Microsoft Office Desktop Apps, Changes for Glow Users @GlowScot

In August 2023, Microsoft announced changes to their licence model programme that would ultimately impact the Glow Microsoft tenancy.

Since the announcement, the Glow Team have been engaging with Microsoft to discuss their planned changes to establish the exact impact to the Glow Microsoft tenancy, and what options are available in light of our contract.

We have been updating your local Glow Key Contacts periodically and have run several engagement sessions.

We would now like to share the update below that is currently planned to be rolled out by Microsoft to Glow Users from the 1^st August 2024.

Regards, The Glow Team

Microsoft Desktop App Changes

From the 1^st August 2024 users will no longer be able to download the Microsoft desktop applications through their Glow account
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 users 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.

The alternatives to using the desktop applications is to use Microsoft 365 Web Apps and Microsoft Apps on a mobile device

Microsoft 365 Web Apps

There will be no impact to users currently accessing the Microsoft 365 Web Apps via a browser e.g. Chrome, Safari, Edge.

Glow users will still be able to use the full functionality provided via the Microsoft 365 Web Apps, that can be accessed in a browser using your Glow credentials.