This paper explains processes for installing Microsoft Office 2013 and Office 2019 using Click-to-Run (C2R) deployment methods, contrasts “lite” (minimal/custom) and full installations, and outlines verification methods to confirm installation integrity and licensing. It covers official C2R tools, configuration options, common issues, and recommended best practices for reliable, compliant deployment.
5.1 Obtain ODT
5.2 Build configuration XML
5.3 Download vs Direct Install
Click-to-Run is Microsoft’s streaming and virtualization installation technology used for Office 2013 and all later versions (2016, 2019, 2021, and Microsoft 365). Instead of traditional MSI-based setups, C2R:
For IT pros and advanced users, C2R gives granular control over which Office products, languages, and architecture (32/64-bit) get installed.
To achieve a "Lite" install (often colloquially associated with third-party tools which simplify the native Microsoft ODT), the core process involves defining strict parameters within the configuration file. Lite install example (Office 2013/2019 with Word, Excel,
After installation, verification ensures you haven’t accidentally installed a trial, an MSI remnant, or an unlicensed copy.
Place your official setup.exe (from ODT) and the lite-config.xml in the same folder. Then run this command as Administrator:
setup.exe /configure lite-config.xml
If you want the exact "644" behavior (some advanced users refer to 644 as a specific feature set or a script flag that suppresses telemetry and extra fonts), include: sometimes pre-existing MSI components interfere. |
setup.exe /configure lite-config.xml /644
Note: The /644 switch is not officially documented but appears in custom deployment wrappers. Its effect is to force a stripped-down installation with no OneDrive or Click-to-Run background service persistence after Office closes – ideal for low-RAM systems.
Tools labeled “Office 2013/2019 C2R Install 644 Lite” found on forums or torrent sites often:
✅ Recommended approach: Use Microsoft’s official ODT with your own valid license. If you need a “lite” experience, simply exclude unnecessary apps via the XML configuration. include: setup.exe /configure lite-config.xml /644
| Issue | Solution |
|-------|----------|
| Error 0-1011 (C2R) | Your configuration XML has a typo. Validate with Microsoft’s XML schema. |
| Office tries to install full suite | Remove <ExcludeApp> lines – they are case-sensitive. Use exact IDs. |
| "This copy is not verified" | Re-download from VLSC with SHA check. Avoid repacked installers from third parties. |
| Lite install still bloated | Run setup.exe /remove lite-config.xml then reinstall; sometimes pre-existing MSI components interfere. |