Self-Help Article (External)
Intended Audience: Faculty, staff and students
Purpose
This article provides step-by-step instructions for upgrading to the latest version of Microsoft Office 365. It covers uninstalling a previous Office version, logging into your Cowboy Mail account, downloading the Office installation file, and completing the installation of Office desktop applications.
Requirements
- OSU Cowboy Mail account – A valid Oklahoma State University email account.
- Internet access – To log in to Cowboy Mail and download the Office installation file.
- Compatible device – A Windows computer that meets Microsoft Office system requirements.
- Sufficient storage space – Enough free disk space to download and install Office.
- Permissions to install software – Ability to allow apps to make changes on the computer (administrator access may be required).
- Web browser – To access the Cowboy Mail portal and download Office.
- No conflicting Office versions – Any existing versions of Microsoft Office must be uninstalled before installing the new version.
Step-by-Step Procedures
- In order to upgrade to the newest version of Office, you will first need to uninstall the currently installed version. Click the Windows button in the bottom left corner of your screen. Type in “Control Panel” and click the top result.

- Inside Control Panel, click on the Uninstall a program link listed under the Programs header.

- Locate Microsoft Office 20XX on your programs list and right click it. Select Uninstall.

- When it is done uninstalling, you may begin the installation process for the newest version of Office.
- Go to http://cowboymail.okstate.edu/.
- Sign in with your Okey account email address.
- After you sign in, pick the 9-dot app launcher next to Outlook in the left corner of the page.

- Select More apps.

- In the upper right corner, select Install apps to extend the drop down menu.

- Choose Microsoft 365 apps.

- The My Account windows will open.
- Select Install Office.

- The installer file will download to your computer.
- Open the downloaded file (OfficeSetup.exe).
- Follow the instructions on the screen and wait while the apps install.
- When installation finishes, open Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, or Microsoft PowerPoint.
- Sign in with your school email again to activate the apps.
- Microsoft 365 desktop apps are installed and ready to use.