(Image credit: TechRadar) How to use Microsoft Word for free on Windows 10, Mac, Chrome OS, and Linux If you're currently shopping for the best MacBook and Macs (opens in new tab) and feel like that's going to be enough of a financial outlay for now, or you already have a laptop and just can't justify any extra expenses at the moment, the straightforward step-by-step instructions below will help you download and use Microsoft Word for free. However, if you decide you'd like to make the purchase, the b est Microsoft Office and Microsoft 365 deals (opens in new tab) will ensure you get the lowest price possible, especially if you are trying to avoid a hefty price tag. You can still create professional documents, edit and format text, and insert images and tables.Īdditionally, there’s no longer any requirement to buy a copy or sign up for Microsoft 365 to use Microsoft Word, which is a huge relief if you're on a budget. While it’s true that you're more limited in scope and some features aren't available, on the whole, the free version of Microsoft Word will get the job done sufficiently for most people. Alternative applications, like Google Docs (opens in new tab), are on the scene, forcing Microsoft to offer Word for free just to compete.

This has left the door open for Google Docs and other word processors and document editors to offer their subpar services for free, which is an extremely compelling offer considering Word and Docs are somewhat similar on the surface.Īs previously mentioned, Microsoft Word has more competition than ever, especially beyond the paywall.

The most upsetting thing about Word is that it's been hidden behind a paywall for most of the past 30 years.

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