M365 license differences
Here is an overview of the most common M365 software, and whether it is available on an A1 license or not. For a full list, see Office 365 Feature Availability (Microsoft webpage).
Scroll down for the differences between online apps and desktop versions.
| Feature | A1 license | A5 license |
| Microsoft 365 for the web | Yes | Yes |
| Microsoft 365 desktop apps | x | Yes |
| Email address1 | Yes | Yes |
| OneDrive for Business2 | Yes | Yes |
| Microsoft Teams | Yes | Yes |
| Telephone calls - internal | Yes | Yes |
| Telephone calls - PTSN | x | Yes |
| Stream for M365 | Yes | Yes |
| SharePoint | Yes | Yes |
| Microsoft Forms (creation) | Yes | Yes |
| Microsoft Planner | Yes | Yes |
| Microsoft Bookings | x | Yes |
| Microsoft Shifts (creation) | x | Yes |
| Live Events/Town Halls | Yes | Yes |
| Power Apps & Power BI | x | Yes |
| Microsoft Defender | x | Yes |
Note 1 - Limit of 50GB mailbox (100GB for A5 users).
Note 2 - Limit of 100GB storage (1TB for A5 users).
Differences between online apps and desktop versions
Not all of the applications featured in desktop versions of Microsoft 365 are available online. Additionally, the web apps lack some functionality compared to the desktop versions. Differences in some of the most commonly used features include:
- The online version of Word does not support mail merge, VBA and Forms scripts, SmartArt, or captions (not an exhaustive list).
- The online version of Excel does not offer VBA and Forms scripts, "What if" analysis tools, external references, workbook protection, or slicer and Timeline filters, and offers only basic formulas (not an exhaustive list).
- The online version of OneNote does not offer clipping experiences, drag-and-drop section groups, editing of embedded files, inking tools, or template support (not an exhaustive list).
- When working with web apps, your files are stored in OneDrive for Business by default (not locally)
- You can use the Microsoft Teams web app in a fully supported browser (Chrome or Edge) for most Teams functions, including making calls. If you need to call outside the University (dial pad) or need a PSTN telephone number so someone can call you, you will need to complete the Request for a phone number form.
For a full list, see Office for the Web Service Description (Microsoft webpage)
Page created by lm920207 on 19/02/24