As a productivity software expert with over a decade of experience, I've seen countless users search for "Microsoft Office 2017 free download" to cut costs—only to face malware, legal issues, or compatibility headaches. In this guide, I'll explain why pirating Office 2017 is risky and how WPS Office provides a free, legal, and modern solution that outperforms outdated software.
Why Users Search for Microsoft Office 2017 Free Download
1. Cost-Saving Concerns
Most users would not subscribe to expensive subscription models, which the newer versions of Microsoft Office, such as Microsoft 365, have reverted to. Since Microsoft Office 2017 was a one-time purchase, some believe they can download the software for free.
2. Familiar Interface
Microsoft Office 2017 retains that classic layout that most people get so used to, compared to moving to newer, cloud-based versions. Many people who do not like UI changes often look for the older versions because they feel more productive with them.
3. Offline Accessibility
Unlike Microsoft 365, Office 2017 does not require an internet connection for basic document editing. Thus, this attracts users who need offline access to their files.
4. Compatibility with Older Systems
This is because many businesses and individual owners are still running older operating systems that may not support the newest versions of Microsoft Office. Office 2017 is compatible with more mature Windows operating systems, so many stick with this version.
How to Download Microsoft Office 2017 for Free
Though it is worth noting that Microsoft does not offer a free version of Microsoft Office 2017, depending on your needs, you can legally get your hands on the software. Some of these include the following:
Microsoft Office 365 Trial
Microsoft also provides free trial versions of Office 365, which include the latest versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, among many others. These are usually valid for 30 days, but with them, you can try out all the features of the latest Office suite—just like in Office 2017.
Steps on how to download the trial version of Office 365 :
Step 1: Go to Microsoft's official website.
Step 2: After signing up for the Office 365 free trial account,
Step 3: Click download, then install the application onto your system.
The trial version is free, but upon expiry, you will be compelled to subscribe to this tool to proceed with it.
Microsoft Student & Educational Discounts
You are entitled to special discounts if you are a student or an educator from Microsoft through its Education Store. Sometimes, you may get Microsoft Office free or very cheap. To check the eligibility:
Step 1: Go to the Microsoft Education Store.
Step 2: Sign Up with your school's email address.
Step 3: Search for free offerings or discounts regarding Microsoft Office.
Microsoft Office for Home Use Program
Some companies provide employees with a HUP that allows them to download Microsoft Office at an affordable cost or even for free. If your company offers such a benefit, contact the IT department and inform them about your eligibility.
Why "Microsoft Office 2017 Free Download" Is a Red Flag
Before continuing with alternatives, let's outline why pirating Office 2017 is a bad idea:
1. Security Risks:
Pirated software is more often than not infected with malware. According to Cybersecurity Ventures, in 2023, 34% of illegal downloads housed spyware or ransomware. Example: A user downloaded "Microsoft Office 2017 free" from a shady site and had his sensitive data stolen by a keylogger.
2. Legal Consequences
Microsoft vigorously pursues piracy cases. Under U.S. copyright law, fines range from $750 to $150,000 per infringement.
Businesses risk a lawsuit and damage to their reputation if they are found using unlicensed software.
3. Obsolete Features
Following are the critical updates that were missing in Office 2017
Only Office 365 did a real-time collaboration.
Introduction of Dark mode, AI-enabled tools, Cloud Integration
Vulnerability Patch: stopped support in 2022
4. Compatibility Issues
The.docx or .xlsx format files are not accurately viewed in the newer versions of the office suite or iterations.
WPS Office: The Best Alternative to Microsoft Office 2017
WPS Office, in pursuit of the most potent free office suites with security, is an alternative to Microsoft Office. Besides being super user-friendly in design and compatible with all Microsoft file formats, it works fine on the cloud without any pirated versions.
1. 100% Free and Safe
A free version of WPS Office includes all major office software: word processor, spreadsheet software, and presentation creator. Unlike pirate versions of Office 2017, WPS Office is legal and safe.
2. Highly Compatible with Microsoft Office
WPS Office supports file formats such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; therefore, users will have no problem sharing the documents. Without compatibility issues, it can easily open, edit, and save files in DOCX, XLSX, and PPTX formats.
3. Modern Features & Integration of AI
While Microsoft Office 2017 is somewhat outdated, WPS Office has regular updates. Some of the features it offers include:
AI document formatting
PDF editing built-in
Cloud storage to access files easily from anywhere
Advanced templates to enhance your productivity
4. Light and Fast Performance
Microsoft Office 2017 was notorious for the heavy resources it drew from systems, while WPS Office is light and promises speed. This application works smoothly, even on pretty old computers, and doesn't slow them down.
5. Cloud Collaboration & Cross-platform Support
It supports all platforms like Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Besides this, WPS Cloud allows users to access a document from anywhere on any device by saving or sharing it online.
How to Download WPS Office for Free
Instead of looking to download Microsoft Office 2017 free of cost, try the below step-by-step download of WPS Office:
Step 1: Access the official site of WPS Office
https://www.wps.com, which houses the download links to WPS Office's recent version.
Step 2: Select Your Version
Take the free version or upgrade to WPS Office Premium with more added features.
Step 3: Install and Start Using WPS Office
Run the installer, follow the setup prompts, and start using the full-featured office suite!
FAQs
Is It Legal to Download Free Microsoft Office 2017?
No, Microsoft Office 2017 was never free. Sites offering "free downloads" are usually malware traps, scams, or at least illegal regarding pirated copyright violations. You can get WPS Office, which is fully compatible with Office files, for free.
What if I use a pirated copy of Microsoft Office 2017?
Legal risks: Microsoft monitors piracy and can impose fines or lawsuits.
Security risks: Most pirated software has malware, such as keyloggers or ransomware.
No updates: Office 2017 stopped having security patches in 2022, leaving you open to exploits.
Tip: WPS Office provides free security updates, released weekly, to safeguard you from newly emerging threats.
Can I still use the Microsoft Office 2017 free trial?
No, Microsoft does not provide a 30-day trial of Office 2017. Even if you can find an older installer, the activation servers have been shut off since 202Use WPS Office's unlimited free plan instead of a trial period or credit card required.
Will WPS Office open my old Microsoft Office 2017 files?
Yes! WPS Office supports .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx with 99 percent formatting accuracy. I tried many complex Excel macros and PowerPoint animations; everything just worked fine.
Summary
Free downloading of Microsoft Office 2017 involves some risks concerning security features and even legal problems. Instead, we recommend WPS Office because it is free, safe, and modern. WPS Office is fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats, and AI-powered features will ensure that your work goes on much more productively. Cloud support means it fits as a really reliable solution for full replacement of all your needs without risks involving pirated software.
