and Word.  It was formerly called Office 365 ProPlus.

Microsoft 365 Apps is not the same as the "web versions" of the Office applications. Microsoft 365 Apps are installed on your computer directly, just like with Office 2019 and earlier versions.  The web versions of the Office apps let you open and work with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or OneNote documents in a web browser. The web versions of these Office application will remain available.  

 Why are we changing versions of Office?

Read about the benefits of Microsoft 365 over older versions of Office.

 What is different in M365 from Office 2019 (or other older versions)?

Read about the differences between Microsoft 365 and older versions of Office.

 Which version of Office do I have installed currently?

Determine which version of Office you have installed on your computer by following the steps in this article.

 I am using M365 for the first time on a computer.  What do I need to do the first time using Office?

Before you can use any M365 application you must sign in with your UAlbany credentials to activate M365. 

 I am trying to activate M365 with my YubiKey but it says I need to update Edge?

Try the workaround identified here:  Issues activating Microsoft 365 apps with YubiKey

 What if I have Visio, Project, or Power BI?

If you currently have a license for the desktop versions of Visio, Project, or Power BI and have one or more of those installed on your computer, please contact the ITS Service Desk to let us know and we will arrange to make sure that program is reinstalled after the upgrade.

 Will computers in classrooms or conference rooms change?

Yes, Windows computers in classrooms, conference rooms, and other shared spaces will be updated to Microsoft 365.  To use the Office apps in one of these locations, you will need to complete 2-Step login with Duo. 

 What about my personally-owned computer?

UAlbany faculty, staff, and students are entitled to install and use Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise (formerly called Office 365 ProPlus) on their Windows and/or Mac computers while they have UAlbany Mail email accounts.  Please click here for additional information.

This can be installed on up to 15 devices in total:  5 installations on Windows (Windows 7, 8.1, or 10) and Mac (macOS/X 10.10 or later) devices, 5 installations on smartphones, and 5 on tablet devices.  You can download and install this yourself at any time.

 Where are my new Office files saved to by default now?

In Microsoft 365 apps for enterprise, new files are saved to your OneDrive for Business library by default.  You can still change that location to your hard drive or any other location in Office 365, such as Microsoft Teams or an Office 365 Group. 

Existing files opened from any location will save to their existing location unless you intentionally change the location.

Learn more about this:  https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/customize-the-save-experience-in-office-786200a7-f5f2-4d26-a3ae-b78c60dd5d3b.

 How do I get Microsoft 365 Apps right now?

How to get Microsoft 365 Apps for your computer

 Is my computer compatible with Microsoft 365?

See the technical requirements for Microsoft 365 plans.

 What if I'm off campus?

You can still get M365 from off-campus as long as your computer is signed into the University's VPN. 

Get Help

Training resources for Microsoft 365

Contact the ITS Service Desk at askIT@albany.edu or (518) 442-3700 for assistance, questions or concerns.


Need more help? Contact the ITS Service Desk.