Microsoft Discontinues Office 365 A1 Plus Licensing
Microsoft has officially discontinued the Office 365 A1 Plus license for education customers. As part of this change, Microsoft is retiring all remaining A1 Plus licenses and transitioning affected users to the Office 365 A1 license, which includes access to Office applications in a web browser only.
What does this mean for me?
This will primarily affect emeritus employees at the University of Northern Iowa. If emeritus employees had previously used downloaded versions of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) under the A1 Plus license will notice that:
- Desktop Office applications will no longer allow sign‑in or editing
- Files and data will remain available
- Office apps can still be used online through a web browser (Office on the web)
This change is being made by Microsoft, not the university, and affects education institutions nationwide.
Available options moving forward
- Continue using Office 365 A1 (free):
Access Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other tools using Office on the web and sign in with your CatID. - Purchase a personal Microsoft 365 subscription:
This restores access to the downloaded desktop Office apps for personal use.
More information from Microsoft
- Microsoft Education: Retirement of Office 365 A1 Plus
https://www.microsoft.com/education/products/office-365-a1-plus - Compare Microsoft 365 licenses for personal purchase
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/
If you have questions about using Office on the web or need help understanding your options, please contact the IT Help Desk.