Since version 2019, Microsoft Office can be installed with the Office Deployment Tool. With our instructions, this is much easier than it looks at first glance. On this page, we will show you step by step how to install Office 2024, 2021 or 2019.
All relevant links and commands can be found in the instructions.
We also have two short video tutorials for anyone who would like to take a closer look at the installation process. You can find them at the bottom of this page.
Shortcuts to content on this page:
Before you can start the installation, you need to create a configuration file. The easiest way to do this is with the Office Customisation Tool. Here we will guide you step by step through the creation of the required XML file.
1. Call up Office Customisation Tool
You need an active internet connection to use the Office Customisation Tool. Access this link at https://config.office.com/ and scroll down the website. Click on ” Create new configuration”at the bottom left .
2. Selecting the version and products
Select the desired bit number (usually: 64-bit) and your Microsoft product. In our example, we would like to install Office 2024 Standard.
3. Set update channel and apps
You can leave the settings for the update channel unchanged. Under Apps, you have the option of selecting which components you want to install and which you do not want to install. In our example, the Publisher is not required and has therefore been deactivated
4. Select language
Then select your preferred language. Optionally, you can add further language packs as required, for example for spelling corrections
5. Installation options and updates
In the selection for the installation options, update and upgrade options, you can simply accept the settings or customise them as required.
6. Licensing and activation
Under Licensing and activation, select whether you want to use KMS or MAK activation. In this example, select MAK and enter your licence key. The tick below should remain on “user-based”.
7. General settings (optional)
You can enter your company name in the General section. However, this is optional
8. Application settings
You can also customise the application settings to adapt the programmes to your individual requirements
9. Finalise configuration
You will find a summary of your configured settings on the right-hand side. Check these once again. If everything is correct, click on “Finish”at the bottom left.
10. Export XML file
In the last step, click on “Export” to create the XML file. If necessary, select your preferred file format and confirm with “OK”. Agree to the licence terms and download the XML file.
Leave the suggested file name unchanged
As soon as the XML file has been created, you can start the Office installation. To do this, you need the Office Deployment Tool from Microsoft. We will show you where you can download it and guide you through the installation step by step.
1. Download Office Deployment Tool
Download the Office Deployment Tool from the Microsoft website using the following link: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=49117
2. Run Office Deployment Tool
Open the folder in which the downloaded file is saved. Start the application and accept the terms of use. You will be asked in which folder you would like to extract the files. To do this, create a folder called “Office2024” on the desktop, for example. Save the files in this new folder
3. Add prefabricated XML file
You will then find a setup file and one or more ready-made XML files in the new folder. Now copy the XML configuration file that you created in step 1 into this folder.
4. Copy folder path
Click in the address bar of the folder you have just created and copy the entire path. You will need this for the next step.
5. Change directory in the command prompt
Enter “cmd” in the Windows search to open the command prompt. Enter the following command: cd (for “change directory”), followed by a space and the path of the folder you have just copied (e.g. cd C:\users\usedSoft\Desktop\Office2024). Press enter.
6. Start installation
Now enter the following command in the command prompt: setup configure xml-filename. Replace xml-filename with the name of the XML file that you copied to the folder (e.g. setup configure configuration.xml). Press Enter to start the installation of Office
7. Complete the installation of Office
Wait until the installation process is complete. This may take a few minutes. Once the installation is complete, you can close the open windows.
8. Checking the installation
Open one of the newly installed Office programmes (e.g. Word). Open a blank document and go to File > Account. There you can see whether Office has been successfully activated
Step 1: Create xml file
Step 2: Install Office with the Office Deployment Tool
