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Fix Cannot Download Microsoft 365 Apps or Open Outlook
Question details
User is unable to download the full Microsoft 365 desktop applications on a new PC or access Outlook online.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- Windows PC
- Scenario
- Setting up a new computer and attempting to download and install desktop Office applications like Word, Excel, and Outlook.
- Observed behavior
- The download link for Microsoft 365 desktop apps is missing from the portal, and Outlook online is inaccessible.
Log in to your Microsoft account at office.com and check your current subscription plan to verify whether your assigned license actually includes desktop application downloads.
Upgrade to Microsoft 365 Business Standard
Change your subscription tier from Business Basic to Business Standard to gain access to the full desktop applications.
Microsoft 365 Business Basic only provides access to web and mobile versions of Office apps. To install the full desktop versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook on your PC, you must have a Business Standard, Business Premium, or an equivalent enterprise license.
Go to the Microsoft 365 admin center (admin.microsoft.com) and log in using your administrator credentials.
In the left navigation menu, go to the 'Billing' section and select 'Your products'.
Locate and click on your Microsoft 365 Business Basic subscription. Click the 'Upgrade' button and follow the prompts to choose 'Microsoft 365 Business Standard'.
Once the upgrade is processed and licenses are reassigned, return to the office.com dashboard. You will now see an 'Install apps' button in the top right corner.
Use Microsoft Office on the Web
If you cannot upgrade your subscription, you can still use the web-based applications included in your current Business Basic plan.
Use WPS Office as a Free Desktop Alternative
If your current Microsoft 365 plan does not include desktop applications and you prefer not to pay extra to upgrade, WPS Office is an excellent alternative. It offers a free, lightweight suite of fully featured desktop applications that mirror the Microsoft Office experience, ensuring seamless document editing on your new PC without subscription fees.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button for your operating system.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded setup file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the desktop suite.
- 3. Open Your Files: Launch WPS Office to instantly open, edit, and save your existing Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents locally on your PC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the 'Install apps' button missing from my Microsoft 365 account?
The 'Install apps' button will not appear if your assigned license (such as Microsoft 365 Business Basic or a web-only educational plan) does not include desktop applications, or if your IT administrator has explicitly restricted users from downloading the software.
Can I use desktop Office apps with a Microsoft 365 Business Basic license?
No, the Business Basic plan only includes access to the web and mobile versions of Microsoft Office applications. You need Business Standard, Business Premium, or higher for the full desktop suite.
Why won't Outlook online open for my newly created account?
If you have a brand-new account or just had a license assigned, it can take up to 24 hours for Microsoft servers to fully provision your Exchange mailbox. Try waiting a few hours before attempting to access Outlook on the web again.
How do I check which Microsoft 365 license is currently assigned to me?
Log in to office.com, click your profile picture in the top right corner, select 'View account', and then navigate to the 'Subscriptions' section to see the exact license and features assigned to your user account.
