Microsoft 365: How to Install Word, Excel and PowerPoint
Microsoft 365 · for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS and Web
Developer: Microsoft (opens in a new tab)
- Windows
- macOS
- Android
- iOS
- Web
The download link points to the program’s official source; the file is not hosted on this site. Link address: microsoft.com
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Microsoft 365 is Microsoft's subscription office suite with desktop versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook for Windows and macOS. The desktop apps need a paid subscription; lighter web versions are free with a Microsoft account.
Most offices still exchange Word documents, Excel workbooks and PowerPoint decks every day. Microsoft 365 is the subscription that gives you the full desktop versions of those apps, along with cloud storage on OneDrive.
What the subscription includes
- Word, Excel and PowerPoint as full desktop apps for Windows and macOS, plus mobile apps for phones and tablets.
- Outlook for email and calendars, and OneNote for notes.
- OneDrive cloud storage, so files are available on every device you sign in to.
- Co-authoring: Several people can edit the same document at once when it is stored in OneDrive or SharePoint.
Personal and family plans are sold for home users, and business plans add admin controls, Teams and company email. Plan names and prices change from time to time, so check Microsoft’s plan comparison before you buy.
Installing the desktop apps
- The Download button opens Microsoft’s official Microsoft 365 page.
- Sign in with the Microsoft account (or work account) that holds the subscription.
- Choose the option to install the apps; Microsoft serves an installer that downloads Word, Excel, PowerPoint and the other included apps together.
- Open any app and sign in again to activate it.
Without a subscription
Microsoft offers free web versions of Word, Excel and PowerPoint in the browser for anyone with a free Microsoft account. They handle everyday editing well but lack some advanced desktop features such as macros. If you would rather not pay at all, the open-source LibreOffice opens and saves Microsoft Office formats on your own PC.
Store your OneDrive sign-in in a password manager like Bitwarden, since that one account unlocks all of your documents.
Pros
- The reference standard for .docx, .xlsx and .pptx files
- Real-time co-authoring through OneDrive
- Desktop, mobile and web versions share one account
Cons
- The desktop apps require an ongoing subscription
- No Linux desktop version
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Word and Excel for free?
Yes, in the browser. The web versions of Word, Excel and PowerPoint are free with a Microsoft account. The full desktop apps require a Microsoft 365 subscription or a one-time Office purchase.
How many devices can I install Microsoft 365 on?
It depends on the plan. Check the plan details in your Microsoft account, where you can also see and sign out of devices that use the subscription.
Microsoft 365Paid
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