Microsoft is experimenting with a new ad-supported free version of its popular Office apps—Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. This test allows some users to access the apps without purchasing a Microsoft 365 subscription, but with limited features and occasional ads.
What’s New in the Free Tier?
Typically, users must subscribe to Microsoft 365 to unlock full access to Office apps. However, a small group of users has spotted an alternative option—a free, ad-supported tier. This option appears when users click on the “Buy Microsoft 365” button within the Office apps. Instead of showing subscription plans, a message prompts users to “Try Microsoft 365 for free.”
Features of the Free Version
The free version of Microsoft Office includes access to three apps: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Users can access these apps with limited features, including 5GB of cloud storage powered by OneDrive. However, there are some notable restrictions.
For starters, a persistent ad banner appears on the right side of the app interface, which cannot be removed. Additionally, a muted 15-second video ad plays every few hours, further promoting the ad-supported experience. Users are also unable to save documents locally, as everything must be stored in the cloud. Some advanced features like adding watermarks, installing add-ins, or analyzing data are unavailable in this free tier.
Current Test and Availability
As of now, Microsoft is conducting a limited test of this ad-supported version. The company has not yet indicated plans to roll it out globally. India appears to be one of the regions included in this experiment, though other regions have not been confirmed.
A Microsoft spokesperson mentioned that there are no current plans to launch a permanent free version of the Office apps for desktop users. This test is primarily aimed at assessing the viability of a free, ad-supported model.
Why This Matters
For users looking for basic access to Office apps without paying for a subscription, this new offering may be a welcome change. However, it comes with the trade-off of ads and feature limitations. While the concept of a free version is appealing, many will likely find the ads and restrictions a bit inconvenient, especially if they rely on advanced features in their daily work.
Microsoft’s move to test this free, ad-supported version could have broader implications for the company’s approach to monetizing its apps. With so many people using Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for work or personal projects, it remains to be seen whether this ad-supported model will be embraced or remain a temporary experiment.
For now, the free tier is available to a select group of users, with no clear indication of a full rollout. If you’re interested in trying it out, keep an eye on your Microsoft 365 apps to see if the free version appears as an option.
In Summary
Microsoft’s new ad-supported free tier for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is a limited-time test, offering basic access to these apps with ads and reduced features. While the company has no immediate plans to expand the offering, it provides a glimpse into a potential shift in how Microsoft might offer its tools to users who prefer not to pay for a subscription. If you’re in India and spot this option, it could be your chance to experience Office apps with a few ads along the way.
