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In this article, we will explain how Microsoft 365 limits the number of devices and the differences between home plans and business plans.
Microsoft 365 can be used simultaneously on up to 5 devices!
First, let’s take a closer look at how Microsoft 365 limits the number of devices and what to keep in mind when using corporate plans.
Microsoft 365 number limit
Microsoft 365 has a home plan and a corporate plan, and the number restrictions for each are as follows.
| Installable number | Number of devices that can be signed in at the same time | |
|---|---|---|
| Home plan (Personal/Family) |
Unlimited | 5th floor |
| Corporate plan (Business/Enterprise) |
15 units (5 PCs, 5 tablets, 5 smartphones) |
5th floor |
The home plan can be used on up to 5 devices at the same time, but there is no limit to the number of installations.
The same is true for the corporate plan, which can be used on up to 5 devices at the same time, but can be installed on up to 15 devices.
Please note that the “Business Basic” and “E1” of the corporate plans do not include the desktop version of Office in the license, and you cannot install the application in the first place.
Notes on corporate plans
Business plans allow you to install Office on up to 15 devices.
However, it does not mean that you can freely choose 15 devices, but there is an upper limit for each device, up to 5 PCs (Windows or Mac), 5 tablets, and 5 smartphones.
Therefore, it should be noted that Office cannot be used in the following ways, for example.
- Install Office on 5 Windows and 5 Macs
- Install Office on 10 PCs and 5 tablets
- Install Office on 15 smartphones, etc.
If you are unsure about the difference between a tablet and a smartphone, please refer to the following two points.
- Presence or absence of phone function (with phone function: smartphone / without phone function: tablet)
- Screen size (less than 7 inches: smartphones / 7 inches or more: tablets)
How to use Microsoft 365 on 5 or more devices
Next, we will explain what to do if you want to use Microsoft 365 on 5 or more devices and how to check the current number of installed devices.
Sign out of unused devices
Microsoft 365 can be used (signed in) on up to 5 devices at the same time, but installation can be done on 5 or more devices.
Therefore, if you sign out of a terminal that you do not use temporarily while keeping the Office apps installed, you can always leave space for signing in on another terminal.
The operation method for signing out from an unused terminal is as follows.
- Start Office apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
- Click “File”
- Click “Account”
- Click “Sign out” displayed in the user information column
Use different kinds of devices
If you have a corporate plan and have already installed Office on 5 devices, you can install Office on more devices by using different devices.
For example, if you want to use Office on 6 devices, you cannot install Office on 6 laptops, but you can install it on 5 laptops and 1 tablet.
However, even in this case, please note that you can only use (sign in) with up to 5 devices at the same time.
Use the web version of Office apps
If you don’t need complicated work, we recommend using the web version of Office apps.
The web version of Office does not require installation and can be used by anyone.
However, the Web version of Office limits some functions and has the disadvantage that files saved locally cannot be opened.
How to check the current number of installations
If you don’t know which device Office is currently installed on, you can check the number of installations and device information by following the steps below.
For home plan
- Visit Office.com ( https://www.office.com/signin )
- Sign in with your Microsoft account
- Click the user icon on the top right of the screen
- Click “Microsoft Account”
- Click “Device”
For corporate plans
- Visit Office.com ( https://www.office.com/signin )
- Sign in with your work account
- Click the user icon on the top right of the screen
- Click “View Account”
- Click “Office apps”
- Click “Apps and Devices”
Article Summary
- With Microsoft 365, you can use Office apps, etc. simultaneously on up to five devices.
- The number of installations is greater than the number of simultaneous users, up to 15 for corporate plans and unlimited for home plans.
- In the case of corporate plans, please note that the upper limit for each device, 5 PCs, 5 tablets, and 5 smartphones, is also determined.
With Microsoft 365 for corporations, you can install Office on up to 15 terminals with one license, but you need to be careful because sharing one license with multiple people violates the license.
Be sure to purchase licenses for the number of people and use Microsoft 365 services correctly.
NEC Networks & System Integration provides sales and operational support for Microsoft 365 licenses, so please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.