How to Download and Use Microsoft Word for Free in 2023
Microsoft Word is one of the most popular and powerful word processors in the world. It allows you to create, edit, and share documents with ease and professionalism. Whether you need to write a report, a resume, a letter, or a blog post, Microsoft Word can help you with its rich features and tools.
But how can you get Microsoft Word for free? Is there a way to download and use it without paying a subscription fee or buying a license? In this article, we will show you how to download and use Microsoft Word for free in 2023. We will also explain what Microsoft Word is, why you need it, and how to use it effectively.
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What is Microsoft Word and Why You Need It
Microsoft Word is a word processing software that is part of the Microsoft Office suite. It was first released in 1983 and has since evolved into a powerful and versatile application that can handle various types of documents, such as:
Text documents
Newsletters
Brochures
Flyers
Invitations
Business cards
Labels
Forms
E-books
And more
You need Microsoft Word because it can help you with many tasks, such as:
Writing and editing documents with spelling and grammar check, auto-correct, synonyms, and readability score.
Formatting documents with fonts, colors, styles, themes, headers, footers, page numbers, margins, columns, tables, charts, shapes, pictures, videos, and more.
Organizing documents with outlines, sections, headings, bookmarks, hyperlinks, footnotes, endnotes, citations, bibliographies, table of contents, index, and more.
Sharing and collaborating on documents with cloud storage, email attachment, online publishing, PDF export, password protection, comments, track changes, co-authoring, and more.
Microsoft Word Features and Benefits
Microsoft Word has many features and benefits that make it stand out from other word processors. Some of them are:
It is compatible with Windows, Mac OS X, iOS, Android, and web browsers.
It supports various file formats, such as DOCX, DOCM, DOTX, DOTM, DOC, DOT, RTF, TXT, HTML, XML, ODT, PDF.
It integrates with other Microsoft Office applications, such as Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook,
Publisher,
Access,
OneNote,
Sway,
Skype,
Teams,
and more.
It offers online services,
such as Office Online,
OneDrive,
Bing,
Cortana,
Translator,
Smart Lookup,
Researcher,
Ideas,
and more.
It has advanced features,
such as voice typing,
drawing tools,
Ink Editor,
Ink Replay,
D esigner,
Editor,
Dictate,
Resume Assistant,
Learning Tools,
Accessibility Checker,
and more.
With Microsoft Word, you can create professional and stunning documents that suit your needs and preferences. You can also save time and effort by using the built-in templates and tools that Microsoft Word provides.
Microsoft Word Pricing and Plans
Microsoft Word is not a free software. You need to pay a subscription fee or buy a license to use it. There are different pricing and plans for Microsoft Word, depending on your needs and budget. Here are some of the options:
Option
Description
Price
Office Online
A web-based version of Microsoft Word that you can use for free in your browser. It has limited features and functionality compared to the desktop version.
Free
Microsoft 365 Personal
A subscription plan that gives you access to the latest version of Microsoft Word and other Office applications on one PC or Mac and one tablet or phone. It also includes 1 TB of OneDrive cloud storage, Skype minutes, and premium support.
$69.99 per year or $6.99 per month
Microsoft 365 Family
A subscription plan that gives you access to the latest version of Microsoft Word and other Office applications on up to six PCs or Macs and six tablets or phones. It also includes 6 TB of OneDrive cloud storage, Skype minutes, and premium support.
$99.99 per year or $9.99 per month
Office Home & Student 2023
A one-time purchase that gives you access to the latest version of Microsoft Word and other Office applications on one PC or Mac. It does not include any online services or updates.
$149.99
Office Home & Business 2023
A one-time purchase that gives you access to the latest version of Microsoft Word and other Office applications on one PC or Mac. It also includes Outlook, an email and calendar application. It does not include any online services or updates.
$249.99
Office Professional 2023
A one-time purchase that gives you access to the latest version of Microsoft Word and other Office applications on one PC or Mac. It also includes Outlook, Publisher, Access, and Skype for Business. It does not include any online services or updates.
