The Office Customization Tool, also called OCT, is a setup tool from Microsoft that helps users customize Microsoft Office before installing it. Many people who install Office for many computers—like companies, schools, offices, IT teams, and organizations—use this tool to make the installation faster and easier.
With the Office Customization Tool, you can change many things in Office before it is installed. For example, you can choose which apps to install, which settings to turn on or off, what the default file types should be, what the user experience should look like, and more. It helps people save time and avoid doing the same setup again and again on every computer.
This article explains everything about the Office Customization Tool in simple words, so anyone can understand it. We will cover what it is, how it works, how to use it, features, benefits, advantages, limitations, and step-by-step instructions
What Is the Office Customization Tool?
The Office Customization Tool (OCT) is a web-based or offline tool used to customize Microsoft Office. It is mainly used before installing Office for multiple computers. Instead of installing Office manually and changing settings on each device, OCT allows you to create one single installation file that already contains your preferred settings.
This makes installation:
-
Faster
-
Easier
-
More consistent
-
More controlled
Companies and IT departments use this tool because they need to install Office on many computers at the same time, and they want the same settings on all devices.
Why Was the Office Customization Tool Created?
Microsoft built the OCT to solve a simple problem: large organizations cannot install Office on hundreds of computers manually. If every installation needs individual setup, it takes too much time and creates mistakes.
OCT allows them to:
-
Prepare one customized Office installation
-
Apply the same settings to all computers
-
Save time
-
Avoid errors
-
Control the installation process
This is very useful for workplaces, schools, government offices, and IT service providers.
What Can You Customize Using OCT?
The Office Customization Tool allows you to customize many different parts of Office.
Here are the main things you can change:
A. Choose Which Office Apps to Install
You can pick which apps to include, for example:
-
Word
-
Excel
-
PowerPoint
-
Outlook
-
OneNote
-
Access
-
Publisher
-
Teams
If you do not want certain apps, you can remove them from the installation.
B. Language Settings
You can choose the languages for Office. This is useful for global companies that need English, French, German, Spanish, Japanese, etc.
C. Installation Options
You can decide:
-
Where Office should install
-
What type of update channel to use
-
Whether to show or hide installation progress
-
Whether to install automatically
This helps organizations control the installation flow.
D. User Experience Settings
You can choose:
-
Default file formats (e.g., .docx, .xlsx)
-
Privacy settings
-
Cloud settings
-
Sign-in requirements
You can also turn on or turn off certain features.
E. Product Key and Licensing
OCT allows you to add activation details. When Office installs, it automatically activates without asking the user to enter a key.
F. Update Settings
You can control:
-
Automatic updates
-
Update channel
-
Update location
-
Timing
This ensures users always get secure and stable updates.
G. Security and Privacy Settings
You can:
-
Turn on macro controls
-
Enable security features
-
Hide or show connected experiences
-
Improve compliance settings
This is important for offices that need strict security.
H. Shortcut and Start Menu Settings
You can choose:
-
Where shortcuts are placed
-
Whether to add icons to desktop or Start Menu
-
Whether to add Office icons to taskbar
This helps create a clean and simple user interface.
Types of Office Customization Tool
There are two major versions:
A. Web-based Office Customization Tool
This is available online through Microsoft 365 Admin Center.
It works in a browser and is easy to use.
B. Offline Office Customization Tool (Classic OCT)
This is used for older versions like:
-
Office 2013
-
Office 2016
-
Office 2019 (volume license)
Many companies still use it.
Who Uses the Office Customization Tool?
This tool is mostly used by:
-
IT professionals
-
System administrators
-
Office support teams
-
Schools
-
Colleges
-
Businesses
-
Government departments
-
Computer labs
-
Service centers
Regular users normally do not need OCT unless they want a custom installation.
Benefits of Using the Office Customization Tool
There are many benefits, especially for large organizations.
A. Saves Time
Instead of installing and setting up Office one computer at a time, OCT creates one installation for all.
B. Consistency
Every computer gets the same:
-
Features
-
Settings
-
Languages
-
Security controls
This avoids confusion.
