Where to get Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word is available through three main routes: as part of a Microsoft 365 subscription (which you pay monthly or yearly), as a one-time purchase through the Microsoft Store, or as a free web version through Office.com. The subscription version gives you the full desktop program with all features. The one-time purchase is older — it's Word 2021 — and doesn't receive updates the way subscription versions do. The web version runs in your browser and has fewer features but costs nothing.

Which one you choose depends on how often you use Word and what features you need. If you write documents regularly and want the latest tools, a subscription makes sense. If you write occasionally and don't need advanced features, the web version or a one-time purchase might be enough.

Key Takeaways

  • Microsoft 365 subscriptions include Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneDrive storage, and cost between $7 and $20 per month depending on the plan you choose.
  • The free web version of Word at Office.com works in any browser but lacks some features of the desktop version, like offline editing and advanced formatting.
  • To download the desktop version, you sign into your Microsoft account on the Microsoft Store or Office.com, then run the installer file on your computer.
  • Installation takes 10 to 30 minutes depending on your internet speed and whether you're installing other Office programs at the same time.
  • You can install Word on up to five devices with a single Microsoft 365 subscription, though only one device can use it at a time on the basic plan.

Downloading Word through a Microsoft 365 subscription

If you have a Microsoft 365 subscription, go to Office.com and sign in with the email and password you used to set up your subscription. Click the app launcher icon (a grid of nine dots) in the top left corner, then select "Install Office" or "Install apps". Choose "Microsoft 365 apps" and click "Install". Your browser will download a file called SetupOfficeSDKRetail.exe (on Windows) or a .pkg file (on Mac).

Once the file finishes downloading, open it by double-clicking it. On Windows, a setup window appears — click "Yes" when asked if you want to allow the program to make changes to your device. The installer will download the full Word program and install it automatically. This usually takes 10 to 30 minutes. When it's done, Word appears in your Start menu (Windows) or Applications folder (Mac), and you can open it and sign in with your Microsoft account.

If you don't have a subscription yet, you can start a free trial or buy one directly from Office.com. Microsoft 365 Personal costs $7 per month (or $70 per year if you pay upfront) and includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and 1 TB of OneDrive storage. Microsoft 365 Family costs $10 per month (or $100 per year) and covers up to six people.

Downloading Word as a one-time purchase

Word 2021 is a standalone version you buy once and own permanently, without a subscription. It's older than the subscription version and doesn't receive feature updates, but it works indefinitely after you buy it. Go to the Microsoft Store on your computer (Windows) or the App Store (Mac), search for "Microsoft Word", and click "Buy". You'll be asked to sign in with a Microsoft account and confirm your payment method.

After you buy it, the store automatically downloads and installs Word. The process is similar to a subscription install and takes 10 to 30 minutes. Once it's done, Word opens and you sign in with the Microsoft account you used to buy it. You can install Word 2021 on one device per purchase, so if you want it on multiple computers, you need to buy it multiple times.

Using the free web version of Word

If you don't want to download anything, you can use Word online for free at Office.com. Sign in with a Microsoft account (you can create one for free if you don't have one), and click the Word icon. The web version opens in your browser and works much like the desktop version — you can create, edit, and save documents. Your files save automatically to OneDrive, Microsoft's cloud storage.

The web version has most common features: formatting, tables, images, comments, and sharing. It doesn't have some advanced tools like mail merge, macros, or certain design features. You can also open and edit Word documents in the web version even if you don't have the desktop program installed. The main limitation is that you need an internet connection to use it — the desktop version works offline.

System requirements before you download

On Windows, Word works on Windows 10 or later. You need at least 4 GB of RAM and 3 GB of free disk space. On Mac, Word works on macOS 10.10 or later, also with 4 GB of RAM and 3 GB of free space. If your computer is older or has very little storage, check these requirements before you start the download.

You also need a Microsoft account to sign in after installation. If you don't have one, you can create one free at Microsoft.com. Your account is what ties your subscription or purchase to your device, so you'll need it whether you're using a subscription, a one-time purchase, or the web version.

What to do if the download or installation fails

If the installer file won't open or the installation stops partway through, try restarting your computer and running the installer again. Sometimes a temporary file or another program interferes with the setup. If that doesn't work, go back to Office.com, sign in, and click "Install" again — this downloads a fresh copy of the installer.

If you're running out of disk space, the installation will fail. Check how much free space you have by right-clicking your hard drive (Windows) or clicking the Apple menu and selecting "About This Mac" (Mac). You need at least 3 GB free. If you're close to that limit, delete files you don't need or move them to an external drive before trying again.

If Word installs but won't open, or if you see an error message when you try to sign in, restart your computer and try opening Word again. If the problem continues, uninstall Word completely, restart, and download it fresh from Office.com. On Windows, go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features, find Microsoft Office, click it, and select "Uninstall". On Mac, open Finder, go to Applications, find Microsoft Word, and drag it to the Trash.

Installing Word on multiple devices

A Microsoft 365 subscription lets you install Word on up to five devices. Sign in to Office.com on each device with the same Microsoft account, then download and install Word the same way you did on the first device. Each installation is tied to that account, so you can manage all your devices from one place.

Keep in mind that on the basic Microsoft 365 Personal plan, only one device can use Word at a time. If you sign in on a second device while Word is open on the first, you'll be signed out on the first device. Microsoft 365 Family doesn't have this limit — each person in the family can use Word on their own device simultaneously.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I download Word for free?

Yes, through the web version at Office.com. You create a free Microsoft account, sign in, and use Word in your browser. The web version has most common features but lacks some advanced tools. If you want the full desktop program, you need either a Microsoft 365 subscription or a one-time purchase of Word 2021.

Do I need to pay every month for Word?

Only if you choose a Microsoft 365 subscription. Word 2021 is a one-time purchase with no monthly fees. The web version is free. Subscriptions cost $7 to $20 per month depending on which plan you choose, but they include other programs like Excel and Outlook, plus cloud storage.

How long does it take to download and install Word?

Usually 10 to 30 minutes, depending on your internet speed and whether you're installing other Office programs at the same time. The download itself is several hundred megabytes, so a slower connection takes longer. Once the download finishes, installation is usually quick.

Can I use Word on my phone or tablet?

Yes. Microsoft offers Word apps for iPhone, iPad, and Android devices. You can download them from the App Store or Google Play Store. On phones, the app is free for viewing and basic editing. On tablets, you need a Microsoft 365 subscription to edit documents. You can also use the web version on any mobile browser.

What happens if I cancel my Microsoft 365 subscription?

You can still open and read your documents, but you can't edit or create new ones. Word enters read-only mode. If you want to edit again, you need to renew your subscription or buy Word 2021 as a one-time purchase. Your documents stay in your OneDrive account, so you don't lose them.