With the launch of Windows 11, Microsoft is also accompanying the new version of Windows with a new Office 365 experience to match the design aesthetic, along with a sprinkle of new productivity features. In this article, show you how to enable the new look and take it for a spin.
Join Office Insider Program
Before you can try out the new upcoming Office experience, you need to enroll your Office 365 subscription in the Office Insider program. This only applies to the Office 365 subscription; if you are running a perpetual version of the suite such as Office 2019 or the upcoming Office 2021, you won't be able to get access to the visual change. If your Office 365 subscription is provided through an organization, your Administrator might limit access to preview functionality. So, you might need to contact your organizations IT to find out about getting enrolled.
After enrolling in the Office Insider Program, you will need to join the Beta Channel to get access to the new changes. Launch any of the Office applications then click on Account tab, if you are already inside an Office application, click the File menu then click Account.
On the right side of the Backstage, click in the Office Insider menu then click Change channel.
Select the Beta Channel from the 'Choose your Office Insider channel:' list box then click OK.
Download and install Office 365 Build 14301.20004
The next steps for getting Office 365 with the visual refresh, you need to be on version 2108, build 14301.20004 or later. From the same Backstage menu, click in the Office Updates menu then click Update Now.
Updates for Office will begin downloading immediately.
Before installing, Office will need to close any running Office programs. Click Continue to have this done automatically.
Office will then begin applying the new updates. This dialog might disappear from your screen, if you don't see it, don't worry, Office will complete the update then relaunch your applications.
Click Close, Office should automatically restart your applications.
Enabling the New Office 365 Visual Experience
If you are still not seeing the new Office experience after Office apps relaunch, you will need to first enable it.
Click in the Office search bar or press (Alt + Q) on your keyboard. Type, upcoming features or click the bullhorn next to your sign in name. Some users might not see the bullhorn, so, typing it in search will be best way.
Once the Upcoming Features pane launches, scroll down then toggle on 'Try new experience', restart your Office applications one more time after doing this.
From the Office Backstage, click on Account again, then click in the Office Theme: list box then choose Use system setting
You should now see the new visual change in Office, with a new style ribbon interface that puts more emphasis on commands.
Not all of the Office applications currently feature the new user experience. Although apps like Publisher do feature some of the new interface elements. The Office team will over time update to the new user experience.
Its also nice to see the Office splash screens have been updated too, featuring each products emblem.
So, what do you think of the new Office experience? Have you discovered any new and exciting features? Share them in the comments.
Related:
How to Update Office 365 for Mac and Windows 10
How to Install Office 365 Pro Plus with the New Ribbon Interface on Windows 10