Word, Excel, and PowerPoint remain the productivity standard in many industries. Microsoft 365 delivers them through desktop installs, browser apps, and mobile viewers—depending on which subscription you assign.
Desktop vs web vs mobile
| Mode | Strength |
|---|---|
| Desktop (Windows/Mac) | Full features, macros, complex Excel, offline |
| Web | Fast collaboration, no install, good for light edits |
| Mobile | Review and quick edits on the go |
Business Basic typically provides web/mobile without desktop installs. Business Standard and above add click-to-run desktop apps for users who need them.
Licensing per user
Office desktop rights are per user, not per device—install on work PC and laptop signed in with the same work account within policy limits Microsoft publishes.
Macros, add-ins, and line-of-business
Finance and operations often rely on Excel macros and third-party add-ins. Test them in a pilot before blocking desktop installs or moving everyone to web-only SKUs.
Updates
Microsoft 365 apps update on a channel (monthly enterprise by default in many tenants). IT should avoid letting versions drift years behind—unsupported builds create security and file compatibility issues.
Access without VPN
Files stored in OneDrive/SharePoint open in Office with modern authentication—remote staff do not need legacy VPN just to edit a spreadsheet in the cloud.
Plan selection
If more than half your staff need desktop Excel with Power Query and macros, web-only plans will frustrate them. Confirm SKU fit on pricing or M365 Deals.
