License & Subscription Issues

How to Combine Microsoft F1, F3, and Exchange Online Kiosk Licenses

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

An organization needs to determine if Microsoft F1 and Exchange Online Kiosk licenses can be assigned to the same frontline users, and whether the Microsoft F3 license offers a better practical alternative.

Product: Microsoft 365
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Evaluating and assigning Microsoft 365 licensing bundles (F1, F3, Business Premium, Exchange Online Kiosk) to provide optimal frontline worker email and functionality.
Observed behavior: The user is seeking confirmation on license compatibility and expert advice on the most efficient licensing strategy for frontline personnel needing mailbox capabilities.

Before you start

Before assigning new licenses, verify that your users meet Microsoft's official eligibility requirements for frontline workers to ensure compliance with enterprise licensing agreements.

Solution 1

Assigning F1 and Exchange Online Kiosk Licenses Together

Use this method if you need to provide users with basic frontline productivity tools along with a standalone email inbox.

Microsoft F1 and Exchange Online Kiosk licenses can be assigned to the same user simultaneously. This combination is permitted as long as each assignment complies with Microsoft's licensing terms, equipping frontline workers with both basic productivity apps and essential mailbox capabilities.

Access the Admin Center

Select the User

Navigate to 'Users' > 'Active users' in the left sidebar, and click on the specific frontline worker you wish to license.

Assign Both Licenses

Go to the 'Licenses and apps' tab in the user's properties panel. Check the boxes for both 'Microsoft 365 F1' and 'Exchange Online Kiosk', then click 'Save changes'.

Solution 2Recommended

Utilizing the Microsoft 365 F3 License

Choose this option as a consolidated, practical alternative that provides both broader frontline functionality and integrated email capabilities.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Looking for Cost-Effective Office Software for Your Team?

Navigating complex Microsoft 365 enterprise licenses like F1, F3, and Business Premium can be overwhelming and expensive. If your organization requires reliable word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation tools without the steep recurring costs, WPS Office provides a lightweight, free alternative that easily scales with your workforce.

1. Download the Software: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installer for your operating system.
2. Deploy to Your Team: Install WPS Office on your users' devices. Its low system requirements make it perfect for all types of hardware.
3. Work with Microsoft Formats: Open, edit, and save existing Microsoft Office files seamlessly without any formatting loss.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx).Significantly reduces annual software licensing costs for frontline and office workers.Lightweight installation with a familiar, tabbed interface that minimizes training time.Includes built-in PDF editing, cloud collaboration, and advanced document management tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

What features are included in the Exchange Online Kiosk license?

The Exchange Online Kiosk license provides a 2GB mailbox per user, basic calendar capabilities, and POP access. It is specifically designed for users who only need lightweight, web-based email access without the rich features of the desktop Outlook client.

Can I assign a Microsoft 365 F1 license to a traditional office worker?

No. Microsoft F-series licenses (F1, F3) are strictly intended for frontline workers. Microsoft defines these as users who do not have a dedicated PC, do not use specialized administrative desktop software, and spend the majority of their time working directly with customers or products.

Does the Microsoft 365 F3 license include desktop Office applications?

No, Microsoft 365 F3 includes the web and mobile versions of Office apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). If your users require the full desktop installations of these applications, you will need to assign a different license, such as Microsoft 365 E3 or Microsoft 365 Business Premium.

Login & Account Issues