Microsoft Testing Free Version of Office: Here's How You Can Access It
In what appears to be a shift in approach, Microsoft is working to expand Office availability. Microsoft has begun testing a free, ad-supported version of Microsoft Office for Windows users. They are trying to give people the basic Office features they need without forcing users to pay for Microsoft 365 or buy a full license. However, this version comes with certain limitations and advertisements. Currently, the testing phase is limited to select regions, including India.
Features of the Free Version
You will get the basics with this free Office version - Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are all there. You can make and tweak your docs, spreadsheets, and slideshows like usual. However, there are notable differences compared to the paid versions:
Advertisements: Users will encounter banner ads within the interface and periodic 15-second video ads that play every few hours.
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Cloud-Only Storage: Documents can only be saved to Microsoft's cloud storage service, OneDrive. Want to save files directly to your computer? Tough luck - they have disabled that option completely.
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Limited Features: They've also stripped out a bunch of the more powerful features, including the ability to install add-ins, add watermarks, and utilize certain data analysis tools.
How to Access the Free Version
If you're interested in trying out this free version of Microsoft Office, follow these steps:
Download the Installer – Go to Microsoft's official website and grab the setup file for Office.
Install the Software – Run the downloaded file and just follow the on-screen steps. It’s a simple process!
Open an Office App – Launch any Office application like Word or Excel—whichever one you need.
Skip the Sign-In – When asked to sign in, simply select "Skip for now" to proceed without logging in.
Use the Free Version – Click on "Continue for free" to access the basic features without a subscription.
Set Up Cloud Storage – Select "Save to OneDrive" so your documents are automatically backed up and accessible from anywhere.
Just a heads-up - Microsoft is only letting certain people try this right now as they're still testing it out. The company has stated that there are no immediate plans for a broader rollout.
Alternative Free Access to Microsoft Office
If the ad-supported version is not available in your region or if you prefer an alternative, consider the following options:
Office Online: You can use the stripped-down web versions for free right in your browser. Visit Office.com and sign in with a free Microsoft account to use Word, Excel, and PowerPoint online.
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Educational Institutions: Your school might hook you up with free Office 365 - seriously, loads of schools offer this. Check with your school or university to see if you qualify.
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Mobile Applications: Got a phone or tablet? Grab the free Office apps from your app store. These apps provide basic functionalities and are available for download on iOS and Android devices.
Conclusion
Microsoft seems to be finally admitting that not everyone wants to pay a monthly fee just to edit a document. Yeah, you will be stuck watching ads and missing out on some features, but it is a decent option if you just need the basics and do not want to shell out cash every month. As this is a limited test, availability may vary, and users are encouraged to explore alternative free options if needed.
Sources
This article is based on reports from The Indian Express and The Verge.
