Office Customization Tool 2024 – Full Guide

Update on: June 27, 2025

The Office Customization Tool 2024 is the new and improved version of the customization tool for IT pros and power users and offers the latest capabilities for customers who want to customize Microsoft 365 Apps in their organization. Instead of using plain old InstallShield for packages that install everything, this tool lets you pick the apps, settings and features it actually downloads as it goes along, leaving more space (and system resources) alone and a bit of bandwidth while it’s at it.

Whether you’re planning for Office 365, upgrading the cloud-based subscription service, we will: Help you understand how to plan your Office 365 activation and understand what Office 365 license you have you have Complete the New Hire/Transfer Process before granting a license.

🖥 System Requirements

What Is the Office Customization Tool?

The Office Customization Tool (OCT) is a web service from Microsoft, found at config.office.com , that allows you to:

• Choose which Microsoft 365 apps you want to install (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Pick your update channels (Current, Monthly, Semi-Annual)
• Specify display languages
• Set installation paths and options available to the user experience
• Automatically generate a custom XML configuration file

A configuration file that is designed to work with the Office Deployment Tool (ODT) to allow your custom installation to run unattended or with minimal user intervention.

Who Should Use It? 🎯

The Office Customization Tool is the perfect match for several types of users. IT administrators in organizations can definitely keep track and maintain consistent Office installations on all systems. School and university staff are able to manage labs and shared computers more efficiently. It's also suitable for tech-savvy users who want a lighter, non-bloated Office setup that is custom-made for their specific needs. Besides, Managed Service Providers (MSPs) can also make use of the tool to install Office for many of their clients at once, thus, they are able to save time and install without errors.

Benefits of Office Customization Tool 2024 🔍

The Office Customization Tool (OCT) 2024 provides the most modern and efficient way to customize and deploy Microsoft 365 Apps throughout your organization. It's primary advantage is to simplify the deployment process overall because the OCT enables detailed configuration of which Office apps to install, which update channels to use, and which languages to support. In addition, administrators can define settings such as default file locations, disable unwanted or unneeded features such as macros, and adjust privacy and security settings accordingly to ensure compliance with organizational policies.

Office Customisation Tool (OCT) 2024 provides a cloud-based solution fully integrated with the Microsoft 365 Apps admin centre, so no local installation is required. It provides easy methods for creating, maintaining and deploying Office configuration files. The OCT, in addition, gives IT administrators the ability to export configurations to use with the Office Deployment Tool so that it can be used with various deployment methods, such as Microsoft Intune and Configuration Manager.

It is easy to use and simple to navigate to avoid errors usually found with manual configuration in XML. Moreover, the OCT is regularly updated with the latest features and improvements from Microsoft, and as a result, IT departments can stay up to date with minimal ongoing maintenance.

Key Features of Office Customization Tool 2024 🔑

🎯 Selective App Installation

Install only the Office apps you need. Skip optional ones like Access or Publisher if they’re unnecessary for your workflow.

🌐 Language Pack Management

Include multiple language packs and set default display and proofing languages with ease.

🔄 Update Control

Choose your update channels and decide whether updates are applied automatically or deferred.

🔐 Product Activation Settings

Configure shared device activation and manage volume license key settings upfront.

🎛️ User Experience Customization

Tailor the install experience — select display level (silent, full, basic), pin apps to Start menu, and more.

☁️ Cloud-Based Interface

Access the tool from any browser with a sleek interface and flexible export capabilities.

🛠️ How to Use Office Customization Tool (Step-by-Step)

1. Visit the Official Office Customization Tool Website

• Open your browser and go to: 👉 config.office.com

2. Start a New Configuration

• Under “Office Customization Tool”, click “Create” to begin a new configuration.
• Choose the product type: Microsoft LTSC Standard 2024.

3. Choose Architecture and Office Version

• Select between 32-bit or 64-bit versions.
• Choose the Office version (e.g., Microsoft 365 Apps, Office LTSC).

4. Select Office Applications

• Deselect unnecessary apps like Access, Publisher, OneNote, etc.
• Keep only the apps you want installed (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

5. Configure Language Settings

• Add one or more Display Languages.
• Choose Proofing Tools languages.
• Set a default language for display and editing.

6. Set Update and Channel Preferences

Pick your Update Channel:

• Current Channel – latest features monthly.
• Monthly Enterprise Channel – more stable with fewer changes.
• Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel – best for large organizations.

Configure update behavior:

• Allow automatic updates or disable them.
• Set update path if using internal file shares.

7. Set Licensing and Activation

Choose activation type:

• Shared Computer Activation (for shared devices like labs).
• User-based subscription activation.
• Optionally, enter a Volume License Key if applicable.

8. Configure Installation Options

• Select whether to remove previous versions of Office.
• Choose if Office should auto-launch after installation.
• Install Office for all users or only the current user.

9. Configure Application Preferences (Optional)

• Preconfigure settings for Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.
• Disable first-run experiences or tips.
• Enable or disable OneDrive integration and sign-in settings.

10. Export and Download the Configuration File

• Click Export when your configuration is complete.
• Download the .xml file to your computer.

11. Use the Configuration File with the Deployment Tool

• Download the Office Deployment Tool (ODT) .
• Place your downloaded configuration file in the ODT folder.
• Run the following command in Command Prompt:

setup.exe /configure configuration.xml

12. Validate Installation

• Verify that selected apps are installed correctly.
• Check that settings, updates, and licenses have been applied.

📥 Download Links

✔️ Frequently Asked Questions