The three ways to get Word on your computer
You can get Microsoft Word through a Microsoft 365 subscription (the most common route), buy a one-time license for Word 2024, or use the free web version at Office.com. Each path costs differently and works on different devices. The subscription model gives you the latest version and cloud storage; the one-time purchase locks you into that year's version; the web version runs in your browser but has fewer features.
Your choice depends on how often you use Word, whether you need offline access, and what you're willing to spend monthly versus upfront. Most people choose the subscription because it includes other Office programs like Excel and Outlook, plus automatic updates.
Key Takeaways
- Microsoft 365 subscriptions start at $6.99 per month for a single user and include Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and cloud storage.
- A one-time Word 2024 license costs around $160 and never expires, but you won't receive new features or security updates after purchase.
- The free web version of Word at Office.com works on any device with a browser but lacks advanced features like offline editing and some formatting tools.
- You can read Word directly from Microsoft's website or through the Microsoft Store on Windows, or the App Store on Mac.
Microsoft 365 subscription: the monthly route
A Microsoft 365 subscription is a monthly or yearly payment that gives you access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and other Office apps. The basic plan costs $6.99 per month for one person on one device at a time. The Family plan costs $9.99 per month and covers up to six people, each with their own account and 1 TB of cloud storage.
When you subscribe, you read Word to your computer from the Microsoft 365 website or the Microsoft Store (Windows) or App Store (Mac). You sign in with your Microsoft account each time you open the program. Your subscription renews automatically every month or year unless you cancel it. You always have the latest version of Word, and Microsoft handles security updates automatically.
If you stop paying, you lose access to Word, but your documents stay in your OneDrive cloud storage. You can still view and read them, but you cannot edit them in Word until you resubscribe or buy a one-time license.
One-time Word license: the permanent purchase
You can buy Word 2024 as a standalone program for a one-time payment of around $160. This gives you a permanent license to use that version of Word on one computer. You own it outright — no monthly bills, no subscription cancellation to worry about.
The trade-off is that you get no new features after purchase. Microsoft releases new versions every few years, and if you want the latest version, you have to buy it again. You also do not receive the same priority for security updates that subscription users do, though Microsoft does patch major vulnerabilities.
To buy a one-time license, go to the Microsoft Store (Windows) or App Store (Mac), search for "Microsoft Word," and select the purchase option. You can also buy it through Amazon or other retailers. After purchase, you read the program and sign in with your Microsoft account to set up it.
Free web version: Word online at Office.com
Microsoft offers a free version of Word that runs in your web browser at Office.com. You sign up for a free Microsoft account, log in, and click "Create" to start a new document. You can also upload an existing Word document and edit it in the browser. Your documents save automatically to your OneDrive cloud storage.
The web version works on any computer, tablet, or phone with an internet connection and a browser. You do not need to read anything. The downside is that it has fewer features than the desktop version — some formatting options, macros, and advanced tools are missing. Offline editing is not available; you need an internet connection to work.
The free version is useful for light editing, sharing documents with others, and accessing your work from different devices. If you need advanced features or offline access, you will need a subscription or one-time license.
How to read and install Word on Windows
If you have a Microsoft 365 subscription or a one-time license, go to account.microsoft.com and sign in with your Microsoft account. Click "Install Office" or "Install apps," then select "Install" next to Word. Your browser downloads a small installer file.
Run the installer file (usually named "OfficeSetup.exe"). Windows may ask for permission to make changes to your device — click "Yes." The installer downloads the full Word program, which takes several minutes depending on your internet speed. Once finished, Word appears in your Start menu and on your desktop.
Alternatively, open the Microsoft Store app on your Windows computer, search for "Microsoft Word," and click "Install." The Store handles the read and installation automatically. Either method works; the Store route is simpler if you prefer not to manage installer files.
How to read and install Word on Mac
Sign in to your Microsoft account at account.microsoft.com. Click "Install Office," then select "Install" next to Word. The read begins automatically. Once the file finishes downloading (usually named "Microsoft_Word_Installer.pkg"), double-click it to start installation.
Mac asks for your computer password to allow the installation. Enter it and click "Install Software." The installer copies Word to your Applications folder. Once finished, open Applications, find Microsoft Word, and double-click it to launch the program for the first time.
You can also use the App Store: open the App Store app, search for "Microsoft Word," and click "Get" or the cloud icon if you have already purchased it. The App Store handles installation automatically and manages updates for you.
What to do if you already have an older version of Word
If Word 2019 or an earlier version is already on your computer, you can replace it with a newer version by downloading and installing the new one. The installer usually removes the old version automatically. If both versions remain, you can uninstall the old one manually.
On Windows, go to Settings > Apps > Apps & Features, find the old Word version in the list, click it, and select "Uninstall." On Mac, open Applications, find Microsoft Word, drag it to the Trash, and empty the Trash. Then install the new version using the steps above.
If you have documents created in an older version of Word, the newer version opens them without problems. Compatibility is not an issue — newer versions read older file formats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Word on more than one computer with the same subscription?
Yes, but with limits. A single Microsoft 365 subscription lets you install Word on up to five devices, but you can only use it actively on one device at a time. If you need Word on multiple devices simultaneously, the Family plan covers up to six people, each with their own account and five devices per person.
What happens to my documents if I cancel my Microsoft 365 subscription?
Your documents stay in your OneDrive cloud storage and you can still read them. You can view them in the free web version of Word at Office.com, but you cannot edit them in the desktop version of Word until you resubscribe or buy a one-time license.
Is the free web version of Word good enough for basic writing?
Yes, for basic writing, formatting, and sharing. It handles standard documents, tables, and most formatting options. If you need advanced features like mail merge, macros, or offline editing, you need the desktop version through a subscription or one-time purchase.
Can I use Word on my phone or tablet?
Yes. Microsoft offers free Word apps for iPhone, iPad, and Android devices. You can read them from the App Store or Google Play. On tablets, the app works similarly to the desktop version. On phones, the interface is simplified for the smaller screen. A Microsoft 365 subscription gives you full editing features on mobile; the free version has limited editing on phones.
Do I need to pay for Word if I use Google Docs instead?
No. Google Docs is free and works in your browser. It handles most basic writing and formatting tasks. The main difference is that Word has more advanced features and integrates with other Microsoft Office programs. Choose based on what you need and what others you work with use.