In today's modern world, students and professionals use Microsoft Word to create, edit and design different documents. However, purchasing the Microsoft Word desktop version and downloading and installing it on your PC takes work. Can you use Microsoft Word without installing it and paying a high license cost?
In this article, we will give you a comprehensive guide to using Microsoft Word online for free without the need to install it on your PC. Stay with us.
What Is Microsoft Word Online?
Microsoft Word Online is the web version of Microsoft Word, part of Microsoft 365 Suite. You can use your browser's online version of Microsoft Word for free. You only need a Microsoft account to access the Microsoft 365 website. All of your documents will be saved to Microsoft OneDrive. You can easily open and edit your documents from anywhere on any device using your OneDrive account. You can also share your documents with your colleagues and friends.
The web version of Microsoft Word has some of the basic features of the desktop version. However, it has all the required features to fulfil your requirements.
How to Use Microsoft Word Online?
You can use free Microsoft Word online and other Office apps from Microsoft by following the below-listed easy steps.
1. Get started With Microsoft Account
Before starting with Word online, you must sign in to your Microsoft account. If you do not have an account, just create one and sign in with your Microsoft account on the Microsoft website.
2. Create A New Online Word Document
After signing in, a welcome screen will appear with all the office apps listed, including Word. You can create a new document in different ways. Click the Plus (+) icon in the top left-hand corner and select Document from the options. You can also click on the Word icon on the left side panel.
You can start creating your document from scratch by selecting a New Blank Document or using any existing template to create your document more conveniently.
You will find all the basic options of Microsoft Word, like Format, Edit, insert etc., in the Menu Bar and Toolbar of the opened document. You can create, edit and format your document using these options.
3. Save The Document
By default, your document will be named Document 1, Document 2, Document 3 etc. You can rename the document by clicking on the name field at the top of the document.
All the documents are saved to the root location of OneDrive. However, you can change the default location by clicking on File and then Save As option. You can select your desired folder of OneDrive to save your new document.
You can create new folders in your OneDrive by clicking on three dots and then on New Folder. Enter the desired name of your folder and hit the Create button.
You can also save a copy of the document to your PC. Just click on Save As and select Download A Copy. Downloading your newly created document's PDF or ODT version is also available.
There are also some other options in the File Menu. You can print, share and export your document using these options.
4. Features of Microsoft Word Online
Microsoft Word is completely free to use compared to the desktop version of Word. Although it does not have all the features of the desktop version, it comes with all the essential elements. Some of these features are:-
You can avoid repeatedly hitting the Ctrl + S button to save your document. Word Online saves your document automatically.
Good and easy-to-use interface
Compatible with all web browsers
Straightforward collaboration with your colleagues and friends
Cloud storage of all documents in OneDrive
Provides reading view as well as text editing view
Equipped with all essential features like text formatting, inserting an image, word count etc.
Supports all document formats like .doc, .docx, .dotx and .odt etc.
Option to download a PDF version of your document
How To Download Microsoft Word Desktop Version?
1. Visit Microsoft Store to purchase the standalone version of the Word desktop app. There are two versions of the Word app available on the store.
2. If you are a student or want to use Word for personal use, you can select Word for Student and Home. It costs USD 69.99.
3. If you want to use Word for commercial purposes, opt for the standard version of the Word desktop app. It costs USD 159.99.
4. Select your desired version of the Word desktop app and click on the Buy Now button. Your selected product will be added to your cart. Login with your Microsoft account. Enter your credit card details. Review your entered details and click on Place Order.
You can also purchase the Microsoft 365 Suite from Microsoft's official website. The Microsoft 365 suite has many applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneDrive, and Outlook etc.
Differences Between Microsoft Word Online And Offline Versions
There are subtle differences in features of Word online and Word for desktop versions. Here is a comprehensive comparison of both versions of Microsoft Word.
Comprehensive Comparison
Support For Different File Formats
Word Online, now called Word for the Web, supports many file formats, including Word Template (.docx), Word Document (.doc) and OpenDocument Text (.odt). It also supports Word Macro-Enabled Document (.docm).
However, Word for the Web does not support Rich Text Format (RTF), Portable Document Format (PDF) and Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML) files.
Viewing And Printing
If you want to print a document from Word for the web, it uses a PDF reader to print and save it. The document looks the same in Print Layout View as in the desktop Word app.
However, some features differ from the desktop Word app while viewing the document. Word for the Web does not display rulers and gridlines like Word for Desktop. Similarly, in the Reading view, Word for the Web displays the document only in Print Layout View. It does not have Full-Screen Reading, Draft, Web Layout and Outline views as in desktop Word.
Opening And Saving
Word for the web cannot open password-protected documents. Also, a document that requires a password to modify opens in the reading mode in Word online. You have to use The Word desktop app to edit it.
Editing And Formatting
According to Microsoft, theme, page colour, page layout and watermark are preserved in Word for the web. You cannot edit them. Similarly, you cannot create new styles in Word for the web. You can use copy and paste, font and paragraph formatting, numbering and bullets, find and replace and zoom functions in Word for the web.
