The fastest way to get Word depends on whether you own it already
If you have a Microsoft account and a paid subscription to Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365), you can download Word directly from Microsoft's website without paying again. If you don't have a subscription yet, you'll need to buy one first — there's no free version of Word itself, though Microsoft does offer a free web version called Word Online that works in your browser. The steps differ slightly depending on which route you're taking, so start by figuring out what you actually have.
This guide covers three paths: downloading Word if you already own a subscription, using the free Word Online version, and buying a subscription if you need the full desktop application. Each path takes a different amount of time and requires different steps, so knowing which one fits your situation will save you from going in circles.
Key Takeaways
- Microsoft 365 subscriptions (the paid monthly or yearly plans) let you download the full Word application to your computer after you sign in with your Microsoft account at office.com.
- Word Online is a free browser-based version you can use without paying, though it has fewer features than the desktop version and requires an internet connection.
- You download Word from Microsoft's official website or the Microsoft Store app on Windows, never from third-party sites.
- After you download Word, you'll need to sign in with your Microsoft account each time you open it, and your subscription must stay active to keep using it.
- If your subscription expires, Word switches to read-only mode where you can view documents but not edit them.
Downloading Word if you already have a Microsoft 365 subscription
Go to office.com in your web browser and sign in with the Microsoft account that's connected to your subscription. Once you're logged in, look for the app launcher icon (nine dots arranged in a grid) in the top left corner of the page, then select Word from the list. You'll see an option that says "Install Office" or "Download" — click that.
Windows will download a small installer file called "OfficeSetup.exe" to your computer. Open this file (usually in your Downloads folder) and let it run. The installer will download the full Word application and set it up automatically. This can take 10 to 30 minutes depending on your internet speed. Once it finishes, Word will appear in your Start menu and on your desktop, and you can open it and sign in with the same Microsoft account.
On a Mac, the process is similar: sign in at office.com, click the app launcher, select Word, and choose "Install" or "Download". The installer will be a file called "Microsoft Word Installer.pkg" that you open and run through the setup wizard. The download and installation time is roughly the same as on Windows.
Using Word Online if you don't want to download anything
Word Online is a free version of Word that runs in your web browser — Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari all work. You don't need a subscription to use it, and you don't download anything to your computer. Go to office.com, sign in with any Microsoft account (you can create one free if you don't have one), and click Word from the app launcher. The online version opens right there in your browser.
Word Online has most of the features you'd use for everyday writing: formatting, spell check, comments, and the ability to save documents to OneDrive (Microsoft's cloud storage). It doesn't have some of the advanced tools in the desktop version, like mail merge, macros, or certain design features. If you're writing a simple document, taking notes, or editing something someone else sent you, Word Online usually works fine. The main limitation is that you need an internet connection to use it, and you can't work offline.
Buying a Microsoft 365 subscription to download the full version
Microsoft 365 comes in a few different plans. The most common for individuals is Microsoft 365 Personal, which costs around $70 per year or $7 per month and lets you install Word on one computer plus use it on tablets and phones. Microsoft 365 Family costs more but covers up to six people in your household, each with their own installation.
To buy a subscription, go to microsoft.com/microsoft-365 and choose the plan you want. You'll enter your payment information and create or sign in with a Microsoft account. Once you've paid, you can immediately download Word using the steps in the first section above. Your subscription renews automatically each month or year depending on which plan you chose, so mark your calendar or check your email for renewal reminders.
If you only need Word for a short project, Microsoft sometimes offers a one-month trial of Microsoft 365 at a reduced price. Check the Microsoft 365 page to see if a trial is currently available in your region.
Installing Word from the Microsoft Store on Windows
Windows 10 and Windows 11 have a built-in app called the Microsoft Store. If you have a Microsoft 365 subscription, you can download Word through the Store instead of going to office.com. Open the Microsoft Store app (search for "Microsoft Store" in your Start menu), search for "Microsoft Word", and click the "Install" button. The Store will download and set up Word automatically, and it will update itself whenever Microsoft releases a new version.
Using the Store is optional — downloading from office.com works just as well. The Store method is useful if you prefer to manage all your apps in one place, or if you want Word to update automatically without you having to do anything. Both methods use the same subscription, so you can switch between them without any problems.
What to do if the download gets stuck or fails
If the installer stops responding or the download seems frozen, close the installer window and try again. Make sure you're signed in to your Microsoft account before you start the download — if you're not, the installer won't know which subscription to use.
If you keep getting an error message, restart your computer and try downloading again. Sometimes a temporary network glitch or a background program interferes with the installation. If restarting doesn't help, uninstall Word completely (go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features on Windows, find Microsoft Office, and click Uninstall), restart your computer again, and download it fresh.
If you're still having trouble, sign out of your Microsoft account on your computer, sign back in, and try the download one more time. This refreshes your account connection and often fixes installation problems. If none of these steps work, contact Microsoft Support through your account at account.microsoft.com.
Keeping Word working after you download it
After Word is installed, you need to sign in with your Microsoft account the first time you open it. Your subscription status is checked online, so Word needs an internet connection at least once every 30 days to confirm your subscription is still active. If you don't connect to the internet for more than 30 days, Word will stop working until you sign in again.
If your subscription expires and you don't renew it, Word will switch to a read-only mode where you can view documents but not edit them. You'll see a notification at the top of the window telling you to renew. If you renew your subscription, Word goes back to normal immediately. Your documents stay on your computer and in OneDrive — you don't lose them when your subscription lapses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a completely free version of Microsoft Word I can download?
No, the desktop version of Word requires a paid Microsoft 365 subscription. Word Online is free and works in your browser, but it's not a download. If you need a free downloadable word processor, LibreOffice Writer or Google Docs (which you can download for offline use) are alternatives, though they're not Microsoft Word.
Can I download Word on more than one computer with the same subscription?
Microsoft 365 Personal lets you install Word on one computer at a time, though you can move it to a different computer if you uninstall it from the first one. Microsoft 365 Family lets each of up to six people install it on their own computer. Check your subscription details at account.microsoft.com to see how many installations you have left.
Do I need to download Word, or can I just use Word Online?
Word Online works fine for most everyday writing and editing, and you don't need to download anything. The desktop version of Word has more advanced features and works better if you're offline. If you're not sure, try Word Online first — it's free and you can always download the full version later if you need more features.
What happens if I stop paying for Microsoft 365?
Word will switch to read-only mode, meaning you can open and read your documents but not edit them. If you renew your subscription, it goes back to normal. Your documents stay on your computer and in OneDrive — you don't lose them.
Can I download Word on a Mac the same way as Windows?
Yes, the steps are almost identical: sign in at office.com, use the app launcher to find Word, and click Download or Install. The installer file is different (it's a .pkg file instead of .exe), but the process works the same way on both systems.