The free desktop versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint lack certain features in addition to running ads.
Microsoft is exploring new ways to make its Office suite more accessible — but there’s a catch. The tech giant has quietly started testing a free version of its Office desktop apps for Windows, supported by advertisements. This move, spotted in select markets, could potentially reshape how millions of users interact with Office products.
A New Era for Microsoft Office?
Currently, accessing the full desktop version of Microsoft Office requires a paid Microsoft 365 subscription. This subscription unlocks powerful features across apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. However, in a surprising turn of events, Microsoft has begun testing a version of Office that ditches the subscription fee in favor of ads.
According to reports from Beebom, this ad-supported version recently appeared in India, granting users free access to core Office applications. A Microsoft spokesperson confirmed to PCWorld that the company is conducting limited testing but emphasized that there are no immediate plans to launch this version globally. Still, the fact that Microsoft has deliberately engineered its apps to accommodate ads suggests that broader availability could be on the horizon.
What’s the Catch?
Of course, free access comes with trade-offs. The ad-supported version of Office includes persistent banner ads on the side of the screen, which stay visible while you work. Additionally, users must endure 15-second video ads that play every few hours. While these interruptions might seem minor to casual users, they could be frustrating for those relying on Office for productivity.
Another key limitation is storage. In the free version, documents can only be saved to OneDrive — local file storage is disabled. This aligns with Microsoft’s broader strategy of promoting its cloud services, but it may deter users who prefer to keep their files offline.
Limited Features and Functionality
It’s important to note that the free version of Office doesn’t provide access to the full suite of features. For example:
- Word: Missing drawing and design tools, advanced formatting options like line spacing adjustments, and more.
- Excel: No support for add-ins, pivot tables, or macros — features that are crucial for many business users.
- PowerPoint: Lacks dictation features, custom slide shows, and other advanced presentation tools.
These limitations make the free version more suitable for light, everyday tasks rather than complex, professional workflows.
A Strategic Experiment
Microsoft’s experiment with ad-supported Office comes as the company continues to bundle AI-powered features into its Microsoft 365 subscriptions. These enhancements, which have rolled out globally alongside price adjustments, demonstrate Microsoft’s commitment to evolving its offerings.
The ad-supported version may be part of a larger strategy to capture more users in developing markets or entice casual users to eventually upgrade to a paid subscription. After all, once users are hooked on the convenience of desktop apps, they may be willing to pay to remove ads and unlock full functionality.
What Lies Ahead?
While Microsoft insists this is just a limited test, the groundwork has been laid for a potential global rollout. If successful, this move could make Office apps more accessible to students, freelancers, and budget-conscious users worldwide. On the flip side, it raises questions about the balance between affordability and user experience.
Would you tolerate ads in exchange for free access to Office? Or would you rather stick to a subscription for an uninterrupted, feature-rich experience? Either way, Microsoft’s latest experiment is a fascinating glimpse into the evolving future of productivity software.
We’ll be watching closely to see where this test leads — and whether free Office with ads becomes the next big shift in the tech landscape.
