However, over the years other companies have released rival office suites to help with productivity (opens in new tab), some of which is paid-for and some of which is free - sometimes with the same company offering both.Īll of these alternatives to Microsoft Office (opens in new tab) offer a similar range of software applications, mainly based on creating and editing documents, spreadsheets, and presentations (opens in new tab). Microsoft have now extended their 365 brand to Windows, in the form of Windows 365, a way of accessing your files on a majority of devices from the cloud. Microsoft Word (opens in new tab), Excel (opens in new tab), Publisher (opens in new tab), Access (opens in new tab), Powerpoint (opens in new tab), and Outlook (opens in new tab) still remain key office apps. You can also take a look at CNET's list of the best Windows laptops.For most users, Microsoft 365 (formerly known as Office 365) remains the original and best office suite, and it takes matters further with an online version that offers cloud backups and mobile use as required.
If you're looking for basic versions of each of these apps, the free version should work well for you.įor more, check out all of the best new features in Windows 11, what you need to know about upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 and how to download Windows 11 for free. There are still a number of benefits, however, including the ability to share links to your work and collaborate in real time, similar to what G Suite tools allow.
They also have fewer features than the full Microsoft 365 versions. You may be saying, "Wait a minute, if I can get all of those apps for free, why pay for Microsoft 365 in the first place?" The reason is the functionality of these apps is limited: They only run in your web browser and you can only use them while you're actively connected to the internet. So what's the catch for the free version? Use the browser-based version of the Microsoft Word app for free. Select the app you want to use, and save your work in the cloud with OneDrive. If you already have a Windows, Skype or Xbox Live login, you have an active Microsoft account.ģ. Log in to your Microsoft account or create one for free.
The good news is if you don't need the full suite of Microsoft 365 tools, you can access a number of its apps online for free - including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneDrive, Outlook, Calendar and Skype. However, it does require you to enter a credit card number, and if you don't cancel before the month is up, you'll be charged $100 for a one-year subscription to Microsoft 365 Family (formerly called Office 365 Home). How to get Microsoft Office suite free if you're anyone elseĪnyone can get a one-month free trial of Microsoft 365.
If you attend an institution that needs to be verified, it might take up to a month to confirm your eligibility.
In many cases, you'll be instantly granted access thanks to an automated verification process. If you're a student, teacher or faculty member with an active school email address, you're likely eligible to get access to Office 365 for free through Microsoft, with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Microsoft Teams and additional classroom tools.Īll you have to do is enter your school email address on this page on Microsoft's website: Get started with Office 365 for free. Get Microsoft Office 365 free if you're a student or a teacher Here are the versions of Office 365, Microsoft 365 and their apps that you can find online for free right now. 5, the same day Windows 11 began its rollout. Microsoft also released a new stand-alone version of Microsoft Office for Windows and Mac, called Office Home and Student 2021 - for a flat price, no subscription required - on Oct. The collection typically costs between $70 and $100 every year for subscription access across devices and family members (as Microsoft 365). Microsoft's suite of productivity software consists of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Microsoft Teams, OneDrive and SharePoint. There are ways to get the service for free.
If you don't want to spend your money on Microsoft 365, don't stress. Although the software may seem like a necessity, its high price makes some people run the other way. You'll likely need access to a Microsoft Word document, a PowerPoint presentation or the product of another basic tool from Microsoft 365 at least once in 2022 for work, school or personal use. You can use Microsoft Office apps for free.