When deploying office software across your organization, installing unnecessary applications like Access and Publisher increases security risks, consumes extra storage, and complicates user training. Unlike complex Microsoft deployment tools requiring XML configurations, WPS Office offers a clean solution: it doesn’t include these apps at all. Here’s how to deploy a lean, efficient office suite without technical hassles.
Before you go, this next article might answer your next question.
The Problem with Traditional Office Suites
| Issue | Microsoft Office | WPS Office |
| Includes Access | Yes (requires exclusion) | Never included |
| Includes Publisher | Yes (requires exclusion) | Never included |
| Deployment Method | Complex XML configuration | Single-click installer |
| Installation Size | 3.5GB+ | 251MB |
Step-by-Step: Deploy Bloatware-Free Office
(No Access, No Publisher – by design)
Phase 1: Download the Clean Installer
- Visit WPS Office deployment tool
- Click “Download for Enterprise” → Select Offline Installer
- File details:
- Name: WPS_Office_Business.exe
- Size: 251MB (80% smaller than Microsoft)
- Contains: Writer, Spreadsheets, Presentation, PDF tools
Key Advantage: Installs only essential apps – no Access/Publisher to exclude or Office Deployment.
Phase 2: Silent Deployment Options
Choose your method:
For Small Teams (Under 50 devices):
WPS_Office_Business.exe /S
- Runs in background (90 sec/device)
- Automatically skips bloatware
For Enterprises:
- Push via Group Policy:
- Create new GPO → Software Installation → Assign package
- Use management tools:
- SCCM, Intune, or PDQ Deploy
- Command: WPS_Office_Business.exe /S /v”/qn”
Why WPS Eliminates Exclusion Headaches
- Pre-optimized Suite:
- Only includes Writer, Spreadsheets, Presentation, PDF tools
- No database or publishing apps cluttering installations
- Zero Configuration Files:
- No XML editing or command-line parameters needed
- Enterprise-Grade Management:
- Centralized license deployment
- Customizable templates pre-loaded
- Automatic Updates:
- Security patches without redeployment
Migration Checklist: From Complex to Simple
- Audit existing installations:
- Identify devices using Access/Publisher (Hint: Fewer than 8% need them)
- Communicate change:
“New office suite removes unused apps – all files still compatible”
- Deploy WPS:
- Use silent install commands during off-hours
- Verify success:
- Check for wps.exe, et.exe, wpp.exe in Program Files
- Confirm no msaccess.exe or mspub.exe
FAQs
Q: Can I open old Access databases in WPS?
A: No – but less than 3% of businesses use Access. Migrate data to CSV or WPS Spreadsheets.
Q: What if we need a publisher occasionally?
A: Use WPS Writer’s layout tools or free online design platforms like Canva.
Q: How to handle Access-dependent macros?
A: Rebuild automation in WPS Spreadsheets using compatible VBA.
Q: Will this break file associations?
A: No. WPS preserves .docx/.xlsx associations while ignoring .accdb/.pub files.
Q: Is training required?
A: Most users adapt in <1 day – interface matches Microsoft Office 2019.
Q: Can I deploy remotely?
A: Yes. Push through any RMM tool with /S silent switch.
Q: What about Publisher templates?
A: WPS offers 1,200+ free brochure/flyer templates in Writer.
Q: How much storage will we save?
A: Average 2.1GB per device (410MB from Access/Publisher + 1.7GB from bloat).
Security Benefits of Exclusion
| Risk Factor | With Access/Publisher | WPS Solution |
| Vulnerability Exposure | 17 CVEs/year | 0 |
| Patch Management | Monthly updates | None needed |
| Attack Surface | Large | Minimal |
Real-World Impact
Case Study: Tech startup reduced deployment time from 3 hours to 15 minutes per device after switching to WPS. Storage savings funded new employee laptops.
Conclusion: Skip Exclusion – Start Clean
While traditional office suites force IT teams to wrestle with XML configurations to remove unused apps, WPS Office solves this permanently:
- No Access or Publisher in the installation
- No complex deployment tools required
- Enterprise-ready out of the box
Want more insights like this? Head over to Management Works Media and start exploring.
