This is the core of the offline installer. The setup.exe reads an XML file that tells it what version of Office to download and where to put it.
Open Notepad (as Administrator). Paste the following code:
<Configuration>
<Add OfficeClientEdition="64" Channel="MonthlyEnterprise">
<Product ID="O365ProPlusRetail">
<Language ID="en-us" />
</Product>
</Add>
<Property Name="SharedComputerLicensing" Value="0" />
<Property Name="PinIconsToTaskbar" Value="TRUE" />
<Property Name="SCLCacheOverride" Value="0" />
<Updates Enabled="TRUE" />
<RemoveMSI />
<Display Level="None" AcceptEULA="TRUE" />
</Configuration>
What this means:
Save this file as config-download.xml inside C:\ODT.
Copy the entire C:\ODT folder to the target machine (USB drive, network share, etc.).
On the target PC, run: microsoft office 365 offline installer
setup.exe /configure config-offline.xml
No internet required on the target PC during installation.
For volume license customers, you can use the offline installer with a KMS (Key Management Service) inside your network so that even activation never touches the internet. Microsoft provides specific ADMX templates for this.
The Microsoft Office 365 Offline Installer is a hidden superpower for professionals, IT admins, and anyone living with unreliable internet. While the industry pushes constant connectivity, the offline installer puts the power back in your hands—literally.
By spending 15 minutes learning the Office Deployment Tool, you save hours of frustration across your organization or family. This is the core of the offline installer
Quick Recap:
Stop relying on the slow, fragile web installer. Build your offline master copy today.
Disclaimer: This guide is intended for users with a valid Microsoft 365 subscription. It does not circumvent any licensing requirements. Always verify your licensing rights under your Microsoft Enterprise Agreement or Retail Terms.
The real power of the offline installer is customization. You can strip out apps you never use to save space. What this means:
Example: Removing Publisher and Access, keeping only the core suite. Paste this into your download XML:
<Configuration>
<Add OfficeClientEdition="64" Channel="Current">
<Product ID="O365ProPlusRetail">
<Language ID="en-us" />
<ExcludeApp ID="Publisher" />
<ExcludeApp ID="Access" />
<ExcludeApp ID="OneNote" />
</Product>
</Add>
</Configuration>
Adding Visio or Project: You cannot include them in the same Product ID, but you can add them as separate products in the same XML.
<Product ID="VisioProRetail">
<Language ID="en-us" />
</Product>
<Product ID="ProjectProRetail">
<Language ID="en-us" />
</Product>
This creates a single mega-package containing Office, Visio, and Project.