The easiest way to get Microsoft Word for free is Word for the web: go to office.com, sign in with a free Microsoft account, and select Word. It runs in your browser, opens and saves .docx files, and stores them in OneDrive. You can also use the free Word app on most phones, get the full desktop version free through many schools, or try Microsoft 365 free for a month.
Applies to: Windows, Mac, Chromebook, iPhone, iPad and Android. Microsoft changes its plans and trials from time to time, so check the details on Microsoft’s site. Last reviewed October 8, 2026.
Option 1: Word for the web (free for everyone)
- Go to office.com in any browser.
- Select Sign in, or Sign up for free if you don’t have a Microsoft account. Any email address works.
- Select Word and choose Blank document or a template.
- To edit a file from your PC, select Upload and choose the .docx.
Word for the web covers most everyday tasks: formatting, tables, pictures, comments, track changes, sharing and real-time co-editing. It lacks some advanced features, such as mail merge and macros. Download a copy any time with File > Save As > Download a Copy. To share it, see how to share a Word document.
Option 2: The Word mobile app
Install Microsoft Word (or the Microsoft 365 app) from the App Store or Google Play and sign in with a free Microsoft account. Creating and editing documents is free on phones and on tablets with screens up to 10.1 inches. Larger tablets need a subscription to edit.
Option 3: Free through school
Many schools and universities give students and teachers Office 365 Education at no cost, including Word for the web and often the full desktop apps. Check with your school’s IT department, or sign in at office.com with your school email to see what’s included.
Option 4: Free trial of Microsoft 365
Microsoft often offers a one-month free trial of Microsoft 365 with the full desktop Word for Windows and Mac. You need a payment method, and the subscription renews automatically, so cancel before the trial ends in your Microsoft account if you don’t want to pay. For installing it, see how to install Word in Windows 10 or how to download Word.
Option 5: Through your employer
Many workplaces with Microsoft 365 let employees install Office on a few personal devices. Sign in at office.com with your work account and look for Install apps.
Free alternatives that open Word files
- Google Docs: opens and saves .docx files; free with a Google account.
- LibreOffice Writer: free desktop program for Windows, Mac and Linux.
- Apple Pages: free on Mac, iPhone and iPad; exports to Word format.
Complex formatting may shift slightly when moving between these and Word.
Avoid “free Word download” sites
Sites offering free product keys or cracked copies of Office are illegal and commonly bundle malware. Only download Office from Microsoft. For a clean install on Windows, see how to install Microsoft Office in Windows 10.
Frequently asked questions
Is Word for the web really free?
Yes. It’s free with a Microsoft account, with 5 GB of OneDrive storage included.
Does free Word have ads?
Word for the web may show prompts to upgrade, but documents themselves have no ads.
Can I use Word offline for free?
Not the desktop app, except during a trial or through school or work. The mobile app can edit files offline on phones.
Related: how to enable editing in Word.
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.