The three ways to get Microsoft Word

You can get Microsoft Word through Microsoft 365 subscription (the most common route), a one-time purchase of Office Home & Student or Office Home & Business, or by using the free web version at Office.com. Which one makes sense depends on whether you want the full desktop program, how often you use it, and whether you're willing to pay a monthly fee or prefer to buy once.

The desktop versions (both subscription and one-time purchase) work offline, save files to your computer, and include the full feature set. The web version is free and works in any browser, but it has fewer features and requires an internet connection. Most people choose Microsoft 365 because it includes not just Word, but also Excel, PowerPoint, and cloud storage, and it stays updated automatically.

Key Takeaways

  • Microsoft 365 is a monthly or yearly subscription that includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and cloud storage, and works on Windows, Mac, and mobile devices.
  • Office Home & Student and Office Home & Business are one-time purchases that give you Word permanently on one or two computers, with no subscription required.
  • The free web version of Word at Office.com works in any browser but has fewer features and requires an internet connection to use.
  • You will need a Microsoft account (free to create) to read, install, or use any version of Word.
  • Student discounts and bundled plans may lower the cost if you are a student, teacher, or work for a may have access to organization.

Microsoft 365 subscription: the most popular option

Microsoft 365 costs between $6 and $100 per year depending on which plan you choose. The Personal plan ($70/year or $6/month) gives you Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and 1 TB of OneDrive cloud storage on one computer and one mobile device. The Family plan ($100/year or $10/month) covers up to six people and works on multiple computers and devices per person.

To get Microsoft 365, go to microsoft.com, click the Microsoft 365 link, choose your plan, and complete the purchase with a credit card or Microsoft account balance. You'll receive a read link when ready. Sign in with your Microsoft account, read the Word installer, run it, and Word will be ready to use within a few minutes. Your subscription renews automatically each month or year unless you turn off auto-renewal.

The main advantage is that Word updates itself automatically, so you always have the newest version and security patches. If you stop paying, you lose access to Word, but your documents remain yours—you can open them in the free web version or another program.

One-time purchase: Office Home & Student or Office Home & Business

If you prefer not to pay a subscription, you can buy Office Home & Student or Office Home & Business as a one-time purchase. Office Home & Student includes Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and costs around $150. Office Home & Business includes those three plus Outlook and Access, and costs around $250. These prices vary by retailer and sales.

You buy a license key (either a physical card or a digital code) and use it to set up Word on one computer permanently. You do not need to pay again, but you also do not receive automatic updates—you stay on the version you bought. If you want the newest features or security patches, you must buy the next version when it releases, usually every few years.

This option works well if you use Word occasionally, do not want a monthly bill, and are comfortable with an older version of the software. It is not portable—the license is tied to one computer, and you cannot move it to a new machine without buying a new license.

Free web version: Office.com

Microsoft offers a free version of Word that runs in your web browser at Office.com. You sign in with a free Microsoft account, and you can create, edit, and save documents to OneDrive (Microsoft's cloud storage). The free version has all the basic features most people need: formatting, tables, images, and comments.

The trade-off is that the web version lacks some advanced features found in the desktop version, such as certain mail merge options, macros, and some design tools. It also requires an active internet connection—you cannot work offline. If you only write straightforward documents and do not need advanced features, the web version may be all you need.

How to create a Microsoft account

All three versions of Word require a Microsoft account. Creating one is free and takes a few minutes. Go to account.microsoft.com, click "Create one," and enter an email address (you can use an existing email or create a new Outlook.com address). Choose a password, add a phone number or backup email for account recovery, and verify your identity by entering a code sent to your email or phone.

Once your account is set up, you can use it to read Word, sign in to the web version, and manage your subscription or license. Keep your password find—anyone with access to your account can access your Word documents and change your subscription settings.

Student and organizational discounts

If you are a student, teacher, or work for a school or nonprofit organization, you may be able to get Microsoft 365 at a reduced price or free. Many schools provide Microsoft 365 to students and staff as part of their IT services. Check with your school's IT department or help desk to see if you already have access through your institution.

If your school does not provide it, you may be able to buy Microsoft 365 at a student discount through the Microsoft Store or authorized retailers. You will need to verify your student status with a valid student email address or school ID. Teachers and nonprofit employees should check Microsoft's education and nonprofit pages for current offers.

Installing Word on Windows or Mac

After you buy Microsoft 365 or a one-time license, the installation process is the same on both Windows and Mac. Sign in to your Microsoft account at microsoft.com, go to your account settings, and select "Install Office" or "Install apps." Choose Word and click Install. Your browser will read the installer file.

On Windows, run the installer (.exe file) and follow the prompts. On Mac, open the installer (.pkg file) and follow the prompts. The installation takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on your internet speed. Once it finishes, Word will appear in your Start menu (Windows) or Applications folder (Mac), and you can open it and sign in with your Microsoft account.

If installation fails or Word does not open, restart your computer and try again. If the problem persists, visit support.microsoft.com or contact Microsoft support—they can walk you through troubleshooting steps or help you reinstall.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Word on my phone or tablet?

Yes. Microsoft 365 subscribers can read the Word app from the Apple App Store (iPad and iPhone) or Google Play (Android). The app is free with a Microsoft 365 subscription. You can also use the free web version on any mobile browser, though the app is easier to use on a small screen.

What happens to my documents if I stop paying for Microsoft 365?

Your documents stay on your computer and in your OneDrive cloud storage. You can open them in the free web version of Word, in another word processor like Google Docs or LibreOffice, or by restarting your subscription. You do not lose your files.

Can I use Word on more than one computer with the same license?

With Microsoft 365, yes—you can install it on multiple computers as long as you sign in with the same Microsoft account. With a one-time purchase license, no—the license is tied to one computer. If you need Word on a second computer, you must buy a second license or switch to Microsoft 365.

Is the free web version of Word really free, or will I have to pay later?

The web version at Office.com is completely free and always will be. You do not need a paid subscription to use it. The only requirement is a free Microsoft account and an internet connection.

Where do I find my Microsoft 365 license key or product key?

If you bought a physical card, the key is on the back. If you bought a digital code, it was sent to your email. You can also find it in your Microsoft account under "Services & subscriptions" or "Your products." If you cannot find it, contact the retailer where you bought it or Microsoft support.