If you frequently install Microsoft Office on multiple computers, downloading Office every time can be slow and inconvenient. Fortunately, Microsoft provides an official method to create an offline Office installer that you can save on a USB flash drive.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to download Microsoft Office once and install it on other Windows laptops and PCs without an internet connection.
Why Use an Offline Office Installer?
Creating an offline installer offers several benefits:
- Install Office without internet access.
- Save bandwidth by downloading Office only once.
- Install Office on multiple compatible computers.
- Faster installation from a USB drive.
- Uses Microsoft’s official installation method.
What You Need
Before you begin, make sure you have:
- A Windows PC with internet access.
- An 8GB or larger USB flash drive.
- Administrator privileges.
- Microsoft Office license or Microsoft 365 subscription.
- Microsoft Office Deployment Tool (ODT).
Step 1: Download the Microsoft Office Deployment Tool
Visit Microsoft’s official website and download the Office Deployment Tool.
After downloading:
- Run the installer.
- Choose a folder to extract the files.
- You will see files similar to:
- setup.exe
- configuration.xml (or sample XML files)
Step 2: Create a Configuration File
Open Notepad and paste the following configuration if you want to download the latest 64-bit Microsoft 365 Apps.
<Configuration>
<Add OfficeClientEdition="64" Channel="Current">
<Product ID="O365ProPlusRetail">
<Language ID="en-us"/>
</Product>
</Add>
</Configuration>
Save the file as:
configuration.xml
Place it in the same folder as setup.exe.
Step 3: Open Command Prompt in the Folder
Open the folder containing:
- setup.exe
- configuration.xml
Now:
- Click inside the folder’s address bar.
- Type:
cmd
- Press Enter.
A Command Prompt window will open directly in that folder.
Step 4: Download Office Files
Run the following command:
setup.exe /download configuration.xml
The Office Deployment Tool will begin downloading all required installation files.
Download size: Approximately 2–5 GB depending on the Office version.
Wait until the download completes.
Step 5: Copy the Files to Your USB Drive
After the download finishes, copy these items to your USB drive:
setup.exe
configuration.xml
Office\
Your USB is now an offline Microsoft Office installer.
Step 6: Install Office Without Internet
On another Windows computer:
- Insert the USB drive.
- Open the USB folder.
- Open Command Prompt.
- Run:
setup.exe /configure configuration.xml
Office will install directly from the USB without downloading files again.
Important Notes
- An internet connection is only required for the initial download.
- Installation can be completed offline.
- Office activation may still require a valid Microsoft account or product key.
- Make sure your Office license matches the version you’re installing.
Common Problems and Solutions
“setup.exe is not recognized”
Ensure you opened Command Prompt inside the folder where setup.exe is located.
Download Doesn’t Start
Check:
- Internet connection
- Windows Firewall
- XML file syntax
- Administrator permissions
Installation Fails
Verify that:
- The Office folder exists.
- All downloaded files were copied correctly.
- The XML configuration file is valid.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I install Office without internet?
Yes. Once you’ve downloaded the installation files using the Office Deployment Tool, you can install Microsoft Office completely offline.
Can I use one USB to install Office on multiple computers?
Yes. The same USB installer can be used on multiple compatible PCs. However, each installation must comply with Microsoft’s licensing terms.
Do I need to download Office every time?
No. Once the offline installer is created, you can reuse it whenever needed.
Will Office activate automatically?
If you’re using Microsoft 365 and sign in with your licensed Microsoft account, Office will activate automatically. Retail versions may require entering a valid product key.
Final Thoughts
Creating a Microsoft Office offline installer is one of the best ways to save time, reduce internet usage, and simplify Office installations across multiple computers. By using Microsoft’s official Office Deployment Tool, you can build a reliable USB installer that’s easy to reuse whenever you need it.
Whether you’re an IT professional, technician, student, or home user, an offline Office installer is a practical solution that makes software deployment faster and more convenient.
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