Microsoft Word: How to Get It Free

Microsoft Word

You have other options if you don’t wish to pay for the word processor and Google Docs doesn’t work for you.

When it comes to word processing, most people (and most businesses) still think of Microsoft Word. It doesn’t matter if it’s an essay or a resume, it will most likely come in abc.docx format. This is the default format Word uses, and anyone you work with may want one.

One problem: you need to pay a one time fee or a recurring monthly subscription to Microsoft Word.

ms word

Microsoft offers a free copy of Microsoft Word to anyone who wants to use on their web. Although you will need to create a Microsoft account, it is free. The app runs entirely in a web browser so you can access it from any device. Your files are also saved and synced in the cloud. Although there are limitations, Word on the Web may be enough for many users.

Collaboration with others on documents is easy, as you would expect from web apps. You also have all the basic formatting options available in the desktop version. You can create complex layouts with Word online. For inspiration, you can look at the Microsoft templates.

Word online isn’t as flexible or powerful as Word desktop software for Windows and macOS. You don’t have the ability to create citations or bibliographies, there are no alignment guides, live layout options, and you don’t have any advanced proofing and reference tools. You will also need to have an active internet connection in order to access the online version. These are not major issues and Word on the Web is an excellent application.

Word Apps for Mobile

ms word apps on mobile

Microsoft Word can be installed for Android or iOS free of cost. You don’t need a Microsoft account to install Microsoft Word. However, if you wish to use the app version on your Android device (or an iPad) with a screen resolution of less than 10.1 inches, you will need to purchase a Microsoft 365 subscription. The free edition is limited to mobile phones.

This means that you won’t be able to use a keyboard to create several thousand words of a report. Unless you are a fast typer or you love portable Bluetooth keyboards. These apps also have a smaller screen and limited layout options.

They’re great for editing and viewing documents. You can access the Word document from your phone if someone has sent it to you. The mobile app can also be used to create short Word documents with basic formatting.

Refer a family member to pay

Paid ms word

There are many places that offer family plans at discounted prices, including Apple and Spotify. Microsoft 365 subscriptions are the same. If you want to enjoy all the benefits of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, you may consider asking your family member to pay.

For the most current pricing, visit the Microsoft 365 Plans page. You can get an individual subscription for $69.99 or a family subscription at $99.99 per calendar year. A family subscription can cover up to six people and allows them to install Office apps on up five devices.

Although you might need to convince a relative to allow you to access Microsoft Office for free, you may still be able to do so if you have a generous family or are able to repay the favor in another way. It means that you get Microsoft Word for substantially less money if the $100-per-year fee is split six ways.

Try an alternative

Google Docs

Google Docs

Although it may seem like cheating to suggest an alternative to Microsoft Word in a guide on how to use Microsoft Word, many of these alternatives are comfortable using the same.docx file format as Word. Anyone you send to or get files from doesn’t need to know that you don’t use Word. This means that you won’t be left out if your colleagues use Word.

Google Docs is also available. It is free and can be used in a web browser or on a mobile device via an app. Although it lacks the same features as Microsoft Word, especially when it comes to layout options and options for longer documents, it can be accessed from any computer. It can also be shared with other people via an app.

The OpenOffice desktop software is the most popular. It includes a word processor and multiple other applications that are free. Both Windows and macOS users can access the office suite. Pages, Apple’s word processor, is available for Mac users.

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