Microsoft Office is a set of tools that includes popular programs like Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint. The most recent version of this software suite is Microsoft 365, which offers access to these tools and more for home, school, or work use. While buying a Microsoft 365 membership is the most common way to access these tools, there are alternative methods to obtaining Microsoft Office for free.
Microsoft‘s suite of productivity software not only includes the classics like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, but also newer apps like Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, and SharePoint. Typically, the cost of subscribing to this suite ranges from $20 to $100 per year, providing access across multiple devices and for family members. If you are looking to avoid this subscription cost, you have come to the right place. In this guide, we will explore different ways to get Microsoft Office for free. So, let’s get started!
Get Microsoft Office 365 Education for Free if You’re a Student or Teacher
If you are a student, teacher, or faculty member with an active school email address, you may be eligible to access Office 365 for free through Microsoft. This includes popular Office applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Teams, along with other helpful classroom tools.
To check your eligibility, simply visit Microsoft’s Office 365 Education page and enter your school email address. In many cases, your access will be instantly granted through an automated verification process. However, if your institution requires additional verification, it may take up to a month to confirm your eligibility.
How to Get Microsoft Office Suite for Free if You’re Not a Student or Teacher
Anyone can obtain a one-month free trial of Microsoft 365. However, this trial requires you to provide your credit card information. If you do not cancel your subscription before the trial period ends, you will be charged $100 for a one-year subscription to Microsoft 365 Family (previously known as Office 365 Home).
The good news is that if you do not require the complete set of Microsoft 365 tools, you can still access several of its apps for free online. These include Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneDrive, Outlook, Calendar, My Content, Skype, Designer, and Clipchamp. Here’s how you can access them:
- Visit the Microsoft365.com website
- Click on “Sign up for the free version of Office” located below the “Sign in” button.
- Log in to your Microsoft account or create a new one for free. If you already have a Windows, Skype, or Xbox Live login, you already have an active Microsoft account.
- Choose the app you want to use and save your work in the cloud using OneDrive.
Why Use the Free Version?
You might be wondering that if you can use all these apps for free, why should you pay for Microsoft 365 in the first place? To answer that, it’s worth noting that the free apps have certain limitations. They can only be used in a web browser and require an active internet connection. Additionally, they offer fewer features compared to the full Microsoft 365 versions.
However, there are still benefits to using the free version. It allows you to share links to your work and collaborate in real-time, similar to the productivity tools provided by Google Workspace (formerly known as G Suite). If you are seeking basic versions of these apps, the free version should meet your needs effectively.
FAQs
Is it possible to get Microsoft Office for free?
Yes. You can use Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other Microsoft Office packages for free on the web. To get started, head to the Microsoft website and click ‘Free Office online for the web.’
- Sign in with your Microsoft account or Sign up for a new account for free
- Click on ‘Explore all the apps’ and choose the one you want to work with.
How do I activate Microsoft Office for free?
The only way to activate Microsoft Word for free is by opting for the free trial that usually lasts for a month. You will be asked to enter your credit or debit card details. Ensure to cancel your subscription before the billing cycle to avoid being charged.
Also, you can sign up for an educational account. Some schools offer students and faculty access to Office 365 with their email addresses. It allows the students or teacher to access all the features of Office 365 without paying any fee.
Can I get Microsoft Office for free as a student?
Yes, students and teachers are eligible for Office 365 Education for free. However, you need a valid school email address before you can gain access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Microsoft Teams, and additional classroom tools for free. To get started, head over to this address.
Final Words
There you have it on the different ways to get Microsoft Office for free. We hope you get free access to Microsoft Office by following this guide carefully. Remember that you can always upgrade to the paid version of Microsoft Office due to the limitations with the free version.
