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Intune Microsoft 365 Apps Deployment: Complete Guide

Learn how to deploy Microsoft 365 Apps (Office) to Windows devices using Intune, including configuration options, update channels, and deployment strategies.

By Ali Alame•
intunemicrosoft-365officeoffice-365app-deploymentwindowsclick-to-run

Microsoft 365 Apps deployment in Intune enables you to automatically install and configure Microsoft 365 Apps (formerly Office 365 ProPlus) on Windows devices. This provides a streamlined way to deploy Office applications with consistent configuration across your organization.

Understanding Microsoft 365 Apps in Intune

Microsoft 365 Apps in Intune uses the Office Deployment Tool to download and deploy Microsoft 365 Apps to client computers using the Office 365 CDN. Intune automatically manages the installation, configuration, and updates of Office applications.

Key Benefits

  • Automatic Installation: Deploy Office automatically to devices
  • Consistent Configuration: Standardized Office settings across devices
  • Update Management: Control update channels and versions
  • Language Support: Deploy multiple language packs
  • Architecture Choice: Choose 32-bit or 64-bit versions

For an overview, see Add Microsoft 365 Apps to Windows Devices With Microsoft Intune.

Prerequisites

Before deploying Microsoft 365 Apps:

  1. Intune Subscription: Active Microsoft Intune license
  2. Microsoft 365 License: Users need Microsoft 365 licenses
  3. Device Requirements: Windows 10 Creators Update or later
  4. Network Access: Devices need access to Office CDN
  5. Permissions: Intune Administrator role

Creating Microsoft 365 Apps Deployment

Step 1: Access Apps

  1. Sign in to the Microsoft Intune admin center
  2. Navigate to Apps > All apps > Create
  3. Select Windows 10 and later in the Microsoft 365 Apps section
  4. Select Select

Step 2: Configure App Suite

Choose configuration method:

Option 1: Configuration Designer (Recommended)

  • Use built-in configuration options
  • Configure apps, architecture, and update channel
  • Set additional properties

Option 2: Enter XML Data

  • Use Office Deployment Tool XML
  • Advanced configuration options
  • Custom installation settings

Configuration Designer Settings

Configure App Suite:

  1. Select Office apps: Choose apps to install (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
  2. Select other Office apps: Additional licensed apps (Project, Visio)
  3. Architecture: 32-bit or 64-bit
  4. Default file format: Office Open XML Format or Open Document Format
  5. Update Channel:
    • Monthly
    • Monthly (Targeted)
    • Semi-Annual
    • Semi-Annual (Targeted)

App Suite Information:

  • Version to install: Latest or specific version
  • Remove other versions: Remove MSI versions of Office
  • Use shared computer activation: For shared devices

Properties:

  • Accept Microsoft Software License Terms: Yes/No
  • Install background service for Microsoft Search in Bing: Yes/No
  • Languages: Select additional languages

For detailed settings, see Add Microsoft 365 Apps to Windows Devices With Microsoft Intune.

Step 3: Assign Apps

  1. Required: Apps installed automatically

    • Add groups for required installation
    • Configure end user notifications
    • Set installation deadline

  2. Available for enrolled devices: Apps available in Company Portal

    • Add groups for available apps
    • Users can install from Company Portal

  3. Uninstall: Remove apps from devices

    • Add groups for uninstallation

Step 4: Review and Create

  1. Review all settings
  2. Select Create

Update Channels

Available Channels

  1. Monthly: Latest features monthly
  2. Monthly (Targeted): Preview of Monthly channel
  3. Semi-Annual: Features twice per year
  4. Semi-Annual (Targeted): Preview of Semi-Annual channel

Recommendation: Use Monthly Enterprise Channel for most organizations.

For details, see Overview of update channels for Microsoft 365 Apps.

Deployment Details

Installation Process

  1. Intune assigns deployment policy to devices
  2. Device downloads installation package from Office CDN
  3. Installation files stored in Program Files
  4. Installation starts automatically (if required)
  5. Installation files deleted after successful installation

Installation Locations

  • Microsoft Office: Installation files directory
  • Microsoft Office 15: Click-to-Run installation launcher files

For details, see Deployment details.

Best Practices

1. Choose Appropriate Architecture

  • 64-bit: Better performance, more memory
  • 32-bit: Better compatibility, works on 32-bit and 64-bit
  • Recommendation: Use 64-bit for new deployments

2. Select Update Channel

  • Monthly Enterprise Channel: Recommended for most organizations
  • Semi-Annual: More stable, fewer updates
  • Monthly: Latest features, more frequent updates

3. Remove MSI Versions

  • Set Remove other versions to Yes
  • Prevents conflicts with Click-to-Run
  • Ensures clean installation

4. Test Before Deployment

  • Test with pilot groups
  • Verify installation works
  • Test application functionality
  • Validate user experience

5. Monitor Deployment

  • Review installation status
  • Address installation failures
  • Track deployment progress
  • Monitor update behavior

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

  1. Installation Fails

    • Verify device meets requirements
    • Check network connectivity
    • Review Office CDN access
    • Check for existing MSI Office

  2. Apps Not Installing

    • Verify user has Microsoft 365 license
    • Check device check-in status
    • Review installation logs
    • Verify network access

  3. Update Issues

    • Check update channel configuration
    • Verify update settings
    • Review update logs
    • Test update manually

For troubleshooting guidance, see Troubleshooting.

Additional Resources

Conclusion

Microsoft 365 Apps deployment in Intune provides a streamlined way to deploy Office applications across your organization. By following these best practices:

✅ Choose appropriate architecture and update channel
✅ Remove MSI versions before deployment
✅ Test thoroughly before production
✅ Monitor deployment status regularly
✅ Configure appropriate assignment types

You can ensure consistent Office deployment while maintaining control over versions and update channels.

Remember: Microsoft 365 Apps use Click-to-Run installation, which is incompatible with MSI versions of Office. Always remove MSI versions before deploying Microsoft 365 Apps to avoid conflicts.