$439.99
How to Get Microsoft Word for Free
If you don't want to pay for Microsoft Word, there are some ways to get it for free. However, these methods have some limitations and drawbacks that you should be aware of. Here are some of the ways to get Microsoft Word for free:
Use Office Online in Your Browser
One of the easiest ways to use Microsoft Word for free is to use Office Online in your browser. Office Online is a web-based version of Microsoft Word that allows you to create and edit documents online. You can access Office Online from any device with an internet connection and a web browser.
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To use Office Online, you need to have a Microsoft account, which is free to create. You can sign up for a Microsoft account using your email address, phone number, or Skype name. Once you have a Microsoft account, you can go to and sign in with your credentials.
On the Office Online homepage, you will see various icons for different Office applications, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook, and more. You can click on the Word icon to launch the web-based version of Microsoft Word.
You can then create a new document or open an existing document from your OneDrive cloud storage or your device. You can also upload a document from another source, such as Google Drive, Dropbox, or your email.
You can use Office Online to create and edit documents with basic features and tools, such as fonts, colors, styles, themes, headers, footers, page numbers, margins, columns, tables, charts, shapes, pictures, videos, hyperlinks, footnotes, endnotes, citations, bibliographies, table of contents, index, spelling and grammar check, auto-correct, synonyms, readability score,comments,track changes,
It requires an internet connection and a web browser to work.
It does not have all the features and functionality of the desktop version of Microsoft Word.
It may not support some file formats or features that are available in the desktop version of Microsoft Word.
It may not be compatible with some extensions or add-ins that are available for the desktop version of Microsoft Word.
It may not have the same performance or reliability as the desktop version of Microsoft Word.
Therefore, Office Online is a good option for simple and basic tasks, but not for complex and advanced tasks. You can use Office Online as a supplement to the desktop version of Microsoft Word, but not as a replacement.
Sign Up for a One-Month Free Trial of Microsoft 365
Another way to use Microsoft Word for free is to sign up for a one-month free trial of Microsoft 365. Microsoft 365 is a subscription plan that gives you access to the latest version of Microsoft Word and other Office applications on your devices. You can also enjoy online services, such as OneDrive, Skype, and more.
To sign up for a one-month free trial of Microsoft 365, you need to have a Microsoft account, which is free to create. You can sign up for a Microsoft account using your email address, phone number, or Skype name. Once you have a Microsoft account, you can go to and choose the plan that suits you best.
You can choose between Microsoft 365 Personal and Microsoft 365 Family. Microsoft 365 Personal gives you access to Microsoft Word and other Office applications on one PC or Mac and one tablet or phone. Microsoft 365 Family gives you access to Microsoft Word and other Office applications on up to six PCs or Macs and six tablets or phones.
You can then enter your payment details, such as your credit card or PayPal account. You will not be charged until the end of the trial period. You can cancel the trial at any time before it expires. If you do not cancel the trial, you will be automatically charged the subscription fee after the trial period ends.
Once you sign up for the trial, you can download and install Microsoft Word and other Office applications on your devices. You can also access them online through Office Online. You can use all the features and functionality of Microsoft Word and other Office applications during the trial period.
However, signing up for a one-month free trial of Microsoft 365 has some limitations and drawbacks, such as:
It is only valid for new customers who have not used Microsoft 365 before.
It is only valid for one month and cannot be extended or renewed.
It requires a valid payment method and an internet connection to work.
It may not be available in some regions or countries.
Therefore, signing up for a one-month free trial of Microsoft 365 is a good option for temporary and occasional use, but not for long-term and regular use. You can use it as a way to test and evaluate Microsoft 365 before buying it, but not as a way to avoid paying for it.
Get Access Through Your Educational Institution
A third way to use Microsoft Word for free is to get access through your educational institution. If you are a student, a teacher, or a staff member of an eligible school, college, or university, you may be able to get access to Microsoft Word and other Office applications for free through your educational institution.
To get access through your educational institution, you need to have a valid school email address that ends with .edu or .ac.uk or another domain that is approved by Microsoft. You can then go to and enter your school email address. You will then receive an email from Microsoft with instructions on how to sign up for Office 365 Education.
