How to get Microsoft 365 Apps for your computer

Owned by Grosshandler, Mike
Last updated: Aug 16, 2024

You can install Microsoft 365 Apps (Office) on your University-owned computer as well as a personally-owned computer.  See below for instructions for your device.

You can reach out to your /wiki/spaces/OCIO/pages/48245175 for assistance performing this installation.

University-owned Computer

Personally-owned Computer

Mac

Windows

Windows or Mac

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 applications remain available.  

 Why did we change 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

 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 get M365 for your University -owned computer from off-campus as long as your computer is signed into the University's VPN. 



Need more help? Contact the ITS Service Desk.