Where to get Microsoft 365 and what you need before you start

Microsoft 365 (formerly called Office 365) downloads from Microsoft's official website at microsoft.com. You will need a Microsoft account — either one you already have or one you create for free during the download process. The software works on Windows, Mac, iPad, and Android devices, though the installation steps differ slightly by device type.

Before you download, check that your device meets the minimum requirements. For Windows, you need Windows 10 or later. For Mac, you need macOS 12 or later. Mobile versions (iPad and Android) download from the App Store or Google Play instead of the Microsoft website. You will also need enough storage space — roughly 4 GB for the full suite on a computer.

Microsoft 365 is a paid subscription service, not free software. Plans start at around $70 per year for a single person and go up to $100 per year for a household plan that covers up to six people. You can try it free for one month before your subscription begins charging.

Key Takeaways

  • Download Microsoft 365 from microsoft.com on a computer, or from the App Store or Google Play on a phone or tablet.
  • You need a Microsoft account to download and sign in, which you can create for free if you do not already have one.
  • Windows computers need Windows 10 or later; Mac computers need macOS 12 or later.
  • Microsoft 365 is a subscription service that charges monthly or yearly, and you can try it free for one month first.

Downloading on Windows

Go to microsoft.com/microsoft-365 in your web browser. Click the button that says "Buy now" or "Try free" depending on whether you want to start a paid subscription or use the free trial. You will be taken to a page where you can choose your plan — Personal (one person), Family (up to six people), or Business plans if you are downloading for work.

After you choose your plan, sign in with your Microsoft account or create one. If you are creating a new account, enter an email address and password. Microsoft will send you a confirmation email — open it and click the link to verify your account. Once your account is set up and your subscription is active (or your free trial has started), you will see a button to download the software.

Click "Install" or "Download" on that page. A file called "Microsoft365Setup.exe" or similar will download to your computer. Open this file and follow the on-screen instructions. The installer will download the full Microsoft 365 suite — Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and other programs — and install them automatically. This usually takes 10 to 20 minutes depending on your internet speed.

Downloading on Mac

Open a web browser and go to microsoft.com/microsoft-365. Click "Buy now" or "Try free" and choose your plan. Sign in with your Microsoft account or create one the same way as on Windows.

Once your subscription is active, click the download button. A file called "Microsoft_365_Installer.pkg" will download. Open this file and the installer will launch. Click through the prompts to choose where to install the software and confirm that you want to proceed. The installation takes 10 to 20 minutes. When it finishes, Microsoft 365 will appear in your Applications folder.

Downloading on iPad and Android

On an iPad, open the App Store. Search for "Microsoft 365" or search for individual apps like "Word", "Excel", or "PowerPoint" — each one is available separately. Tap "Get" next to the app you want, then authenticate with your Face ID, Touch ID, or Apple ID password. The app will download and install automatically.

On an Android phone or tablet, open Google Play. Search for "Microsoft 365" or the individual app name. Tap "Install" and the app will download and install to your device. After installation, open the app and sign in with your Microsoft account. You will need an active Microsoft 365 subscription to use the full features on mobile, though you can view and edit documents with a free Microsoft account on some apps.

Signing in after installation

After Microsoft 365 finishes installing on any device, open one of the programs — Word, Excel, or Outlook. You will see a sign-in screen. Enter the email address and password for your Microsoft account. If you are on a computer and you are the only person who uses it, check the box that says "Keep me signed in" so you do not have to sign in every time.

Once you sign in, Microsoft 365 will activate and you will have access to all the features included in your subscription plan. If you are using the free trial, you will see a message telling you how many days are left before your subscription begins charging. You can cancel the subscription at any time before the trial ends to avoid being charged.

What to do if the download fails or gets stuck

If the download stops or the installer will not open, restart your computer or device and try again. Make sure you have a stable internet connection — a weak or interrupted connection can cause the download to fail partway through.

If the problem continues, go back to microsoft.com/microsoft-365, sign in to your account, and look for a link that says "Manage your account" or "Install Office". From there you can usually restart the download or choose a different installation option. On Windows, you can also try downloading the "Office Deployment Tool" from Microsoft, which is an alternative installer for users who have trouble with the standard download.

If you see an error message, write down the error code and search for it on Microsoft's support website (support.microsoft.com). Most common errors have documented solutions. You can also contact Microsoft support through the website if the error persists.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to download Microsoft 365 if I want to use it online?

No. Microsoft 365 includes online versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other apps that you can use at office.com without downloading anything. You sign in with your Microsoft account and work in your web browser. The online versions have fewer features than the downloaded versions, but they are free to use if you have a Microsoft account.

Can I download Microsoft 365 on more than one device?

Yes. Most Microsoft 365 plans let you download and install on multiple devices. The Personal plan covers one person on up to five devices. The Family plan covers up to six people, each on up to five devices. You sign in with the same Microsoft account on each device, and your documents sync across them automatically.

What happens if I do not pay for my subscription?

After your subscription ends, you can still open and view your documents in Microsoft 365, but you cannot edit or create new ones. The programs will show a message saying your subscription has expired. You can reactivate it at any time by signing in and paying for a new subscription period.

Is there a version of Microsoft 365 that does not require a subscription?

Microsoft also sells Microsoft Office as a one-time purchase (Office Home & Student or Office Home & Business), which does not require a subscription. However, it is more expensive upfront and does not include cloud storage or some newer features. The subscription version is usually cheaper if you plan to use it for more than a few years.

Can I download Microsoft 365 on a work computer?

That depends on your workplace. Some employers provide Microsoft 365 subscriptions to employees, in which case your IT department will handle the download and installation. If your employer does not provide it, you can download a personal subscription on your work computer, but check your company's policy first — some workplaces restrict what software employees can install.