For some, Microsoft Office is the only solution for their productivity needs, and those who are unwilling to consider alternatives but still want Microsoft Office for free on older versions of Windows, should know that there are ways to access those versions without cost. In this article, we will delve into the options for obtaining Microsoft Office free download for Windows 7 (it also works for other versions of Windows). In addition, we will provide you free alternatives to Microsoft Office so that you can direcly use the same features as MS Office for free.
What Versions of Office are Compatible with Windows 7?
Please note that Microsoft 365 apps are no longer supported on Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 8.1, as these operating systems have reached their end of support. Using Microsoft 365 apps on older, unsupported systems may lead to performance and reliability issues over time. So you might want to resort to available Microsoft Office versions or the free alternatives of it if your productivity is a major concern.
Available Version
Here are the versions of Microsoft Office that are compatible with Windows 7:
Office 2013
Office 2016 volume licensed version
Office 2016 retail version
Office LTSC and Office 2021
Free Version
Here are some free Office alternatives compatible with Windows 7:
WPS Office Free: This suite includes Writer, Presentation, and Spreadsheets applications. It resembles Microsoft Office and works on Windows, Linux, and Android.
Apache OpenOffice: Featuring Writer, Calc, Impress, Draw, and Base applications, this suite is versatile and works on Windows, Linux, and Mac.
FreeOffice: This suite offers TextMaker, PlanMaker, and Presentations applications. It's compatible with Microsoft Office formats and runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Google Docs: This online suite has Docs, Sheets, and Slides applications, with basic editing features. It's accessible from any device with internet access and supports various file formats, including Microsoft Office.
Compare Different Versions of Microsoft Office
Here's a comparison between the different versions of Microsoft Office for PC Windows, so you may be able to understand the key differences between them and eventually make a more informed decision regarding which would best suit your needs:
Feature |
Microsoft Office 2019 |
Microsoft Office 2021 |
Microsoft 365 |
Microsoft Office Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Licensing |
Perpetual (one-time purchase) |
Perpetual (one-time purchase) |
Subscription-based |
Free, web-based |
Editions Available |
Home and Student, Home and Business, Microsoft Office Professional |
None |
Personal, Family, Business Basic, Business Standard, Business Premium |
N/A |
Included Applications |
Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote |
Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote |
Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote |
Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote |
New Features |
Yes |
Yes |
Regular updates |
Basic features |
Support Duration |
Standard support until October 2023, extended support until October 2025 |
Standard support until October 2025, extended support until October 2030 |
Ongoing |
N/A |
Subscription |
No |
No |
Yes |
No |
Cloud Features |
No |
No |
Cloud-based storage, collaboration |
No |
Internet Required |
No |
No |
Yes |
No |
Cost |
One-time purchase |
One-time purchase |
Monthly or annual subscription |
Free |
Microsoft Office version comparison table
How to Download and Install Microsoft Office for Windows 7
Let's see how we can download Microsoft Office for Windows for free, here are the steps:
Step 1: Commence by visiting the official Microsoft website and logging into your Microsoft account.
Step 2: Navigate to your Microsoft account dashboard. In the sidebar, select "Office apps".
Step 3: Within the Office apps window, locate and click on "Install Office". This action will trigger the download process.
Step 4: After the download finishes, search for the installation file on your computer and proceed to double-click to initiate it.
Step 5: The Microsoft Office installation will commence, and it may require some time to complete.
Step 6: Once the installation is finished, select "Close".
Congratulations, you can now enjoy the benefits of Microsoft Office on your Windows 7 system.
Free Alternatives for Microsoft Office - WPS Office
There's no need to search for a free version of Microsoft Office, especially when it was originally designed as a subscription-based model. Instead, consider WPS Office as an excellent free alternative to Microsoft Office. WPS Office not only offers all the essential features you'd find in Microsoft Office but also provides much more. You can use it online, and its interface closely resembles that of Microsoft Office. Moreover, it excels in handling your documentation, data, and presentation needs without introducing any formatting concerns. WPS Office boasts seamless compatibility with Microsoft Office and is exceptionally user-friendly. Let's take a look into the features and benefits of WPS Office, particularly when compared to older versions of MS Office:
Compatibility: WPS Office is highly compatible with Microsoft Office, ensuring smooth document exchange and editing.
Low-Configuration Computers: It's designed to work efficiently on low-configuration computers, ensuring that even older devices can handle it smoothly.
Free to Use: WPS Office is available for free, offering a wide range of powerful tools without any subscription fees.
Regular Updates: The software receives regular updates, enhancing its functionality and security to keep you up-to-date with the latest technology.
Ease of Use: With an intuitive interface, WPS Office makes it easy for users to adapt quickly and work effectively.
Online Collaboration: You can collaborate with others seamlessly online, making it a great tool for remote work and team projects.
All in all, WPS Office is an excellent choice that not only matches but often surpasses the capabilities of older versions of Microsoft Office. It's user-friendly, compatible, and adaptable, making it a valuable productivity suite for various needs.
FAQs
Q1. Can I still use Office 2007 with Windows 7?
Yes, Office 2007 is still compatible with Windows 7, thanks to the Office 2007 Compatibility Pack. The Office 2007 Compatibility Pack improves the compatibility between Microsoft Office 2007 and earlier versions of Office.Though it will work, it is crucial to remember that Microsoft does not advise utilizing it because it is outdated. An out-of-date software might cause a security risk. The Optimal performance and security come from keeping your software up to date.
Q2. Can my Windows 7 be updated?
Yes, It is possible to upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10. You can achieve this by utilizing the media creation tool on the Microsoft website. It’s vital to ensure that your PC meets the system prerequisites for Windows 10 before proceeding with the upgrade. Review your PC manufacturer's website for updated drivers. However, Microsoft no longer supports Windows 7, so upgrading to Windows 10 is highly encouraged for optimal security and continued support.
Q3. Can I use cracked Microsoft Office?
While it may seem appealing to use a cracked version of Microsoft Office to save money, the associated risks—ranging from legal issues to potential data loss and security vulnerabilities—far outweigh any short-term benefits. Opting for legitimate alternatives or subscriptions is advisable for long-term safety and functionality.
WPS Office: Compatible Productivity Solution for Windows 7
If you're using Windows 7, it's essential to choose an office suite that's fully compatible with your operating system. While Microsoft Office free download for Windows 7 is undoubtedly a top choice, it's worth acknowledging that, despite being an industry standard, it may present some compatibility issues. To address these concerns effectively, we highly recommend considering WPS Office as an excellent alternative. Take a moment to download WPS Office now and experience seamless compatibility and productivity on your Windows 7 system.
