Use Microsoft 365 Apps with a Different Business Account for OneDrive, Exchange, and Teams
Question details
Users with separate businesses and Microsoft 365 tenants want to use desktop Office applications licensed by one subscription while accessing Exchange, OneDrive, and Teams through another business account.
- Product
- Microsoft 365 desktop applications and online services
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- A user has two separate business tenants and wants to avoid buying a second desktop application license just to access online services in the second tenant.
- Observed behavior
- Office desktop apps are activated with the first subscription, and the user needs to add the second business account for online services without a separate application license.
Make sure you know which Microsoft 365 subscription includes the desktop app license and which business account only provides online services. Sign in to the Office desktop apps with the licensed subscription first, then add the other business account as a service.
Add the second business account as a service in Office desktop apps
Use this method when Office desktop apps are already activated with the subscription that includes the app license, and you only need the other tenant's OneDrive for Business storage.
Adding the second business account as a service does not create a second application license. It connects the online service to the current Office profile so you can access that account's OneDrive files without changing the desktop app activation.
In any licensed desktop Office application such as Word or Excel, go to File and select Account.
Under Connected services or User Information, click Add a service, then select Storage.
Select OneDrive for Business, sign in with the second business account, and follow the prompts. The application license remains tied to the primary subscription.
Sign in to Teams and Outlook separately with the second business account
Use this if you also need the second business account's Teams collaboration or Exchange Online mailbox and calendar.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does the second Microsoft 365 business account need a separate desktop Office license?
No. If the desktop Office applications are already activated with a subscription that includes the app license, you can add the second business account as a service for OneDrive, Exchange, or Teams without purchasing another desktop license.
Where do I add the second business OneDrive account?
In an Office desktop application, go to File > Account > Add a service > Storage, select OneDrive for Business, and sign in with the second business account.
How do I access the second business account in Microsoft Teams?
In Teams, select your profile picture, go to Settings > Accounts, and choose Add account or Add personal or work account. Then enter the second business account credentials.
Can I use the same Office app activation for an Exchange Online mailbox in another business?
Yes. The desktop app activation remains with the subscription that includes the application license. For Outlook, use File > Add Account and enter the second business email credentials to add the Exchange Online mailbox.
