You can customize this XML file to suit your organization's needs, such as specifying different languages, platforms, or installation settings.
Manual coding is possible in any text editor like Notepad, but Microsoft recommends more efficient methods: Configuration options for the Office Deployment Tool office 365 configuration xml
The is a critical file used by the Office Deployment Tool (ODT) to customize and automate the installation of Microsoft 365 Apps. While standard Office installs use a generic "one-size-fits-all" approach, the XML file allows administrators and power users to hand-pick which apps to install, select specific update channels, and manage language packs. Core Components of a Configuration XML You can customize this XML file to suit
The Office 365 configuration XML is more than a mundane configuration file; it is the strategic control plane for Office deployment at scale. By abstracting complex installation logic into human-readable and machine-executable tags, it transforms a chaotic, error-prone manual process into a streamlined, repeatable, and automated workflow. For any organization serious about managing Microsoft 365, mastering the configuration XML is not an optional skill—it is the cornerstone of efficient endpoint management. Core Components of a Configuration XML The Office
The XML file is declarative, meaning the administrator specifies the desired end state , not every intermediate step. For example, one states that "Product VisioProXVolume should be installed," rather than scripting the copy of each file.
Using a configuration XML offers several benefits: