Guide on Download Microsoft Office for Students

Microsoft Office is a powerful and widely used suite of productivity software. For students, it can be an essential tool for completing assignments and staying organized. However, the cost of purchasing or subscribing to Microsoft 365 Education or Microsoft Office student 2021 can be a burden. In this article, we will explore options for students to download Microsoft Office for free or at a low cost, so they can focus on their studies without worrying about financial constraints.

What is Microsoft 365 Education?

Microsoft 365 Education is a cloud-based suite of productivity and collaboration tools designed specifically for students and educators. It includes familiar applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, as well as other tools like Teams and OneNote that can be used for communication and organization.

There are three different plans available for Microsoft 365 Education: A1, A3, and A5. The features and prices of each plan are outlined in the table below:

The A1 plan is free for all users, but has limited access to functions compared to the paid plans. The A3 plan includes the full suite of Microsoft apps, advanced security features, and other tools like Stream and Forms, making it a good option for larger schools or institutions. The A5 plan adds even more features, including advanced analytics and voice capabilities, and is best suited for larger organizations with more complex needs.

How to Download Microsoft Office 365 Free as Students

Here are the steps to download Microsoft Office 365 for free as a student:

1. Check your eligibility: To download Microsoft Office 365 for free, your school or university needs to have purchased the service and provided you with an email address that ends in the school's domain (e.g. @schoolname.edu). You can check your eligibility by visiting the Microsoft Office 365 Education website and entering your school email address.

2. Create a Microsoft account: If you don't already have a Microsoft account, you'll need to create one using your school email address. Go to the Microsoft Office 365 Education website and click on the "Get Started" button. Follow the prompts to create your account.

3. Sign in to your account: Once you have created your Microsoft account, sign in to the Microsoft Office 365 Education website using your school email address and password.

4. Install Office: On the Office 365 Education dashboard, click on the "Install Office" button in the top right corner. This will download the Office installer to your computer.

5. Run the installer: Once the download is complete, run the Office installer and follow the prompts to install the software on your computer.

6. Activate Office: After the installation is complete, open any Office app (e.g. Word, Excel) and sign in using your school email address and password. This will activate the software and give you full access to all of the Office apps.

It's important to note that you will only have access to the free version of Microsoft Office 365 for as long as you are a student at the school that has purchased the service. Once you graduate or leave the school, you will no longer be able to use the software for free.

How to Use Free Online Microsoft Office

If you are not eligible for the free download of Microsoft Office, you can still use the online version for free. Here are the steps to use free online Microsoft Office:

1. Create a Microsoft account: If you don't already have a Microsoft account, you'll need to create one by visiting the Microsoft account creation page and following the prompts.

2. Go to the Microsoft Office website: Once you have created your Microsoft account, go to the Microsoft Office website.

3. Sign in to your Microsoft account: In the top right corner of the Microsoft Office website, click on the "Sign In" button and enter your Microsoft account email address and password.

4. Choose the app you want to use: From the Microsoft Office website, select the app you want to use (e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

5. Start using the app: Once you have selected the app, it will open in your web browser. You can then start using the app to create or edit documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and more.

It's important to note that the online version of Microsoft Office does not have all the features and functionality of the full desktop version. However, it does offer many of the same basic features and is a good option for those who only need to use the software occasionally or for simple tasks. Additionally, you will need an internet connection to use the online version of Microsoft Office.

Download Office 2021 Students with One-time Payment

Microsoft Office 2021 Students is a one-time purchase version of the popular productivity suite that is specifically designed for students. Here are the features and prices of the Office 2021 Students:

Features:

• Includes classic apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for Windows or Mac

• One-time purchase for one device only

• Does not include access to cloud services like OneDrive, Microsoft Teams, or Skype

Price:

• Office 2021 Students is priced at $149.99 for a one-time purchase of the software on one device.

While Office 2021 Students is a good option for students who only need to use the software occasionally or for simple tasks, we recommend using the Microsoft 365 subscription service instead. With a subscription, you not only get access to the latest versions of the Office apps but also access to cloud services, regular updates, and additional features. Additionally, a subscription allows you to install the software on multiple devices and access your documents from anywhere with an internet connection.

How to Download Microsoft 365 and Office 2021 Students at a Least Cost- Discounts for Students

If you're a student looking to save money on Microsoft 365 or Office 2021 Students, there are a few ways to get discounts:

1. 10% off at Microsoft Store: Microsoft Store offers a 10% discount on select products, including Microsoft 365 and Office 2021 Students, to students, parents, and educators. To verify your student identity, you'll need to provide a valid school email address or a document such as a report card or transcript.

