Is Microsoft Word Free? Yes, But Be Aware of the Limitations
The short answer is simple: yes. Microsoft Word can be used for free. There’s one important requirement you must fulfill. You need a Microsoft account. All modern versions of Word require you to log in with a Microsoft account, even if you have no intention of paying. Using Microsoft Word for free comes with limitations. These vary based on your platform but, in general, using a free edition of Microsoft Word will restrict formatting and page setup options to a basic set of tools. You won’t have access to citations, a bibliography, or advanced proofing, to name a few.
Microsoft Word Online
Microsoft Word Online is the quickest, easiest way to use Microsoft Word for free. It’s available through a web browser (just like Google Docs) on Windows, macOS, and Linux, and supports all major web browsers including Edge, Chrome, Safari, and Opera. You’ll need an Internet connection. Word Online automatically uses Microsoft OneDrive for storage, so documents that you save are accessible on any device with an Internet connection. OneDrive’s free plan has a storage limit of 5GB, but, because Word documents are small in size, you can write and store hundreds of documents (so long as they only contain text or small images). Alternatively, you can download your Word document to your PC before closing the web browser. Using Android or iOS? Word Online is not meant for mobile, so by default, the website will redirect you to the mobile app. However, you may be able to get around this by having the mobile browser request the desktop website. The process of requesting the desktop mode depends on your platform: Android [Request Desktop Mode on Android] or iPhone [Request Desktop Mode on iPhone].
Microsoft Office for Mobile
If you are going to go the mobile route, Microsoft offers the free Microsoft Office app for Android and iOS. You can download it from the Google Play Store on Android or Apple App Store on iOS. The app still requires a Microsoft account to set up and will save documents to OneDrive by default. Unlike Word Online, however, you can use the app offline and save documents directly to your phone or tablet. The Office app is a bit more basic than Word Online. It can be used to edit text and for formatting, such as changing font size and color or adding bullet points, and also supports proofreading. You won’t find as many page layout options, especially when used on a smartphone. Despite this, the Office app is far better to use on mobile than Word Online, which is often buggy or slow on a mobile device. The Office app feels slick and fast even on a smartphone or tablet that’s several years old.
No, You Can’t Use the Microsoft Word App on PC (or Mac) for Free
There’s an important version of Microsoft Word you can’t use for free: the local desktop app for Windows. This is a source of confusion for those who buy a new Windows computer. Most Windows installations have Office apps installed by default. It’s possible to launch the desktop Word app and view documents for free, but document editing is locked until you pay. The Mac app also requires payment to edit documents.
Other Ways to Use Microsoft Word for Free
Microsoft Word Online and the Microsoft Office app for mobile are the most common ways to use Word for free. However, there are a few situations that might let you access Word without paying.
Access a shared Microsoft 365 Family account: Microsoft Office 365 supports family sharing with up to five people. This is a great way to access Word at no added cost. Use an older version of Word with a license key: Older versions of Word lack the latest features, but they’ll handle the basics. It’s worth giving an older version of Word a shot if you have a license key available. Use Word Mobile (on a small screen): Microsoft offers Word Mobile on the Microsoft Store, and it’s free to use on devices with a screen size below 10.1 inches. Larger devices can open the app but can’t use it to edit documents without payment.