C. Easy to Manage
IT teams can update or change settings easily by creating a new configuration file.
D. Fewer Errors
Manual installation can cause mistakes.
OCT removes human error.
E. Better Security
OCT allows organizations to enforce security settings for all users.
F. Custom Install Sizes
You can remove apps that are not needed.
This saves storage and makes Office faster.
G. Automatic Activation
Product keys or licenses are embedded, so users don’t need to enter anything.
Step-by-Step Guide: How To Use the Office Customization Tool (Web-Based)
Here is a simple guide:
Step 1: Go to the Office Customization Tool Website
Visit: config.office.com
Step 2: Sign In
Use your Microsoft 365 admin account.
Step 3: Create a New Configuration
Click “Create” under the Configuration tab.
Step 4: Select Office Version
Choose options like:
-
Microsoft 365 Apps
-
Office LTSC
-
Office 2019
Step 5: Choose Apps
Select which apps should be installed or removed.
Step 6: Choose Language
Add required languages.
Step 7: Set Installation Options
You can choose:
-
32-bit or 64-bit
-
Display level (show or hide progress)
-
Update channel
Step 8: Licensing and Activation
Add activation settings if needed.
Step 9: Set User Preferences
Change things like:
-
File formats
-
Privacy settings
-
Default behavior
Step 10: Export Configuration File
OCT will generate an XML file.
Step 11: Use It During Installation
Place the XML file with Office setup and install it.
Office will install with your customized settings.
Example of What You Can Customize
Here are simple examples:
-
You want to install Word, Excel, PowerPoint only.
-
You want Office to be installed silently without showing progress.
-
You want English + Hindi languages installed.
-
You want automatic updates turned ON.
-
You don’t want users to see first-time setup screens.
-
You want macros disabled for security.
-
You want Office to activate automatically.
OCT makes all these things possible.
Office Customization Tool for Office 2019 and LTSC
For offline versions of Office, you cannot customize the same way as Microsoft 365.
But Microsoft still supports OCT for volume license customers.
These versions are commonly used in schools, labs, and companies that prefer offline Office.
Common Uses of Office Customization Tool in Companies
A. Setup New Employee Computers
IT teams prepare one Office installation.
New employees get pre-configured Office without delay.
B. Enforce Security Policies
Companies want security features turned on by default.
C. Avoid Unnecessary Apps
Some companies do not use Access or Publisher.
They remove them to save space.
D. Choose Update Channels
Companies may want stable updates only.
E. Custom Branding
Some organizations add custom templates, themes, or preferences.
Limitations of Office Customization Tool
Even though OCT is powerful, it has some limitations:
-
Regular home users might not need it.
-
It requires some technical knowledge.
-
Certain advanced features need Microsoft 365 admin access.
-
Older Office versions use a different tool.
-
Not all settings can be controlled through OCT.
But for most people and companies, it works very well.
Troubleshooting and Common Issues
Issue 1: Office Does Not Install
Solution: Check if the XML file has errors.
Issue 2: Wrong Apps Installed
Solution: Re-create configuration with correct selections.
Issue 3: Language Not Applied
Solution: Make sure language packs are included.
Issue 4: Updates Not Working
Solution: Check update channel settings in OCT.
Why IT Teams Love the Office Customization Tool
IT teams prefer OCT because:
-
It reduces manual work
-
It prevents mistakes
-
It supports large-scale deployment
-
It improves security
-
It provides complete control
-
It works well with automation tools
Many organizations rely on OCT for every Office installation.
Future of Office Customization Tool
Microsoft continues to improve OCT.
Future versions may include:
-
More automation
-
Cloud-based deployment
-
Better security options
-
More user preference controls
-
AI-based recommendations
As companies move to cloud-based technology, OCT will become even more important.
Final Conclusion
The Office Customization Tool (OCT) is a powerful and useful tool for customizing Microsoft Office installations. It helps organizations install Office quickly, safely, and consistently. It allows complete control over which apps to install, language settings, activation options, user preferences, updates, security settings, and more.
For IT teams, OCT saves time, reduces errors, and makes large deployments easier.
For organizations, OCT provides better control, security, and flexibility.