How to install Microsoft Office 365 on Linux (Not Online Version)?
Tags: linux, ubuntu
Published: 2020-05-08 22:16:38

This is a tutorial to get Microsoft Office 365 Word, Powerpoint and Excel. I have looked at other versions of this tutorial and they have simply found roundabout ways of using Word Online. Others just straight up recommend other tools, so if you are one of those people - people want Microsoft Office, NOT alternatives.
`Person 1: I want to fly a plane`
`Person 2: Use a bike instead :)`
`Person 1: Gee thanks *rolls eyes and walks away*`
#**Disclaimers:**
* This is a method to acquire Microsoft Office tools like Word, Powerpoint and Excel for *'free'*. 
* However, a Microsoft Office 365 Subscription is assumed.
* And, we use a **cracked** version of CrossOver to do this. I do not recommend you use the cracked version if you have the money to buy the premium version. Please support the developers behind this tool as they have done an amazing job. The reason behind this post is to provide an **option** for those searching for a free solution. ***It must be highlighted that if you choose to use the cracked version, you do it at your own risk***. The same method can be carried out using the premium version of the tool.

#**Inspiration (credit to):**
* [OldTechBloke Video Representation](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eo2Dz9n4X7o)
* This is essentially a written version of what he does with a few twists and places where I add more detail (to save you time otherwise used to research)

Now that we got that out of the way, let's get on to the Method!

#**Method:**
I used Ubuntu 20.04 LTS to do this, but this process can be carried out for Manjaro, Arch and the other distros.

##1. Install Microsoft Office 365 Installer File
1. Run Windows, Open [Office 365 page](https://www.office.com/), log in to your account, and press the install Office option in the top-right corner. The option ensures you get the latest patch for office from Microsoft.
2. *OR*: Run a Virtual Machine such as Virtual Box. Install windows and perform step 1's operation.
2. *OR*: Download installer from [my MEGA link](https://mega.nz/file/bQR2wKaC#1QmJu0nd5sswEkROmfZc-hnX_QC5QPcyhM-RS9ShSPc). It must be noted this version seems to be for 64-bit systems.
3. To access File from Linux find the file on your Windows drive and make a copy of the file somewhere on your Linux drive.

##2. Install Wine
Wine is the tool used to run Windows-native programs on Linux and macOS
1. Select your distro from the [Wine download page](https://wiki.winehq.org/Download)
2. Download and install wine
3. Check wine is installed (open terminal and type `winecfg`), it should display a new window with many options such as Libraries, Applications, Audio etc.
4. *OPTIONAL*: While you have the config open, go to Libraries and add new override `gdiplus` and set it to Native(Windows) - this should get rid of the common 'IOPL not enabled' error
5. *SITUATIONAL*: if you find you still get an 'IOPL not enabled' error after installing Word and trying to run it, read through this [forum](https://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=934720) to find possible solutions.

##3. Install CrossOver
###The Legit 'Legal' Way
1. Go to CodeWeavers' website, buy the subscription or log in
2. Download CrossOver software

###The 'Illegal' Way
The way this works is by permanently extending the trial period of crossover software, so your software is never licensed but your trial period never runs out.
1. *OPTIONAL*: Watch a [tutorial](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoTfhB-1lnQ) on how to install crossover if you wish - bear in mind the tutorial is shown on a Russian desktop (so may be hard to follow)
2. Go to description of the video tutorial above and download the respective filetype for your distro and download the crack file too. I apologise for not being descriptive for this part but I personally used a .deb filetype which is much simpler and I personally have no idea how to manage the other types.
3. Perform installation
4. Replace the downloaded cracked winewrapper.exe.so file in the following two locations `root/opt/cxoffice/lib/wine/` and `root/opt/cxoffice/lib64/wine/` (copy the cracked file in location and opt to replace file in location). Note for distros like Ubuntu you will have to open file explorer in root mode by using commands such as `sudo nautilus`, to perform replacements of files.

##4. Install Microsoft Office
1. Open CrossOver and click 'Install Windows Software' button
2. Search for 'office 365' and select it, click 'Continue'
3. Click 'Select Installer File' and locate your office installer file we got from Section 1
4. Click install, if Microsoft SP2 6.0 link error occurs just click 'Skip this Step'. Carry on with download till finishes and close installer. 

The next step is necessary not because I'm imposing Internet Explorer on you. I like my memes too but there is a line \*awkward face\*. It is because when installing IE8 tools that are needed for Office are installed. One tool in particular, in its absence, you are unable to authenticate your Office account and are stuck in a constant authentication loop.

##5. Install Internet Explorer 8 (Trust me on this)
1. Go to this [CodeWeavers Link](https://www.codeweavers.com/compatibility/crossover/internet-explorer-8) and select the green 'Install Now' Button in the middle-right of the screen.
2. Now you should have a .tie file downloaded.
3. Open it with crossover, should look like the install windows software menu you saw before when installing office
4. Click 'Continue' on select application menu and the select installer menu
5. *IMPORTANT*: in the select bottle menu, under compatible bottles, you should see the bottle containing your previous office installation (most likely named 'Microsoft_Office_365'), select that and continue. This step is crucial as each bottle represents "its own Windows instance". Therefore, for the tools, installed by IE8 installer,  to be accessed by our installed office programs, we need both programs on the same bottle.
6. Go through the steps of installing IE8, making sure you click 'Restart Later' buttons to avoid any random restarts and crashes of install. 

It should work fine now!

#**Final Note**:
I made this post because I hate to switch to Windows to do my written assignments and I just can't use Libre or WPS. Must be noted, OneDrive along with many other office programs may not work but Word, Powerpoint, and Excel work adequately well. I hope this post was useful and helped.