Frequently Asked Question

Your Jersey College account gives you Microsoft Office two ways: in your web browser (Office Online) and as full programs installed on your computer (the desktop apps). Both are free while you're enrolled, both use the same sign-in, and both work with the same files. Here's how they compare and how to get to each.

What Office Online is

• Office Online (also called Office for the web) runs right inside your web browser. There's nothing to install.
• It includes the core apps: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, and more.
• Your work saves automatically to OneDrive in the cloud, so you can pick up on any device.
• It's great when you're on a shared, school, or borrowed computer, or on a Chromebook, where you can't install software.

What the installed desktop apps are

• The desktop apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and so on) are full programs you download and install on your own Windows PC or Mac.
• They have the complete set of features and tools, and they work even when you're offline.
• They're the better choice for long papers, large spreadsheets, advanced formatting, and any work where you want every feature.

How to open Office Online (in your browser)

1. Go to https://office.com in any web browser (Chrome, Edge, or Firefox).
2. Click "Sign in."
3. Enter your full Jersey College email (firstname.lastname@jerseycollege.edu) and your password, then approve the sign-in prompt if you're asked.
4. Click the app you want (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and so on) to start working in the browser.

How to get the installed desktop apps

1. Go to https://office.com and sign in with your full Jersey College email and password.
2. Look for the "Install apps" (or "Install Office") button, usually near the top right.
3. Follow the prompts to download and run the installer, then sign in inside the apps with the same Jersey College email.
4. You can install on up to 5 of your personal devices while you're enrolled.

Which one should I use?

• Use Office Online when you're on a computer you can't install software on, when you just need to view or make quick edits, or when you want to work from anywhere with no setup.
• Use the installed desktop apps for major assignments, offline work, or when you need the full set of features.
• Because both save to OneDrive, you can start a document online and finish it in the desktop app (or the other way around) without losing anything.

Tip: No matter which you use, sign in with your FULL email (firstname.lastname@jerseycollege.edu), not just your username. This keeps your files and your free license connected to your account.

If you're still having trouble, contact the Jersey College Help Desk at 201-645-1164 or itsupport@jerseycollege.edu.