Learn how to download and install Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and more) for free as an NCU student, faculty, or staff member. Your NCU account includes full desktop apps, mobile apps, and browser-based versions at no cost.
What's included
Through NCU's Microsoft agreement, all currently enrolled students and active faculty/staff have access to Microsoft 365 at no charge. This includes:
- Full desktop apps — Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, and more
- Browser-based apps — available anytime at office.com, no install needed
- Mobile apps — iOS and Android, sign in with your NCU account
- Up to 5 devices — install the full desktop suite on any combination of PCs, Macs, or tablets
Access lasts as long as you are actively enrolled or employed at NCU. You will not be charged.
Not seeing the install option?
Some account types include browser and mobile access only. Contact the Service Desk for help figuring out your options.
How to install on a PC or Mac
1
Go to login.microsoftonline.com and sign in with your full NCU email address (e.g. jsmith@northcentral.edu). You'll be redirected to NCU's login page to complete sign-in.
2
Once signed in, click Install apps in the upper-right corner of the page.
3
Select Microsoft 365 apps from the dropdown. The installer file will begin downloading automatically.
4
Open the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions. Installation typically takes 5–10 minutes depending on your connection.
5
When installation is complete, open any Office app and sign in with your NCU email and password to activate your license.
Install on a mobile device
Microsoft 365 apps are available for free on iOS and Android. Download any app (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.) from the App Store or Google Play, then sign in with your NCU email address to activate your license.
Using Office in a browser
You don't need to install anything to use Office. Browser-based versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more are available at office.com — just sign in with your NCU account. This is a good option on shared or managed computers where you can't install software.