How to download and install Office step by step

Would you like to know How to download and install Office step by step in the simplest, most legal, and most secure way possible? Over the years, Microsoft Office has been the most widely used application suite in both home and professional environments thanks to programs like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. However, there are increasingly More options, versions, and methods for installing Office, whether licensed or unlicensed, which can raise many questions among users: What's the best way to get Office on your computer? What free alternatives are available? How do trial versions, educational licenses, or alternative suites like WPS Office work?

In this article you will find A detailed and updated guide to all the legal and available ways to download and install Office, both on Windows and Mac, as well as the requirements, tips and warnings you should keep in mind. depending on your case. We'll cover free and paid options, little-known but permitted methods, how to take advantage of educational offers, what to do if you don't have a license, and What alternatives exist if you don't want to spend money?Get ready to clear all your doubts and have your Office suite ready to use!

Prerequisites before installing Office

Before you jump into downloading and installing Office, it is essential Identify what type of product you have, your situation as a user and your needsMicrosoft distributes Office primarily through:

• Microsoft 365 Subscription (formerly Office 365): Access to the full suite for as long as you pay for your subscription, with automatic updates and cloud storage.
• Perpetual license (Office 2021, LTSC, previous versions): You pay once and can use the specific version forever, with limited features and no major updates.
• Business/Educational Distributions: They usually require linking to a professional or school account.

Depending on your case, the Installation, activation and download steps may vary considerablyIf you don't yet have a Microsoft account, a product key, or don't know what you're entitled to, this is the first point to resolve. It's also important Check that your device meets the minimum operating system, storage, RAM, and processor requirements. for Office to work properly.

We also recommend that you have this article on hand about "Office Can't Open a Corrupted File: Effective Solutions»

Download and install from Microsoft 365: the official and most common method

The simplest and most recommended way for most users is Download Office through your Microsoft 365 subscriptionThis method is safe, fast, and compatible with both Windows and Mac. Below is an updated process:

1. Access the official Microsoft 365 portal with your accountIf you purchased a subscription or your company/educational institution provided you with access, log in to the website and go to the installation section.
2. Click the button to download OfficeThe system will automatically detect your operating system and offer the appropriate version (Windows/Mac).
3. Open the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen wizard. You may be asked to sign in again with the Microsoft account associated with your subscription.
4. Finish the installationOnce the process is complete, open any Office application (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and verify that everything is working correctly.
5. Activate Office if necessaryTypically, if you're signed in during installation, Office is activated automatically. If not, you'll need to enter a product key or complete the process online.

This method is recommended for most, since guarantees access to updates, official support and all included applications, such as OneDrive or Teams. For multi-device installations, Microsoft 365 allows use Office on up to five computers per user depending on the type of plan.

Installing Office via third-party platforms: the GoDaddy example

Some companies, like GoDaddy, offer integrations with Microsoft 365 in your business email plans. In these cases, although the basics are the same (using the assigned Microsoft 365 account), access and installation may vary slightly:

1. Access your GoDaddy email and Office dashboard with your username and password.
2. Look for the option Download Office to start the direct download of the suite.
3. Select whether you want the desktop or mobile version based on your needs and operating system.
4. Complete the wizard-guided process, following GoDaddy's own instructions.
5. Remember, if you already have Office installed but not linked to GoDaddy, you may only need to activate the license by entering your credentials, without having to reinstall.

It is important check that you have a compatible plan and the number of activations allowed. If you've already reached the limit of authorized devices, you'll need to uninstall Office on another computer before you can activate it on a new one.

Downloading and installing Office without a license: free and legal options

Although the Microsoft 365 subscription is the official and secure route, there are Alternative methods to download and install Office without paying for a licenseThese options are suitable for students, low-income users, or those who want to try Office before buying. Here are the main ones:

1. Use the free ad-supported versions (coming soon)

Microsoft is preparing a free version of Office with adsAlthough it's still in the testing phase and available only to a small group of users, it will allow free and legal access to Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, albeit with limited features and embedded advertising.

• Go to the official Microsoft 365 website.
• Click 'View plans and pricing' and check if you qualify for the free plan.
• If you see the 'Continue for free' option, follow the link and install the free version available.

At the moment, this option is not universally open, but Microsoft will gradually expand access. Remember that storage is managed through OneDrive, and features may be more limited than the paid version.

2. Microsoft 365 free trial for 1 month

Another legal option is Take advantage of the free 365-day trial of Microsoft 30It's ideal for those who want to experience the entire suite before deciding to pay.

• Go to the official Microsoft 365 website and select the free trial.
• Complete your registration and add a valid payment method (you won't be charged if you cancel before the trial ends).
• Download and install Office following the standard process.
• Don't forget to unsubscribe if you decide not to continue after the trial month.

This possibility is available for both Windows and Mac and Includes access to all Microsoft 365 apps and benefits, although you'll need to share your bank details to get started.

3. Office 365 Education: Free for students and teachers

If you are a student or employee of a recognized institution, you can get Office 365 Free, lifelong education as long as you maintain your academic affiliation. The usual steps are as follows:

1. Visit the Office 365 Education portal and find the section to begin registration.
2. Enter your academic email provided by your center. This address is the official verification method.
3. You will receive a validation email. Confirm your access and complete your registration by following the instructions.
4. You'll be able to download Office and activate your license to use Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and OneNote, for example, on your computer and other compatible devices.

This license is Completely legitimate, free and valid as long as you remain a student or teacher at the registered institution. It also allows you to download and install apps on multiple devices at no extra cost.

