To install specific Microsoft Office applications instead of the entire suite, you typically use the Office Customization Tool (OCT) to create a configuration file, and then deploy Office using the Office Deployment Tool (ODT) with that configuration file.
Using the Office Customization Tool (OCT)
The Office Customization Tool is a web-based application that helps you create the configuration file (.xml) needed to customize your Office installation. This file specifies which applications, languages, and update channels to use.
Based on the provided reference and standard practice, here are the steps to create a configuration file to select specific apps:
- Navigate to Office Customization Tool: Go to the Office Customization Tool website (e.g., config.office.com).
- Click Create a new configuration: Start a new configuration profile for your desired installation settings.
- Select the architecture according to your machine: Choose either 32-bit or 64-bit architecture based on your operating system.
- Select the Office product: Choose the specific Office product you have a license for (e.g., Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise, Office LTSC Professional Plus 2021).
- After selecting the product select the applications that are required: This is where you deselect the apps you don't want to install, leaving only the separate applications you need (like Word, Excel, or Outlook).
After completing these steps in the OCT, you will export the configuration as an XML file.
Performing the Installation with the Office Deployment Tool (ODT)
Once you have your custom configuration XML file, you use the Office Deployment Tool (ODT) to download and install Office according to that file's specifications.
Here's a simplified overview of the ODT process:
- Download the Office Deployment Tool: Get the ODT from Microsoft's website.
- Extract the ODT files: Run the downloaded file to extract
setup.exeand some sample configuration files. - Place your custom XML file: Put the XML file you created with the OCT in the same folder as
setup.exe. - Run the installation command: Open a Command Prompt or PowerShell as an administrator, navigate to the folder where you saved the ODT files and your XML, and run the installation command, referencing your custom XML file.
Example Command:
setup.exe /configure your_custom_config_file.xmlReplace your_custom_config_file.xml with the actual name of the XML file you created. The ODT will then download and install only the specific Office applications you selected in the OCT.
This method provides granular control over which Office components are installed on your machine.
