Microsoft Retired "A1 Plus" Licensing
As of July 2024, Microsoft altered the "A1 Plus" license to match the A1 license, by removing access to the desktop Office applications.
A1 licensed accounts do not have access to the desktop versions of Office applications, and must use the web applications on https://www.office.com/.
If you open a desktop Office application while A1 licensed (or unlicensed), you will be presented with a notice similar to this:
Accessing your M365 Web Applications
With an A1 license you have access to all the same M365 applications as A3 and the previous A1 Plus, but via the web. This will allow you to access applications such as Word, Excel, and Outlook from any computer.
To access access your applications, first sign in to https://www.office.com/ using your UNBC credentials. Once logged in, you can see on the left bar some common applications such as Word, Outlook, Excel. To view all your applications, click the "Apps" icon. If you are looking for additional applications, they can be found under "All Apps".
While logged into Microsoft Office on the web you will have access to all of your files within OneDrive, as well as files shared with you via OneDrive or Teams/SharePoint Online.
Opening files via OneDrive
It is often quicker and easier to open your desired files directly, instead of individually opening each app you wish to work in. In OneDrive on the web, simply navigate to "My Files" and click any file you wish to open; it should automatically open with the correct web application.
Alternatively, recently adjusted files can be easily opened from your desktop using the OneDrive icon in your computer's system tray. Select the ellipses next to a file name and then "View Online". To view your entire OneDrive, select the large "View Online" button.
Bookmarks to Web Applications
Here are some links to frequently used Web Apps. Bookmark them in your browser for convenient direct access.
Request for Desktop Applications license
If you must have the desktop applications please submit a request to support@unbc.ca with managerial approval, and we can purchase an upgraded A3 license for you. Depending on our current licensing usage, it may take upwards of 2-3 weeks for a license to be available.