Office Customization Tool - Download
Download Office Customization Tool 64 bit for Windows 11, 10 PC. An IT tool to preconfigure Office installations for mass deployments.
The Office Customization Tool (OCT) is a web-based Microsoft utility that empowers IT teams to preconfigure Office installations with tailored settings, apps, and updates for bulk enterprise deployments.
Introduced in 2018 to modernize large-scale Office 365 (now Microsoft 365) rollouts, it replaced clunky XML scripting with an intuitive interface, enabling standardized configurations, cloud-based management, and granular control over licensing, languages, and features.
Designed for hybrid or on-premises environments, it balances automation with flexibility, ensuring compliance while minimizing deployment friction.
Office Customization Tool Review
So, What is the Office Customization Tool?
The Office Customization Tool (OCT) is a free, web-based Microsoft utility for IT teams to preconfigure Microsoft 365 or Office installations. It replaces complex XML scripting with a user-friendly interface, letting admins define settings like:
- Apps to Install: Include or exclude programs like Word, Excel, or Teams.
- Languages: Add primary and secondary language packs.
- Updates: Set update schedules (Monthly or Semi-Annual) and sources.
- Licensing: Configure activation for volume licenses (KMS, MAK).
- Preferences: Customize defaults like file-saving locations or security policies.
Introduced in 2018, the OCT simplifies large-scale deployments, ensuring consistency across hybrid or on-premises setups while maintaining security and compliance.
How to Download & Use the OCT
Step 1: Access the Tool
- Visit the Microsoft 365 Apps Admin Center and sign in with admin credentials.
- Navigate to Customization > Device Configuration to start building your configuration.
Step 2: Configure Settings
- Products: Choose between 32-bit or 64-bit versions (e.g., Microsoft 365 Apps or Office LTSC 2021).
- Languages: Select primary and proofing languages.
- Installation: Opt for cloud or local sources; enable silent installs to hide setup from users.
- Updates: Define update paths (e.g., automatic or network-shared sources).
- Activation: Input KMS keys for volume licenses.
Step 3: Export the Configuration File
- Click Export to generate an XML file (e.g.,
config.xml). Save it to a shared network folder.
Deploying Office with the Office Deployment Tool (ODT)
The OCT pairs with the Office Deployment Tool (ODT), a command-line utility for installations.
Download the ODT
- Get the latest ODT from the Microsoft Download Center.
- Run the downloaded file to extract
setup.exeand sample XML files.
Run the Installation
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Navigate to the ODT folder and execute:
setup.exe /configure config.xml
This triggers a silent install using your preconfigured settings.
Verify Installation
- Check system logs in the
%temp%folder. - Confirm activation in any Office app under File > Account.
Key Features and Advantages
- Preconfigure Office installations with tailored settings.
- Select specific apps (Word, Excel, Teams) to include/exclude.
- Add primary and secondary language packs.
- Define automatic update schedules and sources.
- Configure volume licensing (KMS, MAK) activation.
- Silent, user-free installation for enterprise rollouts.
- Customize file save paths and security defaults.
- Web-based interface (no XML coding required).
- Integrates with Office Deployment Tool (ODT).
- Cloud or local network installation sources.
- Centralized compliance and telemetry controls.
- Supports Microsoft 365 and Office LTSC.
- Export reusable XML configuration files.
- Cross-platform compatibility (hybrid environments).
- Free for volume license holders.
Pros & Cons
👍Pros
- Free for enterprise use.
- Web-based, no software installs.
- Mass Office deployments simplified.
- Silent, user-free installations.
- Centralized compliance control.
- Integrates with ODT for execution.
👎Cons
- Enterprise-only (no small teams).
- Requires admin expertise.
- Relies on ODT/command-line.
Best Alternatives to Office Customization Tool
More Office Software
More Details
| App Name | Office Customization Tool |
| Operating System | Windows 11 64 bit, Windows 10 64 bit |
| Category | Office Software |
| Total Downloads | 5192 |
| License | Free Trial |
| Version | Latest Version |
| Updated on | February 6, 2026 |
| Publisher | Microsoft |
| List ID | 3529 |
FAQs
Where do I download Office Customization Tool?
Click on the above Green Download Button for official and direct download. This ensures you get a legitimate copy and avoid any potential malware.
What is the Office Customization Tool (OCT)?
The OCT is a free, web-based Microsoft utility for IT teams to preconfigure Office installations. It generates XML files to automate app selection, language packs, updates, and licensing for bulk deployments, replacing manual scripting.
Can I exclude apps like Teams or Access?
Yes. The OCT lets you toggle specific apps (Word, Excel, Teams, etc.) during configuration. For example, uncheck "Teams" to exclude it.
Can I use the OCT for single devices?
No. The OCT is designed for large-scale deployments (100+ devices). For individual setups, use the standard Office installer or alternatives like WPS Office.
How do I update Office after deployment?
Configure update channels (Monthly Enterprise, Semi-Annual) in the OCT. Updates are automatic unless disabled.
Are there alternatives to the OCT?
For simpler setups, consider WPS Office, which offers plug-and-play installations without complex configurations.
Conclusion
The Office Customization Tool (OCT) is the gold standard for IT teams managing large-scale Microsoft 365 deployments.
Its web-based simplicity cuts through the chaos of manual scripting, letting admins preconfigure apps, updates, and licenses in minutes, not hours.
While alternatives like PDQ Deploy offer broader third-party app support, OCT’s native integration with Microsoft’s ecosystem ensures seamless updates and compliance.
For smaller teams, tools like WPS Office provide plug-and-play ease, but lack OCT’s granular control over enterprise security or silent rollouts.
Why Choose OCT?
- Enterprise-First: Built for bulk deployments (100+ devices), not one-off setups.
- Cost-Free: Included with Microsoft volume licenses—no extra fees.
- Standardization: Enforce uniform settings, languages, and updates across teams.
OCT vs. Alternatives
- OCT vs. Manual XML: Less error-prone, faster, and no coding skills needed.
- OCT vs. Third-Party Tools: Tighter Microsoft integration, but fewer cross-platform features.
- OCT vs. WPS Office: OCT wins for compliance; WPS wins for simplicity.
If your organization prioritizes security, scale, and speed, the OCT is unmatched. For casual users? Stick to standard installers. But for enterprises, it’s not just a tool—it’s a deployment lifeline.
