Hwb Microsoft 365 licences
How to get free Microsoft 365 licenses and install Microsoft 365 for home use.
Overview
Microsoft 365 A3 licences are available free of charge for all maintained schools.
Hwb 365 licenses include the full desktop version of Microsoft Office 365 ProPlus and a whole host of additional features. They also include Minecraft Education Edition with Code Builder, which provides a range of ways for learners to explore, create and experiment with coding.
All teachers and learners can download and install the latest versions of all these software applications on up to 5 personal devices at no cost. You can also access online versions of the software applications through Hwb for use anywhere, such as public computers in libraries.
We want to ensure that all learners across Wales have equal opportunities to gain the skills they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
Details and allocation of licenses
School devices
All devices used by staff members or learners can be licensed.
Learners
- All learner accounts will automatically have a Microsoft 365 licence applied.
- Once learners are marked as a ‘leaver’ in the school's Management Information System (SIMS, Teacher Centre) and the Provisioning Client runs, the account will be automatically deactivated and the M365 licences removed.
School staff
- Hwb administrators can allocate a licence through the Hwb User Management Portal to any member of staff.
- Staff members not allocated a licence can continue to benefit from all the Microsoft 365 (A1) features.
Personal devices (home use)
- Desktop versions of Office can be installed on up to 5 PCs or Macs per licensed user.
- Office Apps can be installed on up to 5 tablets and 5 phones per licensed user.
- Learners must have consent confirmed and staff members must be allocated a licence.
Licences are handled by a Key Management Service (KMS). Local authorities have been provided with the required information and are able to assist schools with any queries.
Installing Office 365 for home use
Users with a Microsoft A3 licence applied will be able to download Microsoft 365 ProPlus on up to 5 personal devices including PCs, Macs and mobile device
On your home device:
- Log in to Hwb and navigate to Microsoft365.
- Click on the Install Office dropdown (in the top right hand corner).
- Click Install software.
- Under My installs, click Install Office.
- Follow the on-screen instructions (installation can take a while depending on the Internet connection speed).
- Once installed, open an app such as Word and read and accept "The fine print".
- A pop up will appear asking you to select a Default File Type. Select Office Open XML formats: Click OK.
- Click Sign in to get the most out of Microsoft 365 (in the top right hand corner) and enter your Hwb username and password. This will connect the additional services to the Microsoft 365 installation, such as OneDrive.
- If using Windows 10, accept the prompt. You may wish to un-tick Allow my organization to manage my device and select This app only.