If you want to edit a document, the editing view does not show margins, page breaks, header and footers, cover pages, etc.
Reviewing
Word Online contains features such as spell check and grammar. However, it does not have a thesaurus. There is also an option of AutoCorrect to correct common spelling mistakes.
Objects
You cannot insert a table of contents in Word online. However, you can edit and update an existing table of content in Word online. You can also view the bibliography and index in reading view in Word online, but you can not edit them.
Shapes, charts, SmartArt, WordArt and equations appear as expected in Word for the web, but you can not edit or resize them. Similarly, you can insert tables, pictures and hyperlinks in Word for the Web. You cannot create screenshots directly in Word online. You can view and edit the documents in Word for the web that contains Macros. But you may have to use the desktop Word app to run these Macros.
Pricing
Word for the Web is entirely free to use. You just need to have a Microsoft account to use Word online. However, if you want to use the desktop Word app, you must pay a certain amount. You can also purchase the Microsoft 365 suite that contains many office tools, including the desktop Word app.
Pros And Cons
Microsoft Word Online
It is available for free, and you can use it conveniently. There is no need to download and install the Word app. It has the feature of Auto Save, and you do not need to worry about saving your document frequently. You can easily collaborate and share your documents with your friends.
However, it only includes some advanced features. It does not support all file formats. You cannot run Macros in Word for the web. There are no advanced design features, table of contents, citations and bibliography in the online version of Word. It also does not include the feature of a thesaurus.
Microsoft Word Desktop App
The Microsoft Word desktop app comes with all the advanced features included. You can use all features conveniently. However, you must pay a certain amount to purchase the desktop app. You will also have to go through the tricky procedure of downloading, installing and configuring the desktop Word app.
Which version of Microsoft Word should you select? Well, it depends on your requirements. Word for the web requires an internet connection to work. If you are facing connectivity issues, you cannot use Word online. Similarly, opt for a desktop version if you want to use Mail merge or run Macros. If you want to enjoy all the advanced features of Microsoft Word, go for the desktop version.
Best Alternatives To Microsoft Word Online
Many alternatives to Microsoft Word are also available in the market. They come with all the features of Microsoft Word online. The best alternatives to Microsoft Word for the web are WPS Writer and Google Docs.
1. WPS Writer
Basic Information
WPS Writer is an excellent alternative to Microsoft Word for the web. Kingsoft Office develops it. It is part of the WPS Office suite and is integrated with all the unique and advanced features of Microsoft Word. It is fully compatible with all file formats of MS Word. You can download WPS Office by following easy and simple steps.
1. Visit the official website of the WPS Office.
2. Click on the Free Download button.
3. After the download completion, click on the downloaded exe file in the lower left corner.
4. The WPS Office installation wizard will open. Read and accept the licence agreement and privacy policy and hit the Install Now button. The WPS Office Suite will be downloaded and installed on your PC within minutes.
Pros and Cons
WPS Office is a robust, affordable and easy-to-use office solution. It costs less than Microsoft Office. It supports all file formats of MS Office. It is available for all major operating systems. It is also known to use online. You can create, edit and collaborate on your documents using WPS Office online version.
TrustPilot Rating
The TrustPilot Rating of WPS Office is 4.8.
2. Google Docs
Basic Information
Google Docs is also an excellent alternative to Microsoft Office. It is free to use and has all the basic features of MS Office. It is a perfect option for work collaboration among teams and individuals. You can easily create, edit and format your documents using Google Docs.
Pricing
Google Docs is free to use. There is no associated cost of using it. All the documents in Google Docs are saved to Google Drive. You are provided with 5 GB of free storage in Google Drive. If you want extra storage, you must pay a certain subscription fee.
Pros And Cons
Google Docs is free to use. It is an online word processor. You do not need to install some software and make some tricky configurations. It has collaborative features and document-sharing options. You can share your documents with anyone and can also track changes in the document.
The most significant disadvantage of Google Docs is its limited editing and formatting features compared to WPS Office. It requires an internet connection to work. There is no dedicated desktop application. There are a limited number of built-in templates for customized writing.
Trustpilot Rating
It has a rating of 3.6 on Trustpilot.
FAQs
Q1: What is the latest version of MS Word available?
Microsoft Office is now Microsoft 365, and Microsoft 365 is the latest version available today. MS Word is also part of the Microsoft 365 suite.
Q2: How can we connect with cloud service on MS Word?
There are many options in MS Word to save your files. You can also save your files to different types of cloud services. You can connect your desired cloud service by
1. Click on File > Open > Add Place
2. Select a service from the list and save your documents to the new location.
Q3: What is the shortcut key to creating an MS Word hyperlink?
The fastest way to create a hyperlink is to press the Enter or Spacebar keys after typing the web address. You can also use the shortcut key Ctrl + K to create a hyperlink. Similarly, you can select the text or picture you want to display as a hyperlink, click on the Insert tab, and then select Link. You can also right-click the desired text or image and choose Link on the shortcut Menu.
