If your school uses Microsoft 365 services and apps, they may also have purchased licenses which cover students and teachers to install their own copy(s) of Microsoft Office. Here’s how you check if your school has provided you a free copy.
You may be entitled to install a free copy of Microsoft Office — including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint — on your own laptop, iPad, and smartphone. Installing the school provided copy also has the following benefits:
- When signed in with your school Microsoft 365 account, you’ll get access to all of your school documents and resources.
- Office will be kept up to date in line with the apps installed throughout your school.
- Your install can be managed by your school’s IT team to make sure it’s secure.
You should be aware, however, that because this version of Office is licensed against your school Microsoft 365 account, when you leave the school, and your account is disabled, your free version of Office will stop working and you may need to purchase your own standard subscription.
Time needed: 15 minutes.
How to install a free copy of Microsoft Office on Windows or Mac
- Visit the Microsoft Office website
Open your web browser and visit http://www.office.com.
- Sign in with your school Microsoft 365 account
Click Sign in and login with your school Microsoft 365 email address and password.
- Install Microsoft Office
If you are eligible to install a free copy of Office, an Install Office button will be shown on the right of the page.
Click the Install Office button and select Office 365 apps to install Outlook, OneDrive, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Download Microsoft Office
Microsoft Office will now begin downloading. Once finished, follow the on screen instructions. These will be specific to the operating system running on your computer. - Done! Microsoft Office is now installed.
Well done. Microsoft Office is now installed.
When you open one of the Office apps for the first time, you will be asked to sign in. Make sure that you sign in with your school Microsoft 365 account which will activate and apply your school license to the software.
This guides covers the most common installation instructions. Access to applications and features may be managed or limited by your school’s IT team as part of your school’s security policies.
