To install Word on Windows 10, go to microsoft365.com, sign in with the Microsoft account you used for Microsoft 365 or Office, select Install apps, and run the file that downloads. Word installs with the other apps in your plan.
Applies to: Microsoft 365 and Office 2021 or later on Windows 10.
What you need
- A Microsoft 365 subscription or a one-time Office purchase that includes Word.
- The Microsoft account linked to it.
- An internet connection. The download is several gigabytes.
If you don’t have either, you can use Word for the web free at microsoft365.com in your browser.
Install Word
- In your browser, go to microsoft365.com and sign in.
- Select Install apps (or Install Office), then Microsoft 365 apps.
- Open the file that downloads (it starts with Setup or OfficeSetup). Select Yes if Windows asks for permission.
- Wait for You’re all set! Office is installed now and select Close.
- Open Word. If you can’t find it, these ways to open Microsoft Word in Windows 10 will help.
Find and pin Word after installing
Select Start and type Word. Right-click Word and select Pin to taskbar or Pin to Start so it’s always one click away. The first time you open it, sign in with the same Microsoft account and accept the license agreement. Word may also ask you to choose a file format; keep the default Office Open XML formats unless you share files with very old software.
Using Word on Windows 10 now that support has ended
Windows 10 reached end of support in October 2025, but Word still installs and runs on it:
- Microsoft 365. Microsoft will keep sending security updates for the Microsoft 365 apps, including Word, on Windows 10 until October 10, 2028. New features may only come to Windows 11.
- Office 2021 and Office 2024. These one-time purchases still work on Windows 10, but Microsoft no longer supports them there.
If your PC can run Windows 11, upgrading is the safer long-term choice.
If the install fails
- Restart the PC and run the installer again.
- Make sure you have enough free space and a steady connection.
- If an older version of Office is in the way, uninstall Microsoft Office first.
- There’s no Install apps button. Your plan may not include desktop apps, such as some business plans, or you may be signed in with a different account. Check which account bought Office at microsoft365.com.
- Word shows “Unlicensed Product” after installing. Select File > Account and sign in with the Microsoft account linked to your purchase.
- The installer stops partway. Use a wired or stronger connection, restart the PC, and run Setup again. It continues where it left off.
- You see an error code. Search the code on Microsoft Support. Most install errors are fixed by removing old Office versions and restarting.
Frequently asked questions
Can I install only Word?
With Microsoft 365, Word installs along with the other apps in your plan. You can leave the others unused. Product keys, the offline installer and setup error codes are covered in installing Microsoft Office in Windows 10. Setting up a replacement PC? Transferring Word documents explains how to bring your files and templates across, and what to do with a one-time purchase license.
How do I keep Word up to date?
Updates install automatically. To check right away, follow the steps to update Excel in Windows 10; they update Word too.
How many PCs can I install Word on?
With Microsoft 365 Personal or Family, each person can install the apps on up to five PCs or Macs at once and sign in on all of them. Office 2021 and Office 2024 one-time purchases are for one PC.
Is Word for the web as good as the desktop app?
It covers everyday writing, formatting, comments and sharing, and it’s free with a Microsoft account. The desktop app adds advanced features such as mail merge, macros, and full offline use.
Do I need to uninstall Word before reinstalling it?
Not usually. Running the installer again repairs or updates the existing copy. Uninstall first only if Word is damaged or an older Office version blocks the new one.
Reinstalling and other install options are on Microsoft’s Download, install, or reinstall Microsoft 365 or Office 2024 on a PC or Mac page.
No subscription? There are a few ways to get Microsoft Word for free.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.