Does Microsoft 365 A1 for Devices Support macOS?
Question details
A school administrator wants to know if the desktop applications included in the Microsoft 365 A1 for Devices license can be installed on macOS devices alongside Windows PCs.
- Product
- Microsoft 365 A1 for Devices
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Deploying educational software licenses and installing full desktop office applications across a mixed operating system environment in a school.
- Observed behavior
- Confirming whether the specific A1 for Devices license grants access to downloadable macOS desktop applications or if it is restricted to Windows.
Ensure your Mac computers are running a supported operating system, as Microsoft 365 desktop applications typically require one of the three most recent versions of macOS to install successfully.
Confirming Compatibility and Installing on macOS
Microsoft 365 A1 for Devices includes full desktop applications that are fully supported on macOS, provided the hardware meets standard requirements.
Unlike the standard Office 365 A1 plan, which restricts users to web-only versions of the applications, the Microsoft 365 A1 for Devices license is designed to support shared hardware. It includes fully downloadable desktop applications for both Windows and Mac.
Because the license is tied to the physical device rather than an individual user, multiple students can log in to the same Mac and use the activated software. You must simply download the standard macOS installer from the Microsoft 365 portal.
Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select 'About This Mac' to confirm you are running one of the three most recent major releases of macOS.
Open a web browser and sign in to office.com using an administrator account that has access to the school's device licenses.
From the main dashboard, click the 'Install Office' or 'Install Microsoft 365' button. The system will automatically detect that you are on a Mac and provide the appropriate installation package.
Run the downloaded installer package. Once installed, launch an application like Word or Excel and activate the suite using the device-based license credentials provided by your IT department.
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Managing complex Microsoft device licenses across mixed environments can be costly and time-consuming. WPS Office provides a free, lightweight, and incredibly powerful alternative that runs perfectly on macOS. It eliminates the need for complicated device-based licensing while ensuring full functionality for students and educators.
- 1. Download the macOS version: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installer specifically built for macOS.
- 2. Install on school devices: Open the downloaded file and drag the WPS Office application icon into your Applications folder.
- 3. Start creating instantly: Launch WPS Office to easily open, edit, and create fully compatible documents without needing an assigned device license.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Office 365 A1 and Microsoft 365 A1 for Devices?
Office 365 A1 is a free educational tier that only grants access to web-based versions of Office applications. In contrast, Microsoft 365 A1 for Devices is a paid license assigned to a physical computer (Mac or PC) that includes the full, downloadable desktop applications for any user on that machine.
Will older Mac computers support Microsoft 365 desktop apps?
It depends on the macOS version installed. Microsoft 365 desktop apps only support the three most recent major versions of macOS. If an older Mac cannot be updated to one of these three versions, it will not be able to install the latest Microsoft 365 applications.
Can multiple students use the same Mac with this license?
Yes. Because Microsoft 365 A1 for Devices licenses the physical hardware itself rather than a specific individual, any student can log in to that Mac and use the fully activated desktop applications without needing their own personal Microsoft 365 subscription.
