Microsoft 365 Apps comprises various productivity tools that aid in seamless workflow optimization for businesses. To improve your competence in deploying Microsoft 365 Apps and handling software downloads, it is important to explore topics included in the MS-100 Microsoft 365 Identity and Services exam. This exam certifies your expertise in designing and implementing Microsoft 365 services, managing user identity and roles, managing access and authentication, and planning Office 365 workloads and applications.

Table of Contents

Deployment of Microsoft 365 Apps

Before commencing any deployment, you should understand your organization’s needs, devise a suitable deployment strategy, prepare your environment, and lastly, manage the updates.

  • Deployment Planning: It is crucial to understand the latest updates of Microsoft 365 Apps and how it fits into your overall IT strategy. Key planning decisions include identifying the update channels that suit your organization’s needs and determining how you want to deploy and manage updates.
  • Preparing the Environment: The next step involves setting up the network, securing the right devices, configuring the services, and ensuring you have the appropriate licenses for Microsoft 365 Apps. Ensure all pre-requisites are met, including establishing network connectivity.
  • Deployment Strategy: You can deploy Microsoft 365 Apps in different manners depending on the complexity of your environment. For smaller deployments, you might consider using the Office Deployment Tool (ODT) in combination with a configuration.xml file.

Here is an example of a configuration.xml file:




The above file instructs ODT to install the 64-bit version of Microsoft 365 Apps in English from the Monthly update channel.

  • Managing Updates: You must also decide how to manage updates to Microsoft 365 Apps. You can manage updates manually, let Microsoft manage updates, or employ automated deployment tools such as Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) or System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM).

Software Downloads

Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise allows users to install popular Office applications locally on their devices, enhancing productivity. Once Microsoft 365 is set up, users with the necessary privileges can download the Office applications.

  • Download and Install Office Apps: To download Microsoft 365 Apps, go to www.office.com, sign in using your work or school account, click on ‘Install Office,’ and follow the prompts. Important software to download includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Access, Publisher, Outlook, and Teams.
  • Licensing and Activation: After installing the Microsoft 365 Apps, the user must activate the software. This requires signing in with a valid Office 365 or Microsoft 365 user ID and password relating to the license that has been assigned.

In conclusion, understanding how to effectively deploy Microsoft 365 Apps and manage software downloads is essential for efficient business operations. This knowledge is additionally crucial when preparing for your MS-100 Microsoft 365 Identity and Services exam and can reaffirm your understanding and command of Microsoft 365 administration.

Practice Test

True or False: Microsoft 365 Apps can be installed on up to five computers per user.

  • True
  • False

Answer: True

Explanation: This is a feature of Microsoft 365 Apps, allowing users to install the applications on multiple devices for convenience and accessibility.

Which of the following are deployment methods for Microsoft 365 Apps? (Select all that apply)

  • A) Office Deployment Tool (ODT)
  • B) Microsoft Store
  • C) Group Policy
  • D) Office Content Delivery Network (CDN)

Answer: A, C, D

Explanation: Both the Office Deployment Tool (ODT) and Group Policy are frequently used methods for deploying Microsoft 365 Apps. While the Office Content Delivery Network (CDN) is not a deployment method, it is used by Microsoft to deliver software updates and can be used to download and install Microsoft 365 Apps.

True or False: Microsoft 365 Apps can only be deployed using the Office Deployment Tool (ODT).

  • True
  • False

Answer: False

Explanation: While the Office Deployment Tool (ODT) is a popular method, it is not the only way to deploy Microsoft 365 Apps. Group Policy, Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager, and direct from the Office Content Delivery Network, among others, can also be used.

Single Select: How frequently does Microsoft release feature updates for Microsoft 365 Apps?

  • A) Monthly
  • B) Quarterly
  • C) Semi-annually
  • D) Annually

Answer: C. Semi-annually

Explanation: Microsoft releases feature updates for Microsoft 365 Apps twice a year, once in March and once in September.

True or False: You can use the Software Download Settings page in the Microsoft 365 admin center to specify how Microsoft 365 Apps are updated.

  • True
  • False

Answer: True

Explanation: The Software Download Settings page in the Microsoft 365 admin center allows administrators to control how Microsoft 365 Apps are updated, including the update path and update channel.

