Deploy Microsoft 365 Apps with ODT and OCT | Step-by-Step Guide for IT Admins

Deploying Microsoft 365 Apps with ODT and OCT: A Complete Guide for IT Administrators

Deploying Microsoft 365 Apps in a corporate environment requires flexibility, consistency, and control over every step of the installation process. IT administrators often face challenges such as choosing the correct update channel, excluding unnecessary applications, ensuring compatibility across devices, and removing older MSI-based Office versions. To address these needs, Microsoft provides two powerful tools: the Office Deployment Tool (ODT) and the Office Customization Tool (OCT).

These tools work hand in hand—ODT performs the deployment using a configuration file, while OCT makes it easier to generate that file through a visual interface. In this guide, we’ll explore both tools in detail, examine their role in enterprise deployment strategies, and walk through best practices for using them in real-world scenarios.

Understanding the Office Deployment Tool (ODT)

The Office Deployment Tool is a command-line utility that gives administrators full control over how Microsoft 365 Apps are installed. Instead of relying on standard installers with limited customization, ODT uses a configuration.xml file to define every aspect of the deployment.

This approach ensures consistent installations across devices, whether deployed during Windows Autopilot setup, distributed via Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (MECM), or executed through custom scripts.

Why ODT Matters

Silent installations: Install or update apps without user interaction.
Consistency: Ensure all users have the same product version and app set.
Flexibility: Deploy from Microsoft’s Content Delivery Network (CDN) or local file shares.
Compatibility: Remove older MSI-based Office installations automatically.
Scalability: Works with small pilots or organization-wide deployments.

Key Configuration Elements in ODT XML

Channel – Determines the update branch (e.g., Current Channel, Monthly Enterprise Channel, Semi-Annual).
OfficeClientEdition – Defines architecture (32-bit or 64-bit).
Product ID – Specifies the Microsoft 365 Apps suite or standalone app.
Language ID – Selects supported languages for installation.
ExcludeApp – Excludes apps not needed (e.g., Access, Publisher).
Display Level – Controls whether the installation runs silently or with UI prompts.
RemoveMSI – Removes legacy MSI-based Office products before install.
SharedComputerLicensing – Configures Office for shared use scenarios like VDI, lab PCs, or terminal servers.

These settings ensure that administrators can fine-tune deployments for different groups of users and devices.

Understanding the Office Customization Tool (OCT)

While ODT offers full control, not every admin wants to manually write or edit XML files. The Office Customization Tool (OCT) simplifies the process by providing a web-based interface hosted at config.office.com.

OCT allows administrators to select deployment options through a graphical UI and then exports the corresponding XML file. This XML can be fed directly into ODT, combining ease of use with advanced customization.

What You Can Do in OCT

Architecture Selection: Choose 32-bit or 64-bit installations.
Product Selection: Deploy Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise, business, or standalone apps like Visio and Project.
Update Channels: Select update branches to control how quickly users receive new features.
Language Packs: Add multiple languages to support international deployments.
Exclusions: Remove unneeded apps from installation packages.
Licensing Modes: Configure device-based or shared computer licensing.
Application Preferences: Preconfigure app-level settings such as default save formats, privacy preferences, or disabling first-run experiences.

This makes OCT particularly valuable for administrators who want to create repeatable, standardized deployment configurations without manually editing XML files.

Key Advantages of Using ODT and OCT Together

When used together, ODT and OCT provide:

Granular Control: Every aspect of the installation can be defined, from app selection to update schedules.
Cross-Platform Support: Works for physical desktops, virtual machines, shared computers, and cloud-hosted environments.
Legacy Removal: Seamless replacement of older MSI-based Office installations with the latest Microsoft 365 Apps.
Flexibility: Can be deployed using Windows Autopilot, Intune, MECM, MDT, or custom scripts.
Multi-Language and Architecture Support: Deploy multiple language packs and migrate between 32-bit and 64-bit installations.

This flexibility makes ODT and OCT the preferred tools for both small-scale and enterprise-wide deployments.

Step-by-Step: Deploying Microsoft 365 Apps with ODT

Here’s a practical walkthrough:

Download ODT
- Get the Office Deployment Tool package from the Microsoft Download Center.
Create the XML File
- Use OCT to generate a configuration.xml file, customizing it for your environment (architecture, apps, update channels, etc.).
- Save the XML file locally.
Prepare the Deployment Folder
- Extract the ODT files to a folder.
- Place your configuration.xml in the same directory as setup.exe.
Run the Deployment
- Open an elevated Command Prompt and run: setup.exe /configure configuration.xml
Monitor and Verify
- Track installation progress through logs or deployment tools.
- Verify apps are installed correctly and excluded apps are not present.

Troubleshooting Tips

Install Errors: Double-check XML syntax; even small mistakes (like missing quotes) can cause failures.
Channel Issues: Ensure the update channel is supported for your chosen product ID.
App Conflicts: Always remove MSI installations when switching to Microsoft 365 Apps.
Permissions: Run setup with administrative privileges.
Licensing Problems: Confirm SharedComputerLicensing is configured if deploying in VDI or shared environments.

Exam Essentials (MD-102 and Related Certifications)

If you are studying for Microsoft certifications, be ready to:

Recognize that ODT consumes configuration.xml, while OCT generates configuration.xml.
Identify key XML elements such as OfficeClientEdition, Product ID, Channel, and ExcludeApp.
Troubleshoot scenarios where apps fail to install due to conflicting MSI versions.
Understand deployment workflows involving Autopilot and Intune.
Know how update channels influence patching and feature delivery.

Best Practices for Enterprises

Pilot First: Always test with a pilot group before full rollout.
Document Configurations: Keep version-controlled XML files for auditing.
Use Security Baselines: Align deployment settings with Microsoft’s recommendations.
Separate Roles: Assign separate admin roles for Office deployment and Intune to improve compliance.
Monitor Regularly: Use Intune or config.office.com to track policy application, updates, and conflicts.

Additional Resources

Final Thoughts

The combination of ODT and OCT gives IT administrators the flexibility to deliver Microsoft 365 Apps efficiently, securely, and consistently across their organizations. ODT provides the raw power of XML-based deployments, while OCT simplifies setup with a user-friendly interface. Together, they enable administrators to tailor Office installations to meet business needs, support multiple languages, manage licensing scenarios, and integrate seamlessly with modern deployment solutions like Windows Autopilot and Intune.

By mastering these tools, IT admins not only streamline deployments but also ensure that Microsoft 365 Apps remain optimized, secure, and aligned with organizational policies.

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