Home > Microsoft Office > Microsoft Office How To

How to get Microsoft Office for Free

Can you get Microsoft office for free? We tell you all you need to know

Reviewed By: Kevin Pocock

Last Updated on April 15, 2024
Download Microsoft Office for Free - hero
You can trust PCWer: Our team of experts use a combination of independent consumer research, in-depth testing where appropriate - which will be flagged as such, and market analysis when recommending products, software and services. Find out how we test here.

SPONSORED PIECE

If you’re wondering how to get Microsoft Office for free, we’ve got you covered right here with everything you need to know.

Let’s cut to the chase – getting Microsoft Office for free is possible, but not in the way you would think. You can use it for free in your browser, potentially get access to it through your educational institution, or you can get a one-month trial…but this isn’t ideal for those looking for the full experience from the go.

So what are your options? Well…you’ll have to find a way of getting Microsoft Office for cheap instead. And that’s where our sponsor comes in. Here’s how you can get Microsoft Office for less.

How to get Microsoft Office for cheap

One of the best ways to download Microsoft Office for cheap is by using a reseller, like Mr Key Shop, which offers huge discounts on popular products, like Windows 11 Pro or even some of the best antiviruses.

There are lots of resellers around, and low-price Office licenses can be a scam. That’s why you need to go for resellers which have earnt the trust of thousands of customers. Currently, Mr Key Shop has an impressive rating of 4.9-star rating on Trustpilot, and offers free support – by chat, email, or by phone.

Below, you’ll find links to all the latest offers for Microsoft Office.

Payment methods are sure and certified, a money-back guarantee is valid on any products and there are no shipping costs: immediately after purchase you will get a free download link by email, also avoiding garbage and pollution caused by physical transport and unneeded packaging.

Together with the download link, you will get an original Product Key, clear instructions for downloading, installing, and activating the software, customer service contact details, and your invoice.

How to get Microsoft 365 free trial

You can sign up for Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365) for one month for absolutely free. Although online, so you’re not downloading Microsoft Office for free, you do get free access.

It includes all the apps you’d expect, as well as an email account with a 50GB mailbox and 1TB of cloud storage. The major drawback is the time limitation, although it is still a good idea to trial the software before buying.

After the 30 days trial period, it costs $12.50 per user per month. In the long run, though, the monthly charge will be more expensive than buying an original license.

How to use Office Online for free

If you have a Microsoft email account, you can sign in to use Office apps online for free. And by doing this you can create and edit documents via Office.com.

The available features are reduced compared to the paid version, and you cannot download documents. This could make the online version of Office useless for many, but it may be all you need to get started.

Can you use Office Mobile Apps for free?

On both iOS and Android phones, you can download and install MS Office apps for free, allowing you to create and edit documents.

This is great for document use on the go, although usage and functions are limited. So don’t expect a fully functional version of the software if you do choose this option – and be prepared to get nervous using the suite on such a small screen!

How to get Microsoft Office 365 Education for free

Office’s Student Plans mean that students (and educators) attending eligible schools can get Microsoft Office (educational version) for free.

This isn’t available for any use though, and you will need to prove your eligibility to take advantage of this method of downloading Microsoft Office for free. Plus, at the end of your studies, you will need to subscribe to Microsoft 365 or buy a license.

Can you use an active Microsoft Office license from an old PC?

It’s a trick that is easily missed but don’t forget about any existing Office licenses you may have.

Even if you have a new computer, checking to see if you still have access to your old license can save you money in getting a new one.

And, as digital licenses are tied to your Microsoft account, you should be able to use one without issue.

Are the alternatives to Microsoft Office worth using?

Open-source office software is useful for sure. Alternatives to Microsoft Office suite, like Apache Open Office or LibreOffice, allow you to create and edit documents and are often compatible with common file types too.

However, they cannot offer the breadth of functionality and interoperability that Microsoft Office provides.

The best deals for buying a Microsoft Office license

Here are some of the best Microsoft Office deals you can find on Mr Key Shop store:

Kevin is the Editor of PCWer. He has a broad interest and enthusiasm for consumer electronics, PCs and all things consumer tech - and more than 15 years experience in tech journalism.