Office 365 Education is a subscription plan that gives you access to Microsoft Word and other Office applications online through Office Online. You can also download and install them on up to five PCs or Macs and five tablets or phones. You can also enjoy online services, such as OneDrive, Teams, Forms, Sway, and more.
You can use Office 365 Education for as long as you are enrolled or employed at your educational institution. You can also keep using it after you graduate or leave your educational institution if you verify your alumni status with Microsoft.
However, getting access through your educational institution has some limitations and drawbacks, such as:
It depends on the eligibility and availability of your educational institution.
It may not have all the features and functionality of the desktop version of Microsoft Word.
It may not be compatible with some extensions or add-ins that are available for the desktop version of Microsoft Word.
It may not have the same performance or reliability as the desktop version of Microsoft Word.
Therefore, getting access through your educational institution is a good option for students, teachers, and staff members who need Microsoft Word for educational purposes, but not for personal or professional purposes. You can use it as a way to enhance your learning and teaching experience, but not as a way to replace the desktop version of Microsoft Word.
How to Install and Activate Microsoft Word for Free
If you have chosen one of the ways to get Microsoft Word for free, you need to install and activate it on your device. The installation and activation process may vary depending on the method you have chosen, but here are some general steps that you can follow:
Download Microsoft Word from the Official Website
The first step is to download Microsoft Word from the official website. You can go to and choose the option that matches your method. For example, if you have signed up for a one-month free trial of Microsoft 365, you can click on "Try 1 month free" and follow the instructions. If you have gotten access through your educational institution, you can click on "Students and educators save up to 10%" and follow the instructions.
You will then be redirected to a page where you can download Microsoft Word and other Office applications. You will need to sign in with your Microsoft account or your school email address, depending on your method. You will also need to agree to the terms and conditions and choose a location for the download.
The download may take some time depending on your internet speed and device specifications. You can monitor the progress of the download and cancel it if you want to.
Install Microsoft Word on Your Device
The next step is to install Microsoft Word on your device. Once the download is complete, you will see a file named "MicrosoftOfficeSetup.exe" or something similar in your download folder or location. You can double-click on this file to start the installation process.
You will then see a window that says "Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device?" You can click on "Yes" to continue. You will then see a window that says "We're getting things ready" or something similar. You can wait for the installation process to finish or click on "Customize" to change some settings, such as the language, the installation location, or the applications you want to install.
The installation process may take some time depending on your device specifications. You can monitor the progress of the installation and cancel it if you want to.
Activate Microsoft Word with a Product Key or an Account
The final step is to activate Microsoft Word with a product key or an account. A product key is a 25-digit code that comes with your purchase or subscription of Microsoft Word or Office. An account is a username and password that you use to sign in to Microsoft services, such as your Microsoft account or your school email address.
You can activate Microsoft Word with a product key or an account by following these steps:
Open Microsoft Word on your device.
You will see a window that says "Activate Office" or something similar. You can click on "Enter Product Key" if you have a product key or "Sign in" if you have an account.
If you choose "Enter Product Key", you will need to enter your 25-digit product key in the box and click on "Next". You will then need to sign in with your Microsoft account or create one if you don't have one.
If you choose "Sign in", you will need to enter your username and password in the boxes and click on "Next". You will then need to verify your identity with a code or a phone call if prompted.
You will then see a window that says "You're all set!" or something similar. You can click on "Start using Word" or "Close" to finish the activation process.
You can now use Microsoft Word for free on your device. However, you should remember that some methods may expire after a certain period of time or require an internet connection to work. You should also keep your product key or account information safe and secure.
How to Use Microsoft Word for Free
Now that you have installed and activated Microsoft Word for free, you can start using it to create and edit documents. Microsoft Word has a user-friendly and intuitive interface that allows you to access various features and tools with ease. Here are some of the basic steps that you can follow to use Microsoft Word for free:
Create and Edit Documents in Microsoft Word
To create and edit documents in Microsoft Word, you can follow these steps:
Open Microsoft Word on your device.
