Install Microsoft 365 (Office) on Windows

Free access to Microsoft 365

You can use the Office apps for free in a browser with a Microsoft account (at office.com). The web versions of Word, Excel and PowerPoint are simpler than the desktop apps, but cover the basics.

Install the free version (apps from the web)

1. Go to office.com and sign in (or create a free Microsoft account).
2. Open Word, Excel or PowerPoint in the browser. Save your files in OneDrive.

   

3. Some plans let you install the desktop apps from the Install apps button in your account page.

   

   

   

Install the paid version

1. Go to the Microsoft 365 website and buy a plan (Personal, Family or a business plan).

   

2. Sign in, open the Services & subscriptions page and click Install apps.
3. Run the downloaded installer. It downloads and installs the apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and more). Keep your computer online.
4. Open an app and sign in with your Microsoft account to activate it.

   

What you get

• Word for documents.
• Excel for spreadsheets and data.
• PowerPoint for presentations.
• Outlook for email, calendar and contacts.
• OneNote for notes and teamwork.
• OneDrive for cloud storage and sync.

Tips

• Keep the apps updated from File, then Account, then Update Options.
• Use only the official Microsoft website to download. Cracked copies often contain malware.
• To remove Office, use Settings, Apps, find Microsoft 365 and click Uninstall.

Quick recap

• A free web version is available with a Microsoft account.
• A paid plan gives the desktop apps through Install apps.
• Sign in to activate.