Microsoft Office is known for its ease of usage, simplicity, and portability. However, you may encounter problems while using Microsoft Office on your Chromebook, which no longer supports Office Android programs.
Losing an efficient workflow can result in frustration. You may question, "What can I do to keep using Microsoft Office on my Chromebook"?
This article helps you sort out this problem by exploring an alternative method to stay productive with Microsoft Office. Continue reading this article to equip you with the knowledge to download Microsoft Office for Chromebook and run it seamlessly.
Can I Use Microsoft Office on Chromebook?
Whether you want to work with Word documents, PowerPoint presentations, or Excel spreadsheets, you can use Microsoft Office on Chromebook. Let's learn about how you can access Microsoft Office for Chromebook.
Features
Microsoft Office for Chromebook offers various features to create, edit and collaborate on documents, presentations, and spreadsheets. Its key features include the following:
Offer a comprehensive set of tools and applications that include Excel, Word, and Presentation
Allow users to save their files to cloud storage using OneDrive for easy access
Ensure productivity even without an internet connection; it saves files locally on Chromebook
Support real-time collaboration, and hence multiple users can brainstorm ideas, make changes, and track edits
Files created in Microsoft Office on Chromebook are compatible with opening and editing on other platforms without formatting or compatibility issues
How to Use Microsoft Office on Chromebook
With Chromebooks, all of Google's apps are integrated into Google Drive. They're great, but they are different from Microsoft Office. In the age of remote work and schooling, Chromebooks are also becoming increasingly popular in education and enterprise, and Microsoft Office on a Chromebook is a necessity for some users.
1. Use WPS Office - Free Editor for Microsoft Word/Excel/Powerpoint
If you are searching for a user-friendly option to open and edit your Microsoft files on Chromebook, don't consider anything other than WPS Office. It provides a comprehensive office suite through which you can effortlessly edit your files on your desktop. WPS Office provides the essential tools to edit Word, PowerPoint, and Excel files quickly.
Features
Following are the features of WPS Office:
Provide you with the essential tools to quickly edit Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and PDF file
Enable you to convert documents into PDF files with the facility of watermark removal
Feature a built-in optical character recognition technology to convert images into editable text
Offer Cloud storage and automated backup feature
Support multi-lingual support, file repair or recovery, template gallery, scanning, etc.
Compatibility
WPS Office is compatible with Chromebook, all Windows versions, Android, iOS, Mac, and even Linux. Hence, it allows for easy collaboration between these devices.
How to Edit and Save Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint with WPS?
Follow these simple steps to edit and Save Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel using WPS Office.
Step 1:
Download, Install, and Open WPS Office on your Chromebook. Select which file type (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) you want to open, create and edit.
Step 2:
You can edit your desired file using the tools provided by the WPS office.
Step 3:
After editing your file, go to the "Menu" tab and tap "Save as" from the drop-down menu.
Here you can select the file format compatible with Microsoft Office, like .docx for Word, .pptx for PowerPoint, and .xlsx for Excel. Afterwards, save the file to your desired location on your Chromebook.
This is all you can do to save your files in Microsoft-friendly format.
Pros
Its user-friendly interface helps beginners or experienced users to navigate and utilize its tools and functions.
WPS Office is compatible with the majority of the operating systems
You can work on your documents without an internet connection
The WPS office interface resembles the interface of Microsoft Office, which makes it easy for users to shift
Cons
The cloud storage service is not widely integrated as Microsoft Onedrive or Google Drive
The free version displays ads
Limited features for users with specific advanced requirements
Consider the pros and cons of the WPS office to decide if it is a perfect fit for your needs.
Price
The basic functions of the WPS office are free to use. However, if you want to use advanced features, you can subscribe to its premium version, which is still budget-friendly compared to Microsoft Office.
2. Install Microsoft 365 Progressive Web App
It is unclear how long Microsoft Office apps will be available through the Play Store because of no updates or support. Therefore, it is advisable to switch to progressive web apps.
These are mobile app versions of a website enriched with features like the option to pin the app to the taskbar, access to hardware features, offline usage, updates, and push notifications. In addition, you can also add an extension for your Google Chrome which gives you access to the most recent files you are working on and the apps you are currently browsing. Moreover, you can add shortcuts to your app drawer and pin them to your shelf for instant access.
How to Install Microsoft 365 PWA
You can find and install Microsoft 365 Progressive Web apps on your Chromebooks. Follow the below-mentioned instructions.
