This wikiHow teaches you how to download Microsoft Word on your computer, phone, or tablet. If you are using a computer, Microsoft Word is available as part of the Microsoft Office suite of applications. Although Microsoft Office plans are not offered for free, you can try the full version of the program during a free 30-day trial period.
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Method 1 of 5: Buying Office 365
Step 1. Visit https://products.office.com/en-us/word in a web browser
The Microsoft Word product page will be displayed.
- Microsoft Word cannot be purchased separately, and can only be obtained as part of a Microsoft Office suite or program package.
- If you need a long-term solution but don't have the funds to buy Microsoft Office, swipe to the end of the article to see the "Trying Free Alternatives" method.
Step 2. Click TRY FOR FREE
The menu will be displayed afterwards.
If you don't want to use the 30 day trial period, click “ BUY NOW ”.
Step 3. Click For home
If you click " BUY NOW ”, a list of purchase options will be displayed. Click " BUY NOW ” under the version you want to add the program to the shopping cart, click “ Checkout ”, and move on to step five.
Step 4. Click TRY 1-MONTH FREE
With this option, you can try Office 365 for one month before making a purchase.
Although the trial period is free, you will still need to enter your credit card information to download the app. The card will not be charged until the trial period ends
Step 5. Sign in with a Microsoft account
If prompted, follow the on-screen instructions to sign in to your account. If you don't have an account yet, follow the prompts to create a new one.
Step 6. Add a payment method
Click Add a way to pay ” (or the “Payment method” drop-down menu if displayed), select the desired payment method, and follow the on-screen instructions to enter payment details.
Step 7. Follow the on-screen instructions to download Office
Once the payment method is confirmed, you can download the Office installation files to your PC or Mac computer. You can usually find the file in the “Downloads” folder on your computer once it's finished downloading.
Step 8. Run the installation file and follow the on-screen instructions
If you are using a Windows computer, the installation files will load automatically. If you're using a Mac, double-click the file named "Microsoft Office" that ends with the "pkg" (Mac) extension in the “ Downloads ”, then follow the instructions that appear to install Office.
Step 9. Cancel the trial period before it expires (optional)
If you don't want to buy Microsoft Office, make sure you cancel the trial period before your credit card is charged. To cancel the trial period:
- Visit https://account.microsoft.com/services and sign in with your account.
- Click " Cancel ” in the Office 365 trial option, then follow the on-screen instructions.
Method 2 of 5: Downloading and Reinstalling Office 365 or 2019
Step 1. Visit https://www.office.com/ via a web browser
Use this method if you can access the paid version of Microsoft Office 365 or 2019 and need to re-download the program.
If you're not already signed in to your account, sign in using the account that's linked to your Office subscription
Step 2. Click Install Office or Install Office Apps.
The options you see will depend on the type of account you're signed in with.
Step 3. Click Install or choose Offices.
Again, different options will appear on different account types.
If you have an Office 365 subscription, you may need to click the “ Install ” before looking at any of these options.
Step 4. Follow the on-screen instructions to download the installation file
You may need to click the “ OK " or " Save File ” to start the download.
Step 5. Install Office
- If you are using a Windows computer, the installation file will run automatically. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
- If you are using a Mac computer, open the downloads storage folder (“Downloads”) and double-click the installation file (a file named " Microsoft " that ends in a ".pkg" extension). Follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall the program.
Method 3 of 5: Downloading Word on iPhone or iPad
Step 1. Open the App Store
Usually you can see the icon of this application on the home screen.
The Word mobile app is free to download
Step 2. Touch Search
It's in the lower-right corner of the screen.
Step 3. Type Microsoft word into the search bar and tap Search
A list of matching results will be displayed.
Step 4. Touch GET next to “Microsoft Word” option
This option is marked with a blue icon with a white document and the letter “W” in it. After that, the Word app will immediately be downloaded to your iPhone or iPad.
Follow the on-screen prompts if prompted to use Touch ID or another identity verification method
Step 5. Open Microsoft Word
Once the app is downloaded, its icon will be added to the home screen. Touch the icon to run the application.
Method 4 of 5: Downloading Word on Android Device
Step 1. Open Play Store
This icon is usually displayed on the home screen or app drawer.
The Word mobile app is offered free of charge
Step 2. Type Microsoft word into the search bar and touch Enter key
A list of matching results will be displayed.
Step 3. Touch INSTALL next to the "Microsoft Word
This option is marked with a blue icon with a white document and the letter “W” in it. The app will immediately download to your Android device. Once it's finished downloading, the icon will be added to the app drawer (and possibly the home screen, depending on device settings).
Method 5 of 5: Trying Free Alternatives
Step 1. Use Microsoft Office Online
Microsoft Office offers a free version of Word that can be used online. The features are not as comprehensive as the paid version, but you can use it for a variety of basic things. Please read this wikiHow to find out how.
Step 2. Download a free alternative program
Several office applications for home, student, or small business use are offered free of charge-and even nearly all of them are capable of creating, opening, and saving Microsoft Word documents. While the features may not be as comprehensive as Microsoft Office, free office suites are usually sufficient for casual users who need to edit or process text, create spreadsheets, or create presentation slides. Here are some free alternative options that are quite popular:
- Open Office
- LibreOffice
Step 3. Use Google Docs online
Google Docs is a free online word processing application that can open, edit, and save files in Microsoft Word format. Check out this wikiHow article on how to use Google Docs for more information.
