Install Microsoft 365 Apps on Your Personal Computer

Overview

Cedar Crest College provides eligible students, faculty, and staff with access to Microsoft 365 at no additional cost while they are actively enrolled or employed at the College.

Microsoft 365 includes applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote. Depending on your assigned license, you can download and install these applications on your personal Windows or Mac computer.

This article explains how to download, install, and activate Microsoft 365 using your Cedar Crest College account.

Before You Begin

• Make sure your computer is connected to the internet.
• Have your Cedar Crest College email address and password available.
• Be prepared to complete multifactor authentication (MFA) if prompted.
• Make sure your computer meets Microsoft's system requirements.
• If you already have an older version of Microsoft Office installed, you may need to uninstall it if it conflicts with the new installation.

Note: Microsoft 365 desktop applications are available only to accounts with an eligible license. Access may change when you are no longer enrolled or employed at Cedar Crest College.

Step 1 – Sign In to Microsoft 365

1. Open a web browser and go to Microsoft 365 Apps.
2. Click Sign in if you are not already signed in.
3. Enter your Cedar Crest College email address and click Next.
4. Enter your password and complete MFA if prompted.
5. Once signed in, you will see your Microsoft 365 applications.

Step 2 – Download Microsoft 365

1. Locate Install apps near the upper-right corner of the Microsoft 365 Apps page.
2. Select Microsoft 365 apps from the menu.
3. The installation file will begin downloading to your computer.
4. Once the download finishes, follow the instructions below for your operating system.

Note: If you do not see the Install apps option, your account may not have a license that includes desktop applications. See the troubleshooting section below.

Step 3 – Install Microsoft 365

Windows Computers

1. Open your Downloads folder or locate the installation file in your browser.
2. Double-click the downloaded setup file to begin installation.
3. If Windows asks whether you want to allow the application to make changes to your device, click Yes.
4. Wait while Microsoft 365 downloads and installs the applications. This may take several minutes.
5. When installation is complete, click Close.

Mac Computers

1. Open Finder and navigate to your Downloads folder.
2. Double-click the downloaded Microsoft Office installer package (.pkg).
3. Follow the installation instructions displayed on your screen.
4. Review and accept the license agreement.
5. Enter your Mac's administrator password if prompted.
6. Click Close when installation is complete.

Step 4 – Activate Microsoft 365

After installation, you must sign in to activate your Microsoft 365 applications.

1. Open an application such as Microsoft Word.
2. If prompted, click Sign in.
3. Enter your Cedar Crest College email address and password.
4. Complete MFA if prompted.
5. Accept any license agreement or setup prompts.

Your Microsoft 365 applications should now be ready to use.

Troubleshooting

I Don't See the Install Apps Option

If the Install apps option is missing:

1. Confirm that you signed in with your Cedar Crest College account rather than a personal Microsoft account.
2. Try accessing Microsoft 365 Apps directly.
3. If the option is still missing, your account may not have the appropriate desktop application license.

Microsoft 365 Is Asking Me to Activate or Purchase a Subscription

1. Open Word or Excel.
2. Go to File > Account on Windows, or use the application's sign-in option on Mac.
3. Confirm that you are signed in with your Cedar Crest College account.
4. If another account is displayed, sign out and sign back in with your College account.
5. Close and reopen the application.

Installation Fails or Does Not Complete

• Restart your computer and try again.
• Confirm that your internet connection is working.
• Make sure your computer has enough available storage space.
• Check for operating system updates.
• If an older Office installation is causing a conflict, uninstall the conflicting version before trying again.

For additional troubleshooting, visit Microsoft's Installation Support Guide.

Additional Information

Can I install Microsoft 365 on more than one device?

Eligible Microsoft 365 subscriptions generally allow installation on multiple devices, with activation on up to five PCs or Macs, five tablets, and five smartphones. Availability depends on your assigned license.

Can I use Microsoft 365 without installing anything?

Yes. You can access web versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and other available applications by signing in at Microsoft 365.

What happens when I leave Cedar Crest College?

Your College-provided Microsoft 365 license is associated with your enrollment or employment. When your eligibility ends, you may lose access to the desktop applications and College cloud services. Save any personal files you are permitted to retain before your account access ends.

Need Additional Assistance?

If you have trouble downloading, installing, or activating Microsoft 365, please submit an IT Support Request.

When submitting your request, include the type of computer you are using, the step where you encountered difficulty, and any error messages you received.