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How to Install Microsoft 365 Desktop Apps and Stop OneDrive Sync
Question details
The user needs to verify their Microsoft 365 Education license to install local desktop applications and wants to prevent OneDrive from automatically synchronizing the Desktop folder to save local storage space.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Installing local desktop applications and managing OneDrive folder synchronization settings to keep local files from being uploaded to the cloud automatically.
- Observed behavior
- The user seeks dedicated desktop shortcuts for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and wants to manage files locally without automatic OneDrive desktop synchronization.
Ensure you have your Microsoft 365 Education account login credentials available and a stable internet connection for downloading the desktop applications.
Verify License and Install Microsoft 365 Desktop Apps
Check if your education subscription includes the required license and download the desktop versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Not all Microsoft 365 Education subscriptions include desktop applications. You must check your account settings to confirm you have the appropriate license before attempting to install the software.
Navigate to https://www.office.com/ in your web browser and sign in with your Microsoft 365 Education credentials.
Click on your profile or the settings gear, and navigate to Settings > Microsoft 365 > Subscriptions.
Under the Licenses section, check if you have a license named 'The latest desktop version of Office'.
If the license is listed, proceed to download and install the desktop applications. Once finished, you will have separate desktop shortcuts for Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other Office tools.
Stop OneDrive Desktop Folder Synchronization
Modify your OneDrive settings to prevent it from automatically syncing your local Desktop folder to the cloud.
Switch to WPS Office for a True Local Desktop Experience
If your Microsoft 365 Education subscription only provides web access or you want to avoid dealing with forced cloud synchronizations, WPS Office is the perfect solution. It offers fully-featured local desktop applications completely free of charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why don't I see the option to install desktop apps in Microsoft 365?
Your specific education or business license may only include access to the web versions of Office. You must have the specific license named 'The latest desktop version of Office' assigned to your account by your administrator to download the local software.
How can I save local disk space if I keep OneDrive sync enabled?
You can enable the 'Files On-Demand' feature in your OneDrive settings. This keeps your files stored in the cloud and only downloads them to your local device when you actually open them, saving significant disk space.
Can I stop syncing other local folders besides the Desktop?
Yes. In the OneDrive 'Choose folders' menu under the Account tab, you can uncheck any folder—such as Documents or Pictures—to prevent it from syncing to your cloud storage.
