2 Easiest Ways to Use Microsoft Office 2021 on Linux for Free

Microsoft Office 2021 is the latest version of the popular office suite, but it's not officially supported on Linux. This can be frustrating for users who want to use the latest features and functionality, especially if they're looking for a free solution.

In this article, we'll explore two easy ways to use Microsoft Office 2021 on Linux for free. We'll also provide some tips and compare the two methods based on our experience.

Method1: Use Microsoft 365 Online on Linux for Free Online

It’s so sad to say that Microsoft desktop apps do not support LinuxOS and there is no reliable source for installing Microsoft Office 2021 for Linux yet, but don’t worry we still have a way for Linux users use it, please follow these steps:

Step 1: Access Microsoft 365 Online

Navigate to the Microsoft 365 web page using your preferred web browser

Step 2: Sign In or Create an Account

Sign in with your Microsoft account credentials or create a new account if you don't have one. This account is necessary to access Microsoft Office apps online.

Step 3: Explore Office Apps

Once signed in, you'll have access to a suite of Office apps, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more. Click on the app you want to use.

Step 4: Start Using Office

You can now start using the selected Office app directly in your web browser. Create, edit, and save your documents in the cloud.

I also give some Pros and Cons for you reference

Pros:

• Ease of Access: No installation or compatibility issues on Linux.

• Cross-Platform: Access your documents from any device with an internet connection.

• Collaboration: Real-time collaboration with others on documents.

Cons:

• Internet Dependency: Requires an internet connection.

• Limited Features: Some advanced features may be limited compared to desktop versions.

• Storage Limits: Limited cloud storage for free accounts.

By following this method, you can seamlessly harness Microsoft Office 365 on your Linux system. Enjoy the convenience of Office apps without the hassle of installation.

Method 2:  Use Microsoft Office 2021 Features via WPS Office

1. What Is WPS Office and Why Choose it?

WPS Office is a free and open-source office suite that includes a word processor, spreadsheet program, and presentation software. It is also a powerful project management tool, with a variety of templates and features that can help users to plan and manage events.

WPS Office is a great alternative to Smartsheet, especially for users who are looking for a free and easy-to-use solution. It offers a variety of advantages, including:

● Free download and free to use Word, Excel, and PPT: WPS Office is completely free to use, with no hidden fees or subscriptions.

● Powerful PDF toolkit: WPS Office includes a powerful PDF toolkit that allows users to create, edit, and convert PDF files.

● Rich template store: WPS Office has a rich template store with over 10,000 templates to choose from, including a variety of scheduling templates.

● Rich functions: WPS Office offers a wide range of features and functions, including the ability to collaborate with others online and to create and edit documents on the go.

● Light weight: WPS Office is a lightweight application that takes up very little space on your computer.

● Support online documents: WPS Office allows users to save and access documents online, making it easy to collaborate with others and to access your files from anywhere.

● Safe and stable: WPS Office is a safe and stable application that has been used by millions of people around the world.

Besides that, these are unique features not offered by Microsoft Office for FREE but WPS has:

• Co-Editing: Collaborate within Word documents, spreadsheets, and presentations in real-time, enhancing teamwork and productivity.

• Group Document Sharing: Share documents within a group, allowing members to edit with your permission, streamlining group projects.

Don’t stop at that, WPS AI complements WPS Office by offering advanced features such as document analysis, efficient formatting, and intelligent content recommendations. It's the perfect companion to boost your productivity and streamline your document creation process.

1. How to Edit Word/Excel/PowerPoint in WPS Office

1. Download and Install Ubuntu

Note: If you already have Ubuntu installed, you can skip this part.

Ubuntu is one of the most popular Linux distributions, known for its user-friendly interface, stability, and vast software library. It's an excellent choice for beginners and experienced users alike.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to download and install Ubuntu:

Step 1: Download the Ubuntu file.

Go to the Ubuntu website and click on the "Download" button

Step 2: Select the Ubuntu version that suits your needs (e.g., LTS for long-term support) and click "Download."

Step 3: Create a bootable USB drive.

You will need a USB drive with at least 4GB of free space. You can use a tool like Etcher to create a bootable USB drive from the Ubuntu ISO file.

Step 4: Boot from the USB drive.

Insert the bootable USB drive into your computer and restart it. Access the boot menu (usually by pressing F2, F12, or Del during startup) and select the USB drive as the boot device.

Step 5: Start the Ubuntu installation process.

Once Ubuntu boots from the USB drive, click "Install Ubuntu" from the welcome screen. Follow the on-screen instructions to select your language, keyboard layout, and installation type. You can choose to install Ubuntu alongside your existing OS or replace it.

