Microsoft 365 on Your Own Device (BYOD Users)

Microsoft 365 on Your Own Device (BYOD Users)

Using your personal laptop (Windows or Mac) to access Microsoft 365? You’re free to choose how deeply you integrate with it - but IT support is limited, and you’re responsible for your setup and compliance.


⚠️ Important BYOD Policy Notes

  • You can only sign in to one OneDrive account on the desktop client. This is to avoid syncing issues - especially important for users who also work with other organizations.

  • Parker Bass Solutions will not install, configure, or troubleshoot software on devices that are not fully owned and managed by the company.

  • We will not remote into or manage personal devices. You're on your own for setup or fixes.

  • Anything you sync from your personal computer - especially files - may end up in the company tenant. You are responsible for ensuring your usage complies with the Company Acceptable Use Policy.


Option A: Use the Web Only

  • Visit office.com to access Outlook, Teams, OneDrive, SharePoint, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more.

  • This requires no installation, and keeps all work in the browser.

  • Works wherever you have internet - clearly isolated from your personal files.


Option B: Install OneDrive Client (Optional)

The OneDrive client gives you:

  • Access via File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac)

  • Offline availability

  • Disk savings with Files On-Demand

Windows Installation

  1. Download from the official Microsoft site.

  2. Run the installer, sign in with your work account.

  3. The OneDrive folder appears in File Explorer.

  4. Confirm only one OneDrive account is signed in.

  5. Optionally enable Known Folder Move via Settings.

macOS Installation

  1. Download OneDrive from the App Store or website.

  2. Sign in and allow Finder integration.

  3. Ensure only one OneDrive account is signed in.

  4. Enable Files On-Demand and backup of Desktop/Documents.


Option C: Install OneDrive + Office Desktop Apps (Optional)

Get full Office apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) locally if you want powerful features and offline access.

Installation Steps

  1. Sign in at office.com → click Install Office.

  2. Download and run the installer.

  3. Open each Office app and sign in with your work account.


🔧 Important BYOD Considerations

  • Only one OneDrive account can be active in the client at a time—adding more may break sync.

  • IT support is only for company-owned devices.

  • Always ensure what you're syncing complies with the Company Acceptable Use Policy—you carry full responsibility.

  • If you leave the company or your account is disabled, you lose access to all synced files.


Choose What Works Best for You

Setup

Web Only

OneDrive

OneDrive + Office Apps

Setup

Web Only

OneDrive

OneDrive + Office Apps

Requires installation

✖️

✔️

✔️

Access personal files

✔️

✔️

✔️

Offline availability

✖️

✔️

✔️

Full Office feature set

✖️

✖️

✔️

IT support available

✔️

✖️

✖️


Final Word

  • The webapps only route is safest and simplest if you prefer minimal risk.

  • Installing OneDrive gives more convenience, but syncs company files to your device—use with care.

  • Adding desktop apps offers full functionality—but IT support is not available on personal devices.

If you run into issues while installing or using sync, consider staying with web-only access to avoid complications.