Configure Office Deployment Tool XML for Multi-Language Office Deployment

Many organizations need Office in multiple languages. Installing languages manually takes too much time. The Office deployment tool solves this. You can deploy Office with all required languages using one XML file.

Why Use This Method

• Saves time: Install everything at once
• Consistent setups: Same configuration for all users
• Flexible: Supports 100+ languages
• Efficient: Less manual work for IT teams

Key Terms

• Base Language: Primary Office interface (e.g., en-us)
• Match Attribute: Syncs Office language with Windows (Match=”true”)
• Proofing Tools: Spelling/grammar checkers
• Language Packs: Enable full interface translation

Step-by-Step XML Setup

Create a file named configuration.xml with these elements:

1. Start the configuration
2. Add main Office product
3. Define product ID: Set base language (required)
4. Add extra language: Include each language ID
5. Add proofing tools: Use separate product block
6. Enable silent install
7. Close configuration

Deployment Process

1. Download files first

Run: setup.exe /download configuration.xml
This fetches all language packs locally

1. Install Office

Run: setup.exe /configure configuration.xml

Important Tips

• Verify language IDs: Use Microsoft’s official list (e.g., es-es for Spanish)
• Test offline: Always download files before deploying
• Check disk space: Each language adds 300-500MB
• Use OCAT: Validate XML with Microsoft’s Office Configuration Analyzer Tool

Common Issues

• Missing languages: Check ID spelling in XML
• Proofing tools not installed: Ensure separate <Product ID=”ProofingTools”> block
• Slow installation: Pre-download files with /download command

Where to Get the Tool:

Download the Office deployment tool from here. See the installation guide: Office deployment tool.

Final Recommendation

The Office deployment tool makes multilingual setups manageable. Pre-download files for reliability. For simpler document needs without complex deployment, consider alternatives like WPS Office.

FAQs: Office Deployment Tool & Language Packs

Q1: Can I add languages after the initial install?

Yes. Update your XML file and rerun setup.exe /configure

Q2: Where do you find language IDs like “de-de”?

Check Microsoft’s “Office language identifiers” documentation

Q3: Do language packs slow down Office?

No. They only increase installation time and disk usage

Q4: Can I install only proofing tools?

Yes. Add languages only in the <Product ID=”ProofingTools”> section

Q5: How to switch languages after install?

Go to File > Options > Language in any Office app

Q6: What’s the maximum languages supported?

No hard limit, but test deployments with 15+ languages

Q7: Why use Match=”true”?

Automatically syncs Office language with Windows language

Q8: Can I use German as my base language?

Yes. Replace en-us with de-de in your XML

Q9: Do language packs update automatically?

Yes, through your configured Office update channel