Step 6: Create User Account

Set your username and password for the Ubuntu system. You can also choose to enable automatic login and encrypt your home folder for added security.

Step 7: Installation Complete

Wait for the installation to finish. Once it's done, click “Reboot” to install the Ubuntu system.

Step 8: Explore Ubuntu

Congratulations! You've successfully installed Ubuntu. Explore its user-friendly interface, access the Software Center to install applications, and enjoy the benefits of this powerful Linux distribution.

2. Install WPS Office on Ubuntu

WPS Office is a popular office suite for Linux, and installing it on Ubuntu is straightforward. Follow these step-by-step instructions to install WPS Office on your Ubuntu system.

Step 1: Visit the official WPS Office website for Linux

Step 2: Click the "Download" button on the page.

Step 3: Select the correct WPS Office version for your Ubuntu system.

Typically, 32-bit and 64-bit solutions are both offered. Choose the one that best suits the architecture of your system.

Comment: Make sure to download the appropriate package for your Ubuntu version (32-bit or 64-bit).

Step 4: Once the download is finished, look for the file in your "Downloads" folder.

Comment: Ensure you are in the correct directory where the WPS Office installation package is stored.

Step 5: Use the "Open With" and "Software Install" options from the context menu when you right-click on the downloaded file. The Ubuntu Software Center will now be accessible.

Step 6: To start the installation procedure, click the "Install" button.

Comment: Be patient during the installation; it may take a moment to complete.

Step 7: To install software on Ubuntu, you must enter your administrator password when requested.

Step 8: After the installation is complete, you can open WPS Office by selecting it from the programs menu or by using the Ubuntu Dash to search for it.

You've successfully installed WPS Office on your Ubuntu Linux system. You can now enjoy using WPS Writer, Presentation, and Spreadsheets.

3. Start Editing Word/Excel/PowerPoint

After we are done downloading WPS Office, now  I'll guide you on how to create a new file and start editing .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx files in WPS Writer, Spreadsheet, and Presentation.

To create a new file in WPS Writer/Spreadsheet/Presentation:

Step 1: Open WPS Office.

Step 2: Click the New button in the top left corner of the window.

Step 3: Select the type of file you want to create (Writer, Spreadsheet, or Presentation) then click the “Blank” button.

Step 4: A new file will be created and opened.

To start editing an existing .docx/.xlsx/.pptx file in WPS Writer/Spreadsheet/Presentation:

Step 1: Open WPS Office.

Step 2: Click the “File” button in the top left corner of the window.

Step 3: Browse to the file you want to edit and double-click it.

Step 4: The file will be opened in the corresponding WPS application and start to edit

Tips:

• You can also create a new file or open an existing file by pressing Ctrl+N or Ctrl+O, respectively.

• If you have multiple WPS applications open, you can switch between them by clicking the tabs at the top of the window.

• You can also save your files to a cloud storage service such as OneDrive or Google Drive. This will allow you to access your files from any device with an internet connection.

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• Use Word, Excel, and PPT for FREE, No Ads.

• Edit PDF files with the powerful PDF toolkit.

• Microsoft-like interface. Easy to learn. 100% Compatibility.

• Boost your productivity with WPS's abundant free Word, Excel, PPT, and CV templates.

FAQs

1. Which is better: WPS Office or LibreOffice?

Below is a table comparing WPS Office and LibreOffice based on various aspects. Keep in mind that the choice between the two largely depends on your specific needs and preferences.

1. Is WPS Office as good as Microsoft Office?

WPS Office is a good alternative to Microsoft Office, especially for users who are looking for a free or affordable office suite. It offers a full suite of office tools, including word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, PDF editor, and more. WPS Office is also compatible with Microsoft Office formats, so you can easily open and edit documents created in Microsoft Office.

1. Is WPS Office safe to use?

Yes, WPS Office is safe to use. It is developed by a reputable company and has been downloaded over 1.5 billion times worldwide. WPS Office also has a number of security features in place, such as malware detection and encryption.

Summary

The article "2 Easiest Ways to Use Microsoft Office 2021 on Linux for Free" offers Linux users a straightforward solution for accessing Microsoft Office 2021 without costly licenses. Besides that, WPS Office as the key alternative, provides a user-friendly guide with screenshots, highlighting its compatibility, rich features, and WPS AI enhancements. Overall, the article simplifies the process for Linux users, directing them toward a cost-effective and feature-rich office suite in WPS Office.