Microsoft Word isn’t a free download you can grab from any site. To install the desktop app, you need either a Microsoft 365 subscription or a one-time Office (or Word) purchase, and you download it from your Microsoft account. This guide walks through installing Word on Windows and Mac, plus the free ways to use Word if you don’t want to pay.
Quick answer
Go to m365.cloud.microsoft/apps, sign in with the Microsoft account linked to your Microsoft 365 or Office purchase, select Install apps, and run the downloaded installer. Word installs along with the other Office apps.
Before you start
- A license. You need a Microsoft 365 subscription (Personal, Family, or a work or school plan) or a one-time purchase such as Office Home 2024. If you bought a product key, redeem it first at Microsoft’s setup page so it’s tied to your account.
- The right account. Use the Microsoft account, or work or school account, that the license belongs to.
- A supported system. Current versions of Microsoft 365 run on Windows 10, Windows 11, and the three most recent versions of macOS.
- Disk space and a good connection. The Office installer downloads several gigabytes of files.
How to install Word on Windows
- Open your browser and go to m365.cloud.microsoft/apps.
- Click Sign in and enter the email and password for the account tied to your license.
- Select Install apps, then Install (with a work or school account, choose Microsoft 365 apps).
- Open the downloaded setup file. If Windows asks whether to allow the app to make changes, click Yes.
- Wait while Office downloads and installs. Keep the PC online until you see the message that you’re all set.
- Open the Start menu, search for Word, and open it.
- Accept the license agreement and sign in if prompted. Word is now activated.
The 64-bit version installs by default. Microsoft only uses 32-bit if you already have 32-bit Office apps on the PC.
How to install Word on a Mac
- Go to m365.cloud.microsoft/apps and sign in.
- Select Install apps to download the installer package.
- Open the downloaded .pkg file from your Downloads folder and click Continue.
- Agree to the license and click Install. Enter your Mac password if asked.
- Open Word from the Applications folder or Launchpad, then sign in to activate it.
You can also get Word from the Mac App Store. Search for Microsoft Word, click Get, and sign in with your Microsoft account when you open the app to unlock editing.
Can you install only Word?
With Microsoft 365, the installer adds the full set of apps, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. If you only want Word, you can buy a standalone copy of Word as a one-time purchase from Microsoft, which installs just that app. On a Mac, the App Store version lets you download Word by itself.
Free ways to use Word
- Word for the web: Sign in at microsoft365.com with a free Microsoft account to create and edit documents in your browser. It covers most everyday writing, though some advanced features are missing.
- Students and teachers: Many schools provide Microsoft 365 Education for free. Check with your school’s IT department or sign in with your school email.
- Work accounts: If your employer uses Microsoft 365, you may be able to install Word on your personal computer with your work account.
- Phones and tablets: The Word app is available on the App Store and Google Play. Basic features are free on smaller devices.
Avoid “free Word download” sites that aren’t Microsoft. Those installers are often unlicensed or bundled with malware.
Troubleshooting installation
- Install button missing: The account you signed into doesn’t have an active license. Try a different account or check your subscription in your Microsoft account.
- Install stuck or fails: Restart the PC, check your internet connection, and run the installer again. Pausing antivirus temporarily can help.
- Older Office versions installed: Remove them first. Our guide to uninstalling Microsoft 365 on Windows 11 shows how.
- Word says “Unlicensed Product”: Open Word, click File > Account, and sign in with the account that holds your license.
Installing an older version? See how to install Office 2016 on Windows 11.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to install Word?
Usually 10 to 30 minutes, depending on your internet speed. Most of the time is spent downloading.
How many computers can I install Word on?
Microsoft 365 Personal and Family let each person sign in on up to five devices at once. A one-time purchase such as Office Home 2024 is for one PC or Mac.
Do I need to stay online to use Word?
No. After installation and activation, the desktop app works offline. Microsoft 365 subscriptions need to go online periodically to confirm the subscription is active.
Can I move Word to a new computer?
Yes. Sign in on the new computer and install it the same way. With a one-time purchase, uninstall it from the old computer first.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.