Introduction to Microsoft 365
Microsoft 365 is a suite of productivity applications that includes popular tools like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneDrive. These apps help you create, collaborate, and share your work seamlessly across multiple devices. We provide access to Microsoft 365 for all currently enrolled students and active employees.
Eligibility
You are eligible to download and use Microsoft 365 apps if you are:
- A currently enrolled student at VIU
- An active employee at VIU
System Requirements
Before installing Microsoft 365 apps on your personal device, ensure your device meets the following minimum system requirements:
- Operating System: Windows 11 or newer; macOS 12 Monterey or later.
- Mobile Devices: iOS 17 or Android 14
- Chromebooks: Not supported (web versions of Office apps can be used at office.com)
- Processor: 1.6GHz Dual Core Processor
- Memory: 4GB RAM
Download and Install Microsoft Office 365 Apps
Follow these steps to download and install Microsoft 365 apps on your personal device:
-
Log in to the Microsoft 365 Portal
- Visit portal.office.com.
- Log in with your VIU Computer Account.
- Student usernames:
preferredname.lastname@my.viu.ca (e.g., Sam.Booker@my.viu.ca)
- Employee usernames:
preferredname.lastname@viu.ca (e.g., Jane.Doe@viu.ca)
- Password: your VIU computer account password
- Click the App Launcher waffle icon
in the top left hand menu
- Click More Apps
- In the upper right corner click Install Apps, then click Microsoft 365 Apps
-
Download Microsoft 365 Apps
- Check that Apps & Devices is selected in the menu on the left
- Under the Office heading choose your Language and version
- Click Install Office
-
Install Microsoft 365 Apps
- Once the download is complete, open the downloaded file
- Ensure you stay online during the installation process. The installer will automatically download and update the necessary files and activate Office 365 online. This process may take several minutes.
-
Activate Microsoft 365 Apps
- After installation, open Word (or any other Office app).
- When prompted, log in using your VIU email address and VIU computer account password. You may be required to authenticate with two-step verification (2SV).
Disclaimer
- These instructions are intended for personal devices only. They will not work on VIU computers as VIU computers already include Office.
- Microsoft 365 apps on personal devices are provided as a courtesy to students and employees. The IT Service Desk does not provide support for the installation of Office on personal devices.