close
close

How to download Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word on MacBook purchasing page.
Digital trends

If you are looking for a word processing application for writing essays, reports, articles, and similar documents, then you should probably check out one of the best applications out there, Microsoft Word.

We’ll show you how to download Microsoft Word, as well as a few other options for using the popular Microsoft Office application.

How to buy and download Microsoft Word

While you can visit the Microsoft Store and look for Word in the product catalog, it can be difficult to find the page where you can buy Word without Microsoft 365. Here, we’ll show you how to get there faster.

Note:Prices below are current at the time of writing, they are subject to change at any time.

Go to the Microsoft Store, directly to the page to purchase Word for Home for the current price of $160. If you are a student, you can visit the Word for Home and Student page to get a discount and pay only $80.

Microsoft Word purchasing page.
Digital trends

You will see a description with an overview and requirements for your system.

Remember to check it out Requirements before purchasing and remember that you need at least Windows 11, Windows 10, or macOS to install Word. Select Buy now at the top.

Microsoft Word requirements.
Digital trends

On the Shopping Cart page you will see the total purchase amount. Please note that you will receive a digital copy of Word, not a physical one. Select Check out to continue.

Microsoft Word shopping cart page.
Digital trends

When prompted, enter your username and password to sign in or create a new Microsoft account.

Complete the remaining steps by selecting your payment method and optionally entering a promotional code. Select Place your order to continue.

Checkout page in Microsoft Word.
Digital trends

To download and install Microsoft Word, follow the on-screen instructions for your web browser and operating system.

How to Download Microsoft Word on Your Mobile Device

If you have a free Microsoft account, you can download and use the Word app on your mobile device. Although the apps have limited features compared to using them with a Microsoft 365 subscription, you can still do the basics. You can create documents, use templates, share them with others, and access files using OneDrive.

On Android, download Microsoft Word from Google Play or on iPhone, iPad or Apple Vision, download Microsoft Word from the App Store. Select Install Or Get depending on the device.

After downloading, click Open in Google Play or the App Store, or access the Word app from your home screen. If prompted, sign in with your Microsoft account to get started.

If you are interested in a Microsoft 365 plan, you can view options via in-app purchases on your device.

Other ways to get Microsoft Word

You may be wondering how you can get Microsoft Word for free. The best option is to use Word for the web. Simply sign up or log in with your Microsoft account, and then you can create documents, use templates, collaborate with others, and get 5 GB of cloud storage, all without paying a dime.

Site with free online access to Microsoft Word.
Digital trends

If you are interested in checking out the complete Microsoft Office suite, you have options there as well. You can use other Office applications for free on the web, just like Microsoft Word. Alternatively, you can purchase Microsoft Office and download it to your computer.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get an older version of Microsoft Word for free?

You can find and buy older versions of Microsoft Word on sites like eBay or similar. Just make sure the application is not activated.

Why can’t I download Word on my laptop?

Before purchasing Microsoft Word, make sure your computer meets the system requirements. For example, you can’t install the PC or Mac version of Office on a Chromebook, you must install the correct 32-bit or 64-bit version, and you need at least 4 GB of available disk space on Windows or 10 GB on a Mac.

If you believe you meet the requirements and are still unable to download or install Word, visit the Troubleshooting page on the Microsoft Support website.

What’s similar to Microsoft Word but free?

If you want to explore other options before buying Word, similar applications are available for free. These include individual web apps like Google Docs, as well as suites like LibreOffice. Check out our suggestions for the best Microsoft Office alternatives.