Getting Started With Microsoft Office 365

U-M Google is the recommended and fully supported service for collaboration at the University of Michigan.

Caution: The use of OneNote has been known to cause significant problems when you leave the university (i.e., issues with the data extraction of notes). To avoid potential data loss, ITS recommends using Google Docs instead.

Access the U-M Microsoft 365 Online Apps

Log in to the online apps

Note: You will not use U-M Weblogin to log in to U-M Microsoft 365. Look for the U-M Microsoft 365 logo to ensure you log in to the correct location.

To use the Microsoft 365 online apps:

  1. Go to portal.office.com.
  2. Enter your @umich.edu email address under "Sign in" and click Next.
  3. Enter your UMICH password and click Sign in.
  4. Click Approve with Cisco Duo to authenticate with Duo two-factor authentication.

After signing in, you will be taken to the Microsoft 365 site, where you can use the various online applications available.

Install the Local Desktop Applications

Refer to Installing Office 365 Applications on Your Device for steps on how to download the apps to your computer. (As of August 1, 2024, all sponsored affiliates and Michigan Medicine affiliates using the ITS-managed Microsoft 365 instance can no longer access the Office desktop applications. They must use the online web app versions instead.)

Important: The above instructions should only be used for installing Microsoft 365 productivity apps on personal devices and not MiWorkspace (MWS) managed machines. The Microsoft 365 productivity apps are available to all MiWorkspace (MWS) managed machines. If you are using an MWS Windows machine, you can self-install the apps from the Software Center. The apps should already be installed if you are using an MWS Mac machine.

If you would like Office 365 productivity apps installed on your MiWorkspace managed machine, please contact your Neighborhood IT or the ITS Service Center.