You will see a window that shows various options for creating a new document or opening an existing document. You can choose one of the templates or themes that Microsoft Word provides, or you can click on "Blank document" to start from scratch.
You will then see a window that shows your document with a blank page. You can start typing your text in the page or you can copy and paste text from another source. You can also insert other elements, such as tables, charts, shapes, pictures, videos, and more.
You can edit your document by using the features and tools that Microsoft Word provides, such as fonts, colors, styles, themes, headers, footers, page numbers, margins, columns, tables, charts, shapes, pictures, videos, hyperlinks, footnotes, endnotes, citations, bibliographies, table of contents, index, spelling and grammar check, auto-correct, synonyms, readability score,comments,track changes,co-authoring,and more.
You can save your document by clicking on the "File" tab and then on "Save" or "Save As". You can choose a location for your document on your device or on your OneDrive cloud storage. You can also choose a file format for your document, such as DOCX, DOCM, DOTX, DOTM, DOC, DOT, RTF, TXT, HTML, XML, ODT, PDF.
You can now create and edit documents in Microsoft Word for free. However, you should remember that some features and tools may not be available or may have limited functionality depending on the method you have chosen to get Microsoft Word for free. You should also save your document frequently to avoid losing your work.
Use Templates and Formatting Tools in Microsoft Word
To use templates and formatting tools in Microsoft Word, you can follow these steps:
Open Microsoft Word on your device.
You will see a window that shows various options for creating a new document or opening an existing document. You can choose one of the templates or themes that Microsoft Word provides by clicking on them. You will then see a window that shows your document with the template or theme applied.
You can customize your document by changing the content and the layout of the template or theme. You can also use the formatting tools that Microsoft Word provides by clicking on the "Home" tab or other tabs that show different groups of tools. You can use these tools to change the fonts,colors,styles,themes,headers,footers,page numbers,margins,columns,tables,charts,shapes,pictures,</ videos, and more in your document.
You can save your document by clicking on the "File" tab and then on "Save" or "Save As". You can choose a location for your document on your device or on your OneDrive cloud storage. You can also choose a file format for your document, such as DOCX, DOCM, DOTX, DOTM, DOC, DOT, RTF, TXT, HTML, XML, ODT, PDF.
You can now use templates and formatting tools in Microsoft Word for free. However, you should remember that some templates and tools may not be available or may have limited functionality depending on the method you have chosen to get Microsoft Word for free. You should also save your document frequently to avoid losing your work.
Share and Collaborate on Documents in Microsoft Word
To share and collaborate on documents in Microsoft Word, you can follow these steps:
Open Microsoft Word on your device.
You will see a window that shows your document. You can click on the "Share" button on the top right corner of the window. You will then see a window that shows various options for sharing your document.
You can choose one of the options to share your document, such as:
Send a copy: This option allows you to send a copy of your document as an email attachment or a link to your OneDrive cloud storage. You can choose the file format and the recipients for your document.
Share with people: This option allows you to share your document with specific people who have a Microsoft account or a school email address. You can choose the permission level and the recipients for your document.
Get a link: This option allows you to generate a link to your document that you can copy and paste anywhere. You can choose the permission level and the expiration date for your link.
Publish online: This option allows you to publish your document online as a web page that anyone can view. You can choose the title and the description for your web page.
You can also collaborate on your document with other people who have access to it. You can use the features and tools that Microsoft Word provides, such as comments, track changes, co-authoring, and more. You can also chat with other people who are working on the same document by clicking on the "Chat" button on the top right corner of the window.
You can save your document by clicking on the "File" tab and then on "Save" or "Save As". You can choose a location for your document on your device or on your OneDrive cloud storage. You can also choose a file format for your document, such as DOCX, DOCM, DOTX, DOTM, DOC, DOT, RTF, TXT, HTML, XML, ODT, PDF.
You can now share and collaborate on documents in Microsoft Word for free. However, you should remember that some features and tools may not be available or may have limited functionality depending on the method you have chosen to get Microsoft Word for free. You should also save your document frequently to avoid losing your work.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Microsoft Word is a powerful and versatile word processor that can help you create and edit documents with ease and professionalism. However, Microsoft Word is not a free software. You need to pay a subscription fee or buy a license to use it.
