Update to implementation date
Microsoft delayed this change which was originally scheduled for the 1st August 2024. After consulting with Glow Key Contacts, this implementation in Glow will now start on the 28th October 2024, and is now complete.
Local Authorities and Glow Key Contacts are aware of this planned change and you should refer to any local guidance issued. Please get in touch with your Glow Contact if you have any questions about local arrangements.
Overview
Glow’s Office A1 Plus licences allowed users to download and/or activate the Microsoft Office suite free of charge. This provided access to a range of products such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Publisher, Access and Outlook.
They could be downloaded from the RM Unify Glow App Library using the ‘Download Now’ or ‘Office 365 Home’ tiles.
Screenshots of the Download Office Now and Office 365 Home tiles
What’s changing?
Microsoft are implementing some licence changes that will impact this functionality. This implementation in Glow will start on the 28th October 2024, and is now complete.
- Starting from the 28th October 2024 users will no longer be able to download the desktop applications through their Glow account (this will take approximately 3 weeks to complete)
- They will also not be able to activate products such as Word, Excel or PowerPoint desktop apps using their Glow M365 credentials
- Please note that if you have previously downloaded and activated Microsoft Desktop Apps, they will no longer work with your Glow account
This is a change in Microsoft licensing that affects all Glow users, both staff and students and may impact home devices as well as in-school devices. For in-school devices desktop products licensed through other methods can still be used and this will be dependent on your local authority or establishment set up. You should refer to any local guidance issued for in-school devices.
FAQs for Microsoft desktop app changes
What products are affected?
Office desktop apps activated with a M365 license using a Glow account e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher and Access.
What products are not affected?
- Microsoft 365 Web Apps within Glow (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook on the web)
- Microsoft Teams on the web, mobile or desktop app
- Microsoft 365 Mobile Apps used on devices with screen sizes less than 10.9 inches. Further information is available from Microsoft (the standard license for Glow is Office 365 A1) Microsoft 365 apps on a mobile device
- Desktop products licensed through alternative means e.g. licensed by your local authority.
How do I know my product is affected?
You can check this on a specific device e.g.
- Open Word Desktop App. Go to File, then Account. In the ‘Product Information’ section you will see how your installed products are activated.
Screenshot of Product Information page
You can check which devices you have Glow activations on by logging in with your Glow M365 account and visiting https://portal.office.com/account
Screenshot of My Account
- Click on Apps and Devices on the above screen
Screenshot of Apps & Devices
- Details of any devices impacted will be displayed on the above screen
If my installation is affected what does this mean?
The product installation can still be used but it will be in reduced functionality mode.
- No apps will be uninstalled
- No documents will be deleted
- Documents can be viewed and printed but editing and saving is disabled.
Further information about reduced functionality mode is available from Microsoft:
- Products that have already been activated will launch but an error message will appear to report that an appropriate license is no longer available
- New activations will fail with a similar message
- If the device is already activated and is offline, there is a 30 day grace period before activation will fail.
Screenshot of subscription error message
Screenshot of subscription error message
Screenshot of subscription error message
I didn’t download M365 Apps from Glow, am I still affected?
The source of the product does not matter. The method of licensing is the key aspect. This affects any products activated using a Glow account regardless of the source of the installation.
How can I still use M365 Apps using my Glow account?
You can still use web apps through your browser:
- Log on to https://glow.scot to access RM Unify
- Use the Microsoft Product tiles to launch M365 e.g.
Office 365 Home tile
OneDrive tile
Teams tile
Or directly access with your Glow M365 account using
https://www.microsoft365.com/ or https://portal.office.com
Remember to use the icon below to navigate to more Microsoft 365 apps available within Glow.
Screenshot of More apps icon
Screenshot of Microsoft 365 apps
Screenshot of Apps in Microsoft 365
- Remember to click on All apps on the right hand side of the above screenshot
Screenshot of All Apps in Microsoft 365
Mobile Apps
You can use mobile apps on devices smaller than 10.9 inches.
Microsoft Help: Microsoft 365 apps on a mobile device
Please Note
- Desktop products licensed through other methods can still be used. This will be dependent on your local authority or establishment set up.
- There are some differences in functionality when using the mobile or browser apps as compared to the desktop version.
Image of someone holding a tablet device using Microsoft 365