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In this article, we will explain the features of Microsoft 365, a list of plans that include desktop apps, and how to install the desktop apps.
We also introduce the license contract method of Microsoft 365, so please refer to it if you are thinking about introducing it.
Overview of Microsoft 365
First, let’s check out the benefits of Microsoft 365 compared to traditional Office products and the list of Microsoft 365 plans that include the desktop app version of Office.
Differences from conventional Office products
The advantages of introducing Microsoft 365 compared to the conventional product version of Office are as follows.
Centralized management of licenses is possible
- There is no error between the number of licenses owned and the number of users (because the number of employees = the number of licenses)
- You can centrally manage the granting and deletion of licenses as employees join and leave the company.
- You can always use the functions of the latest version (no need to replace or purchase an updated version due to end of support)
Manage files on the cloud
- Files created with Microsoft 365 can be stored and managed on the cloud.
- Collaborative editing, confirmation of editing history, restoration of files before editing, etc. can be performed on the cloud
- Useful for preventing the risk of data corruption/loss and strengthening compliance with the introduction of telework
Service can be used from multiple devices
- You can use up to 5 PCs, 5 tablets, and 5 smartphones per license.
- Full-scale operation from a mobile device is also possible because the full editing function of the mobile app is included in the license.
License to use the desktop app version of Office
Below is a list of Microsoft 365 plans that include the desktop app version of Office.
| plan name | Microsoft 365 Apps for Business |
Microsoft 365 Business Standard |
Microsoft 365 Business Premium |
Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise |
Microsoft 365 E3 |
Microsoft 365 E5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Target audience | General employee | General employee | General employee | General employee | General employee | General employee |
| User limit | 300 people | 300 people | 300 people | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Office apps | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| Exchange Online | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ||
| SharePoint Online | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ||
| Microsoft Teams | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ||
| OneDrive for Business | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| add on | △ | ○ | ||||
| Windows | ○ | ○ | ○ | |||
| EMS | △ | △ | ○ |
Note that Microsoft 365 Business Basic and Microsoft 365 F3 are only installed in the web version of Office and cannot be used in the desktop app version of Office.
How to install Office desktop apps
Next, I will explain how to install the desktop app version of Office after signing up for Microsoft 365.
Windows computer
Download desktop app
- Go to the Microsoft admin center ( https://admin.microsoft.com/ ) and sign in
- Click “Install Office” on the home page
- Select “Office 365 Apps”
By default, the 64-bit version of the desktop app will be downloaded. (If you already have a 32-bit version of Office installed, the 32-bit version will be downloaded)
When changing from the 32-bit version to the 64-bit version, uninstall the desktop app that has already been installed, and then install it again.
Install desktop app
- Run the downloaded file (Microsoft Edge: Run/Chrome: Setup)
- Click Yes when asked “Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device?”
- When the message “All is complete. Office is installed” is displayed, click “Close”
- Launch any Office desktop app
- A confirmation screen for license authentication will pop up, so click “Agree”
After the above steps, you will be able to use Office desktop apps.
For Mac
Download desktop app
- Go to the Microsoft admin center ( https://admin.microsoft.com/ ) and sign in
- Click “Install Office” on the home page
- Select “Office 365 Apps”
By default, the 64-bit version of the desktop app will be downloaded. (If you already have a 32-bit version of Office installed, the 32-bit version will be downloaded)
When changing from the 32-bit version to the 64-bit version, uninstall the desktop app that has already been installed, and then install it again.
Install desktop app
- Open Search and click Download
- Double-click “Microsoft_Office_20XX_Installer.pkg” (the name varies depending on the product and version to be downloaded)
- Click “Continue”
- Confirm the software license agreement and click “Continue”
- Click “I agree”
- Select the installation method and click “Continue”
- Confirm the installation location and click “Install”
- Click “Close” when the installation is complete
- Click “Launchpad” in Dock
- Launch any Office desktop app
- Click “Start using” to activate the license
After the above steps, you will be able to use Office desktop apps.
To subscribe to Microsoft 365 for desktop apps
From here, let’s take a look at how to sign up for a Microsoft 365 license for desktop apps.
Use of distributors is recommended
Microsoft 365 licenses can be contracted from the official Microsoft website as well as from sales agents such as NEC Networks & System Integration Corporation.
NEC Networks & System Integration also provides installation and operation support for the following solutions and services that are useful for streamlining operations and digitalization together with Microsoft 365.
| Canario (Telephone brokerage by AI) | AI automatically forwards incoming calls to the office to a designated phone number, chat, or email. You can eliminate coming to work just to pick up the phone. |
|---|---|
| DocuSign (electronic contract service) | It is a service that reduces costs, resources, time loss, etc. until the conclusion of a contract, and realizes a reduction in back-office work. It is useful for realizing telework. |
| eeasy (schedule adjustment tool for business) | This is a tool that works with Outlook Calendar and Google Calendar to automatically judge free schedules and schedule adjustments. You can collectively manage internal and external schedules. |
| Neat (device dedicated to remote conferencing) | A monitor, speaker, and microphone are integrated, enabling high-quality web conferencing in spaces such as conference rooms. |
| Slido (Activation of seminars and events) | A platform with voting and survey functions. By linking with Teams, you will be able to conduct QA and voting on web conferences. |
Can be introduced at the same cost as official dealers, NEC Networks & System Integration
NEC Networks & System Integration is an official retailer of Microsoft 365.
We can flexibly handle bill payments and credit card payments, and we also provide support during installation and operation, so if you are thinking about introducing Microsoft 365 for your business or switching from one-off Office, please contact us.
I’m also curious about the cost. It may seem like that, but it’s actually not. The main plan is the same as the official one.
We are also good at building and proposing solutions and office environments related to Microsoft 365, so please check the details.
Article Summary
- Microsoft 365 is a subscription-type service that allows comprehensive use of Office apps and cloud services
- If you have a plan that includes the desktop application version of Office, you can download and install it from the management site
- When signing a new contract for Microsoft 365, it is recommended to use an agency such as NEC Networks & System Integration
Currently, telework and telecommuting are being promoted, and the number of companies signing up for Microsoft 365 is increasing.
Now you can sign up for Microsoft 365 at a great price with NEC Networks & System Integration, so if you are thinking of introducing it, please contact us.