2. College students can get Microsoft 365 for $2.99/month: Microsoft offers a special pricing plan for college students, which allows them to get Microsoft 365 for just $2.99/month. To qualify, you'll need to verify your student status with your school email address or other documentation.

3. Build the future with Azure: Microsoft's Build the Future with Azure program offers free Azure services to students and educators for learning and building cloud-based applications.

4. College students - upgrade to Windows 11 Education: Microsoft offers a free upgrade to Windows 11 Education for students currently enrolled in a college or university. To verify your eligibility, you'll need to provide your school email address or other documentation.

To verify your student identity, you'll typically need to provide a valid school email address, student ID card, report card, or transcript. Some programs may require additional documentation or verification.

If Microsoft's paid services are not within your budget, you can also consider using free alternatives such as WPS Office or Google Drive. These services offer many of the same features as Microsoft Office, and can be accessed from any device with an internet connection.

The Best Alternative of Microsoft 365

There are several alternatives to Microsoft 365 that you can use for free or at a lower cost. Two of the best alternatives are WPS Office and Google Drive.

WPS Office

WPS Office is a free office suite that includes a word processor, spreadsheet program, and presentation software. It is compatible with Microsoft Office file formats, and includes many of the same features as Microsoft Office. Some of the key functions of WPS Office include:

• Writer (Word processing)

• Spreadsheets

• Presentation

• PDF editing

• Cloud storage

WPS Office is compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. It offers both a free version and a premium version with additional features. The premium version starts at $29.99/year.

Pros:

• Free and premium versions available

• Compatible with Microsoft Office formats

• Includes many of the same features as Microsoft Office

• Available on multiple platforms

Cons:

• Some advanced features are only available in the premium version

• May not be suitable for large-scale enterprise use

Google Drive

Google Drive is a cloud-based suite of office applications that includes a word processor, spreadsheet program, and presentation software. It is free to use and includes many of the same features as Microsoft Office. Some of the key functions of Google Drive include:

• Docs (Word processing)

• Sheets (Spreadsheets)

• Slides (Presentation)

• Forms (Survey creation)

• Cloud storage

Google Drive is compatible with most web browsers, as well as Android and iOS devices. It also includes collaboration features that allow multiple users to edit documents simultaneously.

Pros:

• Free to use

• Compatible with most web browsers and mobile devices

• Includes collaboration features

• Integrates with other Google services

Cons:

• May not be suitable for complex documents

• Limited offline access and functionality

• Limited formatting options compared to Microsoft Office

Overall, WPS Office and Google Drive are both viable alternatives to Microsoft 365, depending on your needs and preferences. While they may not offer all of the same features as Microsoft Office, they are free or low-cost options that can help you save money while still getting your work done.

FAQs about Microsoft Office Student

Do I need to buy Microsoft products?

It depends on your needs and usage. If you are a student and only need to use basic features such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, you can consider using the free online version or the one-time purchase Office 2021 Students. However, if you need more advanced features and constant updates, you may want to consider subscribing to Microsoft 365 Education or Microsoft 365 Personal/Home.

What are the differences between MS Office and MS 365 education?

Microsoft Office is a suite of desktop applications that includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more. It requires a one-time purchase to use the software permanently. On the other hand, Microsoft 365 Education is a subscription-based service that includes not only the desktop applications but also online services, such as OneDrive, Teams, and Forms. The subscription service also provides constant updates and new features. Additionally, Microsoft 365 Education is tailored for educational institutions and includes features such as class notebooks and school data synchronization.

How can I check if my school is eligible for free Microsoft 365 Education?

You can check with your school's IT department or visit the Microsoft 365 Education website and enter your school's email address. If your school has an eligible license, you can sign up for free using your school email.

Can I install Microsoft Office on multiple devices with one subscription?

Yes, depending on the subscription plan you choose, you can install Microsoft Office on multiple devices. For example, with a Microsoft 365 Personal subscription, you can install Office on one PC/Mac and one tablet/phone. With a Microsoft 365 Family subscription, you can install Office on up to six devices for up to six users.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Microsoft Office is an essential suite of applications for students, offering various productivity tools that are vital for academic success. In this article, we have provided a comprehensive guide on how to download Microsoft Office for students, including steps for purchasing, installation, and activation. However, for students who cannot afford the premium version of Microsoft Office, WPS Office is a great alternative with similar features and tools. With WPS Office, students can create and edit documents, spreadsheets, and presentations for free, making it a useful tool for academic work. Regardless of the software chosen, students can benefit significantly from the productivity tools offered by Microsoft Office or WPS Office to enhance their learning experience.