Fortunately, there are some ways to get Microsoft Word for free. You can use Office Online in your browser, sign up for a one-month free trial of Microsoft 365, or get access through your educational institution. However, these methods have some limitations and drawbacks that you should be aware of.
Therefore, you should choose the method that suits your needs and budget best. You should also install and activate Microsoft Word properly on your device. You should also use Microsoft Word effectively by using its features and tools. You should also share and collaborate on documents with other people by using its online services.
We hope this article has helped you learn how to download and use Microsoft Word for free in 2023. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to contact us or leave a comment below. Thank you for reading!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about how to download and use Microsoft Word for free in 2023:
Q: Is there a way to get Microsoft Word for free forever?
A: No, there is no way to get Microsoft Word for free forever. All the methods that we have mentioned in this article are either temporary or conditional. They will either expire after a certain period of time or require an internet connection or a valid email address to work. If you want to use Microsoft Word for free forever, you will have to use an alternative word processor, such as Google Docs, LibreOffice Writer, or WPS Office Writer.
Q: How can I get Microsoft Word for free on my phone or tablet?
A: You can get Microsoft Word for free on your phone or tablet by downloading the Microsoft Word app from the App Store or Google Play Store. The Microsoft Word app is free to download and use on devices that have a screen size of 10.1 inches or smaller. However, the Microsoft Word app has some limitations and drawbacks, such as:
It requires an internet connection and a Microsoft account to work.
It does not have all the features and functionality of the desktop version of Microsoft Word.
It may not support some file formats or features that are available in the desktop version of Microsoft Word.
It may not be compatible with some extensions or add-ins that are available for the desktop version of Microsoft Word.
It may not have the same performance or reliability as the desktop version of Microsoft Word.
Therefore, the Microsoft Word app is a good option for simple and basic tasks, but not for complex and advanced tasks. You can use the Microsoft Word app as a supplement to the desktop version of Microsoft Word, but not as a replacement.
Q: How can I get Microsoft Word for free on my Mac?
A: You can get Microsoft Word for free on your Mac by using one of the methods that we have mentioned in this article, such as using Office Online in your browser, signing up for a one-month free trial of Microsoft 365, or getting access through your educational institution. However, these methods have some limitations and drawbacks that you should be aware of, such as:
They require an internet connection and a valid email address to work.
They may not have all the features and functionality of the desktop version of Microsoft Word.
They may not support some file formats or features that are available in the desktop version of Microsoft Word.
They may not be compatible with some extensions or add-ins that are available for the desktop version of Microsoft Word.
They may not have the same performance or reliability as the desktop version of Microsoft Word.
Therefore, these methods are good options for temporary and occasional use, but not for long-term and regular use. You can use them as ways to test and evaluate Microsoft Word before buying it, but not as ways to avoid paying for it.
Q: How can I update Microsoft Word for free?
A: You can update Microsoft Word for free by following these steps:
Open Microsoft Word on your device.
Click on the "File" tab and then on "Account" or "Help".
Click on "Update Options" and then on "Update Now".
Wait for the update process to finish and restart Microsoft Word.
You can now use the latest version of Microsoft Word for free. However, you should remember that you can only update Microsoft Word for free if you have a valid subscription or license. If you have gotten Microsoft Word for free through one of the methods that we have mentioned in this article, you may not be able to update it for free.
Q: How can I uninstall Microsoft Word for free?
A: You can uninstall Microsoft Word for free by following these steps:
Close Microsoft Word on your device.
Go to the "Control Panel" or "Settings" on your device.
Go to "Programs and Features" or "Apps and Features" on your device.
Select "Microsoft Office" or "Microsoft 365" from the list of programs or apps.
Click on "Uninstall" or "Change".
Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the uninstallation process.
You can now uninstall Microsoft Word for free from your device. However, you should remember that uninstalling Microsoft Word will also remove other Office applications that you may have installed on your device. You should also backup your documents before uninstalling Microsoft Word to avoid losing your work. 44f88ac181