How to Download & Install Microsoft Office 2024 for Free (Step-by-Step Guide)

Step 1: Navigate Configure Deployment Settings Using the Office Customization Tool 

office Customization Tool allows you to create a configuration file (configuration.xml) that defines how Office will be installed.

Key Configuration Sections:

1. Products and Releases

   • Select the Office suite (e.g., Microsoft 365 Apps, Office 2021, etc.).
   • Choose the architecture (32-bit or 64-bit).

   

2. Language
   • Select the primary installation language and additional language packs if needed.
3. Installation
   • Define the installation source (from the cloud or a local network).
   • Choose whether to remove previous MSI versions of Office.
4. Update and Upgrade
   • Set update preferences (e.g., automatic updates from Microsoft CDN or a local server).
5. Licensing and Activation
   • Choose between User-Based Activation (sign-in with Microsoft account) or Shared Computer Activation (for remote desktop environments).
6. General
   • Configure display settings, such as suppressing setup UI.
7. Application Preferences
   • Enable or disable specific apps (e.g., Word, Excel, Outlook).

Once configured, click Export to download the configuration.xml file.

Step 2: Download the Office Deployment Tool (ODT)

The ODT is a command-line tool that helps deploy Office based on your configuration.

1. Download the Office Deployment Tool from:
   🔗 https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=49117
2. Run the downloaded executable (setup.exe) to extract the files.

Step 3: Prepare the Deployment Folder

1. Create a dedicated folder (e.g., D:\Office24).
2. Place the following files inside:
   • setup.exe (from ODT)
   • configuration.xml (exported from OCT)

Step 4: Run the Deployment Command

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

2. Navigate to your deployment folder:

   cmd

   Copy

   Download

   cd D:\Office24

3. Run the deployment command:

   cmd

   Copy

   Download

   setup /configure configuration.xml

4. Wait for the installation to complete.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can customize and deploy Microsoft Office efficiently using the Office Customization Tool and Office Deployment Tool. This method ensures a smooth installation with your preferred settings, whether for individual workstations or enterprise-wide deployment.

For more details, refer to:
🔗 Microsoft’s Official Documentation

Happy deploying!