Microsoft Office, or Microsoft 365, is a premium application suite that you need to pay for to get full access. However, there are several ways to get Microsoft Office for free, including using the web apps, free trials, or student programs. If you’re looking for alternatives, there are excellent free options available as well. Here’s how to get Microsoft 365 for free, along with some important things to consider.
Utilize the Free Web Apps
Microsoft has been expanding the number of apps accessible online for free, offering an impressive suite that can seamlessly integrate with downloaded apps and provide ample functionality for most projects. While not the full suite with all the features, it provides core functionality without any cost. To access these free web apps, navigate to the Microsoft 365 web app page and select ‘Sign up for free’. You can create an account if needed or simply sign in if you have an existing account. Follow the on-screen instructions to start using the free web app versions of Microsoft Office applications immediately.
This method grants you access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Calendar, and other traditional Microsoft apps. It also provides access to niche apps like Sway, an interactive report/presentation app; People, an advanced contact list; and OneDrive, a cloud storage service for accessing and saving your files.
Why This Article? Limitations of Free Web Apps
While these free web apps are useful, they are limited to basic functions. They don’t offer the full feature set of Microsoft 365, and you require an online connection to use them. They work well for simple tasks, such as creating a basic document, but may not be suitable for more complex projects.
Students: Access Office Apps Through Your School
If you are affiliated with an educational institution (student, faculty, or staff), enter your school email address on the designated website to see if you can access a free version of Office. Microsoft extends the Office 365 Education program to all students, but your school needs to be registered for the program first. This benefit includes access to familiar Office apps like Word and Excel, along with additional apps such as Microsoft Teams, Access, and Publisher.
Even if you have recently graduated, you might be eligible for a discounted price. The alumni discount allows you to obtain Microsoft 365 Personal for just $1 per month for 12 months, an excellent deal for those entering professional environments.
Free 30-Day Trial of Microsoft 365
Free trials are still available for Microsoft Office apps, allowing you to experience Microsoft 365 for a full month. Visit the free trial page and sign up. The trial lets you download Microsoft 365 for up to six users across Windows, Macs, and mobile devices. You also receive 1TB of OneDrive cloud storage per user for experimentation. The trial includes the latest versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and other apps.
The downside is that you only get one month of service, which isn’t beneficial if you require long-term access. Another caveat is that Microsoft requires your financial account information before downloading and automatically starts charging after the month ends, making it somewhat difficult to disengage from Microsoft 365. It’s an effective way to try out the full version of Microsoft 365 to determine if it’s worth the price, but be prepared to cancel if you don’t want to be charged.
Note:
Some product offers can be misleading, like the ‘Try Microsoft 365 Personal for free’ option on the Microsoft Store. Be aware that this is still referring to the one-month trial version, even if it doesn’t explicitly state so. Avoid ‘free product key’ websites, as they are often unreliable and rarely deliver.Try the Alternatives
If you need Office-like apps for homework or projects but don’t want to pay, free alternatives can emulate its features with minimal differences. You can easily transfer files to the Office suite. There are only a few compatibility issues to be aware of. I personally prefer LibreOffice, but there are various options available. Some people use alternatives sparingly, while others use them daily. Regardless of how you use Office-like apps, it’s achievable on a budget.
The Office experience is affordable for many, and students may have free access through their university. If you’re unsure about alternatives, you can compare Google Docs to Microsoft Word for a better understanding.