True or False: Office Deployment Tool (ODT) can’t change the update channel for Microsoft 365 Apps after installation.

  • True
  • False

Answer: False

Explanation: The Office Deployment Tool can be used to change the update channel for Microsoft 365 Apps after the installation. It is a common method for changing the update channel on a device after the initial installation.

Which of the following are benefits of deploying Microsoft 365 Apps through Group Policy? (Select all that apply)

  • A) Enables centralized management
  • B) Automatically updates applications
  • C) Gives granular control over settings
  • D) Reduces bandwidth consumption

Answer: A, C

Explanation: Deploying Microsoft 365 Apps through Group Policy gives IT administrators centralized management and granular control over settings. However, it does not natively automate application updates or reduce bandwidth consumption.

True or False: The Microsoft Store is a common method for deploying Microsoft 365 Apps in a corporate environment.

  • True
  • False

Answer: False

Explanation: Although the Microsoft Store is a possible way to install Microsoft 365 Apps, it is not common in corporate environments due to the lack of control and centralized management capabilities.

What is the Office Content Delivery Network (CDN) primarily used for in the context of Microsoft 365 Apps?

  • A) Centralized management
  • B) Backup and recovery
  • C) Software updates
  • D) Monitoring and Analytics

Answer: C. Software updates

Explanation: The Office Content Delivery Network (CDN) is primarily used by Microsoft to deliver software updates to Microsoft 365 Apps.

True or False: You can choose from multiple update channels when deploying Microsoft 365 Apps.

  • True
  • False

Answer: True

Explanation: Microsoft provides multiple update channels to choose from when deploying Microsoft 365 Apps, allowing you the flexibility to decide when updates are provided to users.

Interview Questions

What is the first step to take when preparing for Microsoft 365 Apps deployment?

The first step is to assess your environment and requirements, this includes your current hardware, software, and network infrastructure.

What are the main methods of deploying Microsoft 365 Apps to users on their devices?

The main methods are directly from the Office 365 portal, using Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager, deploying with Microsoft Intune, and using shared computer activation.

What is the shared computer activation feature in Microsoft 365 Apps?

Shared computer activation lets you to deploy Microsoft 365 Apps to a computer in your organization that is accessed by multiple users.

How do you set up Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise?

Microsoft 365 Apps can be set up by going to software configuration in the Microsoft 365 admin center. From there, create a configuration file in the Office Deployment Tool and distribute the software to users.

In terms of software updates, what is the difference between Monthly Channel and Semi-Annual Channel?

The Monthly Channel provides users with the newest features of Office as soon as they’re available whereas the Semi-Annual Channel feature updates are released twice a year.

Which versions of Windows support Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise?

Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise is supported on the three most recent versions of Windows.

What is the role of the Office Deployment Tool in deployment of Microsoft 365 Apps?

The Office Deployment Tool (ODT) helps admins to download and deploy Microsoft 365 Apps to client computers.

How can you customize the installation of Microsoft 365 Apps?

Customization can be done using the Office Deployment Tool. With this, you can control how and when Office updates are applied, what languages are installed, and whether to include other software, like Visio and Project.

What are the deployment rings in Microsoft 365?

Deployment rings, in Microsoft 365, allow admins to specify which devices receive updates at specific times. This helps to manage the pace at which updates are rolled out across the organization.

What are the prerequisites when using System Center Configuration Manager to deploy Microsoft 365 Apps?

You need to have a Configuration Manager version that supports Microsoft 365 Apps, a distribution point to distribute the content, and a client access license for each device where the app is installed.

What Microsoft tool can help automate deployment of Microsoft 365 Apps across several machines?

The Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager can be used to automate deployment across several machines.

How does Microsoft Intune help in deploying Microsoft 365 Apps?

Microsoft Intune provides mobile device management, mobile application management, and PC management capabilities from the cloud, helping to deploy the apps on client devices.

What does the Office Licensing Service do in the context of shared computer activation?

The Office Licensing Service is a part of Office 365 that keeps track of which users are licensed and what kind of hardware they use.

How can software downloads for Microsoft 365 Apps be managed?

Software downloads can be managed via Microsoft 365 admin center which allows admins to control software download settings.

What options does an administrator have when choosing a language for Microsoft 365 apps?

Admins can choose to match the operating system language, or choose one or multiple languages for the user’s Office 365 apps.

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