Overview
Microsoft 365 is offered to University of Illinois Chicago faculty, emeritus, staff, and students. This article contains the basics of accessing and using the Microsoft 365 service.
Please note, Microsoft 365 was previously known as "Office 365" but was rebranded and is part of Microsoft 365, which includes Teams, OneDrive, and many other tools.
Table of Contents
What is Microsoft 365?
Microsoft 365 is a suite of services and software provided by Microsoft for PCs and Macs . It allows you to use cloud services such as OneDrive for Business and Sharepoint, while also providing Office software for up to 5 PC/Macs, 5 tablets, and 5 mobile devices. Please log in to the office.uic.edu portal to view your most current count of available devices.
Microsoft 365 is a full version of Microsoft Office for PC or Mac. It is a distribution service that allows each active Student, Faculty or Staff member at UIC the right to download and install Office desktop applications on their personal computers and mobile devices for free.
Getting Started
To obtain Microsoft Office for your personal computer, follow these steps:
- Visit officedownload.uic.edu and log in using your NetID and password.
- Authenticate with Duo 2-Factor Authentication when prompted. Please visit How do I get started with Duo 2FA for more information about Duo.
- Select the language and version of Microsoft Office to download. Note: The programs that you have access to are determined by your UIC affiliation. Students will not have access to Access/Publisher through this Office download.
- Click Install Office.
- Once the software has been downloaded, click on the installer to begin the installation process.
You are able to install Microsoft Office on up to 5 PCs or Macs, 5 tablets and 5 mobile devices.
Who is eligible for Microsoft 365 software and services?
Please refer to the Microsoft 365 Service Catalog page to see who is eligible.
What is included in Microsoft 365 software?
Some of the software offerings from Microsoft 365 are listed below, but for a full listing, please refer to your Office 365 home page.
- Microsoft 365 Online - the current listing of Online Applications can be found by clicking on "All Apps". This list reflects the online applications that come by default in Office 365 Online.
- "Other Installs" will cover what current desktop applications are available as the Office download through Microsoft 365.
- Microsoft 365 for PC (Office 2016 base applications) - Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Access, Publisher, Outlook, Skype for Business, and InfoPath.
- Microsoft 365 for Mac (Office 2016 for Mac base applications)-Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Skype for Business
- Office Mobile for iPad, iPhone and Android- Word Mobile, Excel Mobile, PowerPoint Mobile, and OneNote and Skype for Business Mobile available as a separate download.
How long can I use Microsoft 365 for?
You can use Microsoft 365 until you are no longer enrolled or employed at the University. Eligibility may be re-verified at any time. At expiration, the Office applications enter a reduced-functionality mode, which means documents can be viewed but it is not possible to edit or create new documents. You will be prompted to activate with another account or enter a Product Key. In addition, online services associated with the school email address, for example Office Online and OneDrive, will no longer work.
What happens to my data in OneDrive after I leave the University?
Once your Microsoft 365 license has been removed from your account you will no longer have access to your data. You must copy your data to another location before leaving.
Who manages the OneDrive account provided with this offer?
This account is associated with the school and should be used for personal content, such as homework and schoolwork or personal files if you are staff. Permissions and access can be changed by the school's IT administrator at any time.
How many computers/ devices can I run this subscription on?
You can install Microsoft 365 on 5 PCs or Macs, 5 tablets and 5 mobile devices such as iPhones and Android phones.
What are the System Requirements for Microsoft 365?
The most accurate system requirement information can be view from the Microsoft 365 portal. On the Software page found by clicking Other install, there is a link: Review system requirements to view Microsoft's system requirement documentation.
Is Internet access required for Microsoft 365?
This is the full version of Microsoft 365, and all are applications are available for offline use. You will need internet access to install, activate and manage your account.
How do I install, deactivate, or check how many computers I have activated?
All of the installation, deactivation, and activation information is provided on the Microsoft 365 page. You can find the Microsoft 365 Install Status page by clicking on the name in top right corner, selecting View Account. The Manage installs link in the Install Status box will help you manage which devices have active installs of Office.