Microsoft is planning to launch a free version of Office, but there is a catch. Here is all you need to know
In a surprising move, Microsoft is reportedly testing a free version of its Office suite for Windows users, allowing access to Word, Excel, and PowerPoint without requiring a Microsoft 365 subscription. However, there’s a catch—this free version will come with ads.
According to reports, the ad-supported Office suite is currently being tested in select countries, including India, where a limited number of users have noticed some significant changes, including popup advertisements and sidebar banners. This signals a potential shift in Microsoft’s strategy, making its Office suite more accessible while still preserving the premium appeal of its paid subscriptions.
How Will the Free Office with Ads Work?
Early testers of the ad-supported Office suite have reported that the ads appear primarily on the right sidebar, and in some cases, users are subjected to a 15-second video ad after a few hours of use. Additionally, one of the biggest limitations of this free version is the inability to store documents on OneDrive, with local file storage disabled for now.
However, Microsoft has made it clear that this remains a closed testing phase, and there are currently no immediate plans to release a free, ad-supported desktop version of Office for the public. But the very existence of this test suggests that Microsoft is actively exploring alternative models to reach more users while keeping its Microsoft 365 subscription as a premium offering.
What’s Missing in the Free Version?
While the idea of a free Office suite sounds appealing, it comes with several trade-offs. Reports indicate that this version lacks key features such as:
- Drawing and design tools in Word
- Add-ins, pivot tables, and macros in Excel
- Dictation and custom
