Notes・Since this content is intended to provide general information, it includes initiatives in which we are not involved.
・Photos and images used in the article are images. It may differ from the content provided by the actual product or service.
・The content of this blog is based on the information at the time of publication. Therefore, regarding the content of the product, images and operating procedures may differ from the current version due to version upgrades, etc.
It is becoming standard to change the device used according to the location and purpose, such as a desktop computer that allows stable work in the office, a small laptop when out and about, and a smartphone or tablet when traveling or at a customer.
Along with changes in work styles, Office apps have also launched services that support multiple devices.
Office 2021 is PC-only and does not support multi-devices
The latest version of Office’s permanent license, “Office 2021”, has the following lineup for the general public.
- Office Personal 2021 (Word, Excel, Outlook)
- Office Home & Business 2021 (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
- Office Professional 2021 (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Access, Publisher)
“Office 2021” is a license for Office apps for computers, and can be installed on up to two computers (Windows/Mac).
It cannot be used on tablets or smartphones.
Microsoft 365 with desktop apps on multiple devices
Skype. However, very interesting alternatives have emerged to the well-known Microsoft 365 is an Office subscription that allows multi-device use of computers, tablets, and smartphones.
Licenses are linked to accounts and can be used from multiple devices with the same account.
The number of installs and the number of signed-ins are specified for individual licenses and corporate licenses, respectively, so please check the number of users for your plan.
Number of personal licenses used
Microsoft 365 individual licenses can be installed on unlimited devices. You can also install it on all your devices.
Sign-in is required when using the app, and up to 5 devices can be used at the same time, but if you sign out from the device you do not use, you can immediately use it on another device.
| Number of installations | Number of sign-ins | |
|---|---|---|
| for individuals | Unlimited | 5 pieces |
Target plan
- Microsoft 365 Personal
- Microsoft 365 Family
Number of corporate licenses used
With corporate licenses, there is an upper limit on the number of installations for each type of device, but since it is possible to install up to 5 of each, it will be enough to cover the devices used for business.
Simultaneous sign-in is up to 5 devices, which is the same as the personal license.
| Number of installations | Number of sign-ins | |
|---|---|---|
| For corporate | 5 computers, 5 tablets, 5 smartphones | 5 pieces |
Target plan
- Microsoft 365 Apps for business
- Microsoft 365 Business Standard
- Microsoft 365 Business Premium
- Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise
- Office 365 E3
- Office 365 E5
- Microsoft 365 E3
- Microsoft 365 E5
*Microsoft 365 Business Basic and Office 365 E1 are only available for the web version of Office. You cannot install apps on your computer.
Free unlimited Office on the web
If you want to use an unlimited number of Office apps, there is a way to use a web app.
Free for anyone with an account
Office on the web (Office Online) is a web application of Office provided by Microsoft for free, which can be used on the browser by signing in with an account.
If you don’t have an account, just create a free Microsoft account and you’re good to go.
- Go to the Office login page ( https://www.office.com ) and sign in with your Microsoft or work/school account.
- When you click the icon of the Office app you want to use, the app opens on your web browser.
Some functions are limited
If you compare the web app and the desktop app, you’ll notice that the ribbons and menus are different.
Web apps don’t inherit all the functionality of desktop apps.
Advanced features such as adding macros and shapes are not available, so it’s better to think of it as for browsing and simple corrections.
It is certain to use a desktop application to create materials and aggregate data in earnest.
Save to OneDrive
The default save destination for files created with the web versions of Word and Excel is Microsoft’s cloud storage “OneDrive”. It cannot be saved locally, such as on your computer’s desktop (you can download a copy).
Also, Word and Excel files saved locally cannot be opened with the web version of the application, so put the files used in the web version of Office on OneDrive.
Microsoft 365 Multi-Device FAQ
FAQ for using Microsoft 365 on multiple devices.
What happens if the number of sign-ins exceeds 5?
Microsoft 365 sign-in limit is 5. When I try to sign in on my 6th device, I am now signed out of my old device.
If you want to sign out from any device, either sign out when you are finished using it, or sign out remotely from “Devices” on your Microsoft 365 account page.
Why can’t I edit from my tablet?
If you can’t edit on your tablet, it could be for one of the following reasons:
- Free to use mobile apps
- I have a Microsoft 365 plan that doesn’t offer desktop apps
Editing features in Office mobile apps are limited to devices with a screen size of 10.1 inches or less.
Editing files on tablets 10.1 inches and larger requires a paid Microsoft 365 license with desktop app support.
Can multiple people share a license?
You can install and sign in to multiple devices with Microsoft 365, but it is premised that the devices are owned and used by the same user (account user).
Even if you say “I don’t use 5 devices, so I have a surplus”, please be aware that installing it on a device owned by someone else or signing in for the purpose of being used by another person is a violation of the license.
Article Summary
Office 2021 is only for PCs and the number of installations is as small as 2- Microsoft 365 supports multiple devices and can be used simultaneously on up to 5 devices
- Unlimited number of Office on the Web (web apps). However, there are restrictions on functions and storage destinations
- Only Microsoft 365 users with a desktop application plan can edit on 10.1-inch or larger tablets
For business use, we recommend Microsoft 365, which allows you to use the full functionality of Office on multiple devices.
You can use it on multiple devices even during the free trial period, so if there is a plan you are interested in, please try it from the trial.