Installing Office using ISO and ODT files

Sometimes You may want to install Office from a downloadable ISO file or using the ODT (Office Deployment Tool). This can be useful for older versions, offline devices, businesses, or users who want to customize their installation. Keep in mind that while downloading older ISOs isn't illegal, Its activation requires a valid product key and Microsoft is increasingly limiting these options.

Download Office from an ISO

Office 2016, 2019, or earlier versions can be found in ISO format. Once you download the image, you'll need to mount it on your computer (Windows and Mac offer native installers) and run the installation file.

Eye: Using activation tools like KMSpico can be risky and is a legal gray area. If you have a legitimate product key, enter it when prompted. If you don't have one, Office will run as a demo version for a limited time before requiring activation.

Custom installation with Office Deployment Tool (ODT)

La Office Deployment Tool It is an official Microsoft utility intended for IT administrators and advanced users who need control exactly which applications and components are installed. It can also be used to install Office LTSC (long-term commercial version) in companies or for environments where stability is a priority.

1. Download ODT from the official Microsoft website.
2. Unzip the ZIP file and locate the file configuration.xml (configuration template).
3. Edit the configuration.xml file in a text editor to specify the products and versions you want to install (for example, only Word and Excel, language, edition, etc.). You can find configuration examples in the Microsoft documentation.
4. Open Terminal or Command Prompt as administrator, navigate to the folder where you have the ODT files, and run the appropriate command to start the download and installation based on your selected settings.
5. Once installed, run any Office program and enter a valid product key for activation. If you don't have one, you'll rely on other activation methods, such as KMS or MAK keys.

This option is Ideal for businesses, universities and users with specific needs, as it allows you to control even the smallest details of the installation and configuration.

What happens if you don't have an Office license?

Not all free methods allow unlimited operation without a license. Microsoft can detect unlicensed installations and automatically deactivate Office after a trial period.However, there are options that do not require payment and are perfectly legal:

• Microsoft 365 free trial for 30 days.
• Free educational license for recognized institutions.
• Use the future free ad-supported version (as soon as it becomes available).
• Opt for alternatives such as WPS Office, a compatible and free suite, which we discuss below.

WPS Office: The Best Free Alternative to Microsoft Office

For users looking All the basic features of Office without paying, WPS Office is the most complete and easy-to-install alternative suiteIt's fully compatible with major Microsoft formats (docx, xlsx, pptx), works on both Windows and Mac (and mobile devices, too), and can be downloaded for free from its official website.

Some of its main advantages include:

• intuitive usability and very similar to Office, so the adaptation period is minimal.
• It includes Word processor, spreadsheet, presentation, and PDF editor in a single installation.
• La free version is more than enough for most of users and does not require entering payment cards or personal data beyond an optional email address.
• Functions of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for writing assistance, summarizing, creating key points, grammar correction, etc.
• Super easy installation: Download, double-click, and install. No need to mount ISOs or configure anything additional.

So if you just need to write, make spreadsheets or create presentations, WPS Office is a fantastic option, hassle-free and at zero cost.. Plus, you can keep it installed alongside Office if you wish, without any incompatibilities.

Frequently asked questions about downloading and installing Office

Can I install Office for free without a license?

The Older versions of Office can be installed without a license using downloaded ISOs, but they only work for a limited trial period and lose functionality sooner rather than later. The safest and legal option is to use a Microsoft 365 free trial and educational license if you are eligible.

Where can I download the Office suite for free?

Completely legal, free versions can only be downloaded from the official Microsoft website (Microsoft 365 trial) or from partner platforms (education, business plans, GoDaddy, etc.). For a free alternative, WPS Office is available on its official website and offers all the basic features at no cost..

Which versions of Office work without a license?

You can currently install Office LTSC 2024 and activate it using KMS product keys, but you need access to these keys (usually only for businesses). Older versions can be installed via ISO, but sooner or later Microsoft will detect the lack of a license and deactivate the product.

How to download Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for free?

If you don't want to pay, WPS Office offers you fully functional and compatible apps Free of charge, no subscription required. Just download the installer and you're done.

What's happening with the Microsoft Office price increase?

As of January 2025, Microsoft has increased the prices of its Microsoft 365 subscriptions., in part due to new AI features like Copilot. However, current subscribers can stay on the "Personal Classic" and "Family Classic" plans without AI features and at a lower price. If you're looking to avoid recurring fees, now's a good time to consider non-subscription options or alternatives like WPS Office.

Installing Office on Mac: Key Points

On Mac, the process is very similar to Windows. Download and installation are done from the Microsoft 365 website or from the educational link if you are a student or teacher.For years now, it's no longer possible to install Office on Mac from an ISO, so you have to use the official installer. You can also use WPS Office, which is compatible with macOS (versions 11, 12, 13, and earlier) without any issues.

Important tips for installing and activating Office

• Do not trust unofficial download sites or pirated activators.: The risk of infecting your PC with malware is very high, and you could lose data or compromise the security of your computer.
• Always keep your software updated: Older versions of Office may be vulnerable to attacks and may no longer be supported.
• Check the number of activations allowed by your licenseMicrosoft may limit the number of devices per user, and the “maximum number of activations” error is common.
• Uninstall previous versions of Office before installing a new one to avoid conflicts and activation problems.
• Do not forget that The simplest and most legal option for basic use is WPS Office if you don't want to complicate things.

What to do if you can't activate Office?

If after installing Office the suite asks you to activate it and you do not have a valid key, Office will work in a limited way (basic viewing or editing only) and warning messages will appear. You have several options:

• Request a valid key or access to Microsoft 365 from your company or educational institution.
• Start a free trial for 30 days or take advantage of temporary promotions that Microsoft may offer.
• Opt for a free alternative while you decide whether to purchase a license later.