Microsoft 365 Apps (previously called Office 365 or Office ProPlus) is a widely used suite of applications from Microsoft including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more.  Microsoft 365 Apps is is available for free to those with a current CUIMC/Microsoft 365 email account.

While most Columbia University affiliates are also able to use Microsoft Office desktop versions (Office 2019 etc.) for free, CUIMC has a site license for Microsoft 365 Apps for installing and using it on both Windows and Macintosh. It is recommended for best compatibility, security, and support at CUIMC.

IMPORTANT: CUIMC Duo MFA is required for CUIMC email and Microsoft 365 Apps when signing in from off campus. See instructions on how to Use Duo with Email and Office 365 if needed.

How is Microsoft 365 Apps different from other versions of Office?

Microsoft updates Microsoft 365 Apps every month with the latest features, which are made available before conventional Microsoft Office installations. Its integration with Microsoft Cloud also offers a more seamless experience when using Microsoft 365 applications including OneDrive for Business.

This does not mean that the software can only be used when online; in fact most do not notice major differences between it and current desktop versions. Most also find that the more frequent but smaller updates are easier to get used to than having to move to a major new release.

What apps are installed as part of Microsoft 365 Apps?

Outlook Word Excel PowerPoint OneNote

Windows computers only: Publisher Access Skype for Business Client*

For more details on Microsoft 365 Apps, visit https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/business/microsoft-365-apps-for-enterprise. Note that all of the products listed on the Microsoft 365 Apps site may not be available due to licensing considerations or pending further testing and completion of security assessment by the CUIMC Information Security Office.