Microsoft has introduced a new free, ad-supported local version of its Office suite, aimed at addressing some of the limitations users face with its current web app. Previously, the Office web app prohibited document creation, but this local version reportedly allows users to create documents on their devices.
Update: A Microsoft representative clarified that this ad-supported version is still in testing. “Microsoft has been conducting some limited testing,” the representative stated via email. “Currently, there are no plans to launch a free, ad-supported version of Microsoft Office desktop apps.”
According to a report from Beebom, if this new version is legitimate, it incorporates many standard functionalities found in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, making them available to users at no cost. However, there is a requirement to save documents on OneDrive to access the functionality. Users can subsequently re-download their files from the cloud, although some advanced features will be unavailable.
This new offering is marketed simply as the “free” version of Microsoft Office’s core applications, as highlighted in Beebom’s report. Users must create or log into a Microsoft account to save their documents to OneDrive, which could be seen as an acceptable trade-off. Notably, this version operates locally rather than relying on cloud-based access.
As of now, Microsoft has not officially confirmed the availability of this ad-supported Office option, despite inquiries for further information. Any updates will be provided if the company responds.
How do you get the ad-supported version of free Microsoft Office?
Beebom notes that users should see the option for the free, ad-supported Office upon downloading the apps from Microsoft’s website. When prompted to sign in, a new option labeled “Skip for now” should appear at the bottom of the login box, leading to the screen offering the ad-supported version.
Alternatively, users may consider signing up for a paid Microsoft 365 subscription or opt for the existing free web version of Office apps. However, it’s important to remember that the web apps have their own set of limitations.
While this ad-supported version offers more functionality than the current web apps, several features are still excluded. Many of these missing features are AI-related, which some users may not find essential. The key advancement is the ability to create documents, which has been a challenge with the web applications. Some users have found ways to navigate these limitations by saving blank files in OneDrive for easy access.
Among the applications, Word appears to offer the most convenience, but it lacks certain design and drawing tools. According to Beebom, critical features omitted include options for line spacing and text wrapping around images.
Excel and PowerPoint also face significant restrictions. Excel’s vital functions, such as data analysis and pivot tables, are not included. Moreover, aesthetic elements like themes, colors, and fonts, along with macro functionality, are unavailable. PowerPoint users will miss features like Designer, SmartArt, and certain animation tools. A comprehensive list of excluded features can be reviewed in the Beebom article.
Advertisements are a prominent feature of the new offering. Beebom indicates that a continuous web ad appears to the right of the user’s screen, accompanied by short video ads that play intermittently throughout use.
This move by Microsoft seems to acknowledge the existence of other free alternatives while strategically aiming to retain users within the traditional Office ecosystem.
