How to Set Up Microsoft 365: Complete Installation Guide
Got your Microsoft 365 subscription? Good. Now let's get it installed on your devices. This takes about 10 minutes per device.
Follow the steps for your platform below.
Before You Start
- Your Microsoft 365 subscription is active
- You know your Microsoft account email and password
- Your device meets minimum requirements (see below)
- You have a stable internet connection
System Requirements
- • Windows 10 or 11
- • 4GB RAM minimum
- • 4GB free disk space
- • 1280 x 768 display
- • macOS Monterey (12) or later
- • 4GB RAM
- • 10GB free disk space
- • iOS 15+ or Android 8+
- • Stable internet for download
Install on Windows
- 1
Go to office.com and sign in
Use your Microsoft account linked to your subscription.
- 2
Click 'Install apps' button
Top right corner. Select 'Microsoft 365 apps'.
- 3
Run the downloaded file
Find OfficeSetup.exe in your Downloads folder. Double-click it.
- 4
Wait for installation
Takes 5-15 minutes depending on your internet speed. Don't close the window.
- 5
Open any Office app
Launch Word or Excel from Start menu. Sign in when prompted.
- 6
Activate your subscription
It should activate automatically. If not, go to File > Account > Sign In.
Pro tip: Keep the installer running in the background. You can use your computer while it installs.
Install on Mac
- 1
Go to office.com and sign in
Use your Microsoft account linked to your subscription.
- 2
Click 'Install apps'
Select the Mac version when prompted.
- 3
Open the .pkg file
Find it in your Downloads folder and double-click.
- 4
Follow the installer
Click Continue through the prompts. Enter your Mac password when asked.
- 5
Launch an Office app
Open Word from Applications or Spotlight. Sign in with your Microsoft account.
- 6
Activate
Sign in to activate. Your subscription unlocks all features.
Note: On M1/M2 Macs, Office runs natively—no Rosetta needed. Performance is excellent.
Install on iPhone, iPad & Android
iPhone & iPad
- 1.Open the App Store
- 2.Search for 'Microsoft 365' (or individual apps like Word, Excel)
- 3.Tap Get/Install
- 4.Open the app and sign in with your Microsoft account
- 5.Your subscription unlocks premium features
Android
- 1.Open Google Play Store
- 2.Search for 'Microsoft 365' or individual apps
- 3.Tap Install
- 4.Open and sign in with your Microsoft account
- 5.Premium features activate automatically
The Microsoft 365 app combines Word, Excel, and PowerPoint in one app. Great for phones. On tablets, separate apps work better.
Set Up OneDrive (Don't Skip This)
OneDrive is your 1TB cloud storage. Set it up now so your files sync everywhere.
Windows
1. OneDrive is pre-installed on Windows 10/11
Look for the cloud icon in your system tray (bottom right).
2. Sign in
Click the icon and sign in with your Microsoft account.
3. Choose folders to sync
Select which folders to back up (Desktop, Documents, Pictures recommended).
4. Let it sync
Initial sync takes time depending on how many files you have.
Mac
1. Download OneDrive from Mac App Store
Or from onedrive.com.
2. Sign in with your Microsoft account
The same account as your Microsoft 365 subscription.
3. Choose your OneDrive folder location
Default is fine for most people.
4. Enable Files On-Demand
Saves disk space by downloading files only when you open them.
Common Installation Issues
Installation stuck or frozen
Wait 30 minutes. If still stuck, restart your computer and try again. Check your internet connection.
'We ran into a problem' error
Uninstall any old Office versions first. Then retry the installation.
Apps open but say unlicensed
Sign out and sign back in. Go to File > Account > Sign Out, then sign in again with the correct account.
Download won't start
Try a different browser. Chrome and Edge work best. Disable any VPN temporarily.
Not enough disk space
You need at least 4GB free (10GB on Mac). Delete files or uninstall unused programs.
'Product key' prompt
Don't enter a key. Click 'Sign in instead' and use your Microsoft account. Subscription doesn't need a key.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install on multiple devices?
Yes. Microsoft 365 allows installation on 5 PCs/Macs, 5 tablets, and 5 phones. You can be signed in on all of them.
Do I need internet to use Office?
Only for initial download and activation. After that, apps work offline. OneDrive syncs when you're back online.
Will it slow down my computer?
Modern Office apps are well-optimized. If you have 4GB+ RAM, you won't notice any slowdown.
Can I use the web apps instead of installing?
Yes. Go to office.com and use Word, Excel, PowerPoint in your browser. No installation needed. Fewer features, but works anywhere.
What if I already have an old Office installed?
Uninstall it first for cleanest results. Go to Settings > Apps > find Microsoft Office > Uninstall. Then install Microsoft 365.
How do I install on a new computer?
Same process. Go to office.com, sign in, download and install. Your license follows your account, not your device.
Once installed, take 5 minutes to sign into OneDrive and enable sync. This ensures you never lose a document again—everything backs up automatically.