Step-by-Step Office Deployment Tool Silent Installation Guide

Silent installations let you deploy Microsoft Office without user interaction—ideal for IT teams managing multiple computers. Using the Office deployment tool, you can automate the entire process with one XML file and two commands. Here's how.

Why Silent Installation Matters

• Zero user input: Installs run in background
• Consistency: Identical setup on every device
• Time savings: Deploy 100+ devices simultaneously
• Reduced errors: Eliminates misclicks during setup

Preparation Checklist

1. Download the Office deployment tool.
2. Create a dedicated folder (e.g., C:\ODT)
3. Note your Office version (Microsoft 365, 2021, 2019)

Step 1: Create Configuration XML

Make a file named silent-install.xml file.

Key Settings Explained:

• OfficeClientEdition: "64" for 64-bit, "32" for 32-bit
• Channel: Update channel (Current, MonthlyEnterprise)
• Display Level="None": Hides all installation screens
• AcceptEULA="TRUE": Automatically accepts license terms

Step 2: Download Installation Files

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator
2. Navigate to your ODT folder: cd C:\ODT
3. Run download command:setup.exe /download silent-install.xml

 *Wait until "Download Completed" appears (20-60 mins)*

Step 3: Run Silent Installation

In the same Command Prompt: setup.exe /configure silent-install.xml

What Happens:

• Progress displays in CMD (no pop-ups)
• Office installs in background
• Desktop shortcuts appear when finished

Step 4: Verify Installation

1. Check Task Manager for setup.exe (disappears when done)
2. Open Word or Excel to confirm functionality
3. Review logs at C:\Windows\Temp\OfficeSetupLogs

Customization Options:

Add languages:

<Product ID="O365ProPlusRetail"> 

  <Language ID="en-us" /> 

  <Language ID="es-es" /> 

</Product>

Exclude apps:

<Product ID="O365ProPlusRetail"> 

  <ExcludeApp ID="Access" /> 

  <ExcludeApp ID="Publisher" /> 

</Product>

Set installation path:

<Add OfficeClientEdition="64" SourcePath="D:\OfficeFiles">

Troubleshooting Common Issues

<Property Name="AUTOACTIVATE" Value="1" />

When to Choose Simpler Alternatives

The Office deployment tool works best for enterprises. For smaller teams or personal use:

• WPS Office: Single-click install, no XML or commands
• Web-based suites: Access via browser with zero installation

FAQs: Silent Installations

Q1: Can I run a silent install remotely?

Yes. Use PowerShell remoting or RMM tools to execute setup.exe /configure on target PCs.

Q2: How long does the silent install take?

Typically 15-40 minutes, depending on internet speed and apps selected.

Q3: Does silent mode work for Office 2021?

Yes. Use Product ID="ProPlus2021Volume" for volume licenses.

Q4: Can I skip updates during install?

Add <Updates Enabled="FALSE" /> under <Configuration>.

Q5: Why use "Display Level=None"?

It suppresses all installer windows—critical for true silent deployment.

Q6: Where to find log files?

Check C:\Windows\Temp\OfficeSetupLogs by default.

Q7: Can I deploy language packs silently?

Yes. Add <Language ID> entries in your XML (e.g., <Language ID="de-de" />)

Q8: How do verify installs succeed?

Check for HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Office\ClickToRun\Configuration registry keys.

Q9: Does silent install require admin rights?

Yes. Run Command Prompt as Administrator.

Q10: Where do you learn ODT basics?

See our Office deployment tool starter guide.

Final Recommendation

Silent installation via the Office deployment tool automates large-scale Office rollouts effectively. Always:

1. Test XML files with /download first
2. Validate installations on a single device
3. Monitor deployment logs for errors

For non-enterprise users needing immediate document editing without complex setup, consider WPS Office—a free alternative with no configuration files required.