Step 1:
Go to Office.com on your Chromebook. Signup or log in to your account.
Step 2:
You will see an install app icon on the address bar; click it. Confirm to start installing the Microsoft 365 web app.
Step 3:
The tab you'll be using will get converted into Microsoft 365 web app. Here you will find shortcuts for Excel, Word, OneNote, and PowerPoint. You can even use these directly from the newly installed web apps.
Pros
Only take up your storage space
Help you pin the app to the taskbar
Access files while travelling or in areas with limited to no internet facility
Automatic updates spare you from the hassle of manual updates
Cons
Limited integration with third-party applications
Users may face compatibility issues based on the browser used
3. Run Microsoft Office on Chromebook via Parallels
The full Windows version of Microsoft Office is accessible and usable on Chromebooks by running Parallels Desktop for Chrome OS.
You can enjoy the whole window experience as a parallel desktop for Chrome OS helps you run the full version of Windows 10. It allows you to download, install, activate, and run any version of Microsoft Office, and hence you can enjoy the desktop app's features.
Data analysis ToolPack in Excel and other advanced features are only available in desktop apps. Having parallel on your Chromebook gives you access to powerful functions exclusive to the desktop versions.
How to Run Microsoft Office via Parallels
Step 1:
You need to have an enterprise-level Chromebook. Install and set up a parallel desktop on your Chromebook.
Step 2:
Configure Parallels Desktop for running the full version of Windows 10 inside the container. Once the window starts running, install the desktop version of Microsoft Office.
Step 3:
Launch the Microsoft apps within the window and use them for your productivity needs.
Pros
Enable users to enjoy the functions of desktop apps and enhance workflow
Eliminate compatibility issues with the documents and desktop apps files
Offer a valuable option for business users who want a complete Office suite
Cons
Restricted accessibility for non-enterprise and personal users
May impact the battery life and performance of the Chromebook
Incur additional costs and require separate licensing
What about Android Office Apps on Chromebook?
Thanks to Google's support for Android apps, you can use Microsoft Office apps on Chromebook. Users can navigate and work with their documents more easily with Microsoft Office Android apps on Chromebooks (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote).
You can sync your documents across multiple devices and access cloud-based files via your Microsoft account. This ensures that you always have your files at hand. Although these are Android apps, Microsoft Office is compatible with a keyboard and mouse/trackpad, making them comfortable and productive for Chromebook users.
There is no specific setup requirement, but it mentions that to get full access on devices more than 10 inches in size, you need to have a Microsoft 365 subscription. However, don't worry, as basic editing is free to use.
How to Use Microsoft Office Android Apps on Chromebook
Step 1:
Download the Microsoft Office apps on your Chromebook from the Google Play Store. Log in through the credentials of your Microsoft account.
Step 2:
Create new files with the desired Microsoft app or access existing files from Cloud.
Step 3:
Use the tools to edit and customize your notes, documents, presentations, and spreadsheets.
Step 4:
Save your files to local storage or the Cloud to ensure your data is secure and accessible from any device.
Pros
The apps are synced with your Microsoft account, which ensures consistency and productivity
Various powerful features help you complete your tasks effectively
Cons
Some features require an internet connection to be functional
Formatting inconsistency may arise due to the difference in the version of Microsoft Office for desktop and Android apps
FAQs
Is Microsoft Office free on Chromebook?
You must purchase Office programs like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for your Chromebook. However, you can work for free on Office webpages in ChromeOS.
Does Chromebook need antivirus?
While Chromebooks have some built-in antivirus features, you can still fall prey to phishing sites, malicious apps, or online scams. Therefore, it is essential to have foolproof antivirus protection.
Why can't I install Office 365 on my Chromebook?
You can download the Microsoft app's desktop (Windows or Mac) version on your Chromebook. Moreover, the Android versions of Onedrive, Office, OneNote, etc., are not currently supported on Chromebook.
Summary
There are many methods to use Microsoft Office on Chromebook; you can use Android apps, Progressive web apps, and parallels. This article provides a step-by-step guide along with the features, pros, and cons of these ways to run Microsoft Office on Chromebook.
Chromebooks have some limitations while running Office apps. So, WPS is a free alternative to Microsoft Office for Chromebook, allowing you to edit and save Microsoft files easily. Its user-friendly interface, ability to edit all documents, and cross-platform compatibility provide a hassle-free experience for Chromebook users.
