Why do I suddenly have to pay for Microsoft Office?

Microsoft, like many other software vendors, has turned to a subscription method of licensing. This started with Office 365. Previously, one purchased a license to a specific version of the software. If the software was updated, one had to pay for an upgrade or continue to use the older version.
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When did Microsoft start charging for Office?

When Office 365 first launched in 2013, this subscription-based version of Office was available for the general public to use.
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Is Microsoft Office no longer free?

You can still get free access to Microsoft Office. On a trial period, Microsoft 365 offers a free one-month trial. However, it will require you to enter your credit card details.
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How can I use Microsoft Office without paying?

Anyone can get a one-month free trial of Microsoft 365.
...
Here's how to get them:
  1. Go to Microsoft365.com.
  2. Click Sign up for the free version of Office under the "Sign in" button.
  3. Log in to your Microsoft account or create one for free. ...
  4. Select the app you want to use and save your work in the cloud with OneDrive.
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What is the free version of Microsoft Office called?

Office Online is a free basic version of the most popular programs in the Microsoft Office suite. It lets you create Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, and more without having to buy or install software.
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What Microsoft doesn’t want you to know about Microsoft Office



Can I still use Word without a subscription?

With Office Online, you gain access to online versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Teams, and Outlook at no cost. Lesser-used apps like Microsoft Teams, Forms, and Sway are included in the list of Office Online offerings too. There are no online versions for Access and Publisher, however.
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When did word stop being free?

Except for the advertising-supported Microsoft Word Starter 2010, Word has never been free except as part of a limited-time trial of Office.
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How much is Microsoft Office lifetime?

Head into the new year with an affordable lifetime license to Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac or Windows 2021, available now for $40.
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Why I can't use Microsoft Word for free?

No, You Can't Use the Microsoft Word App on PC (or Mac) for Free. There's an important version of Microsoft Word you can't use for free: the local desktop app for Windows. This is a source of confusion for those who buy a new Windows computer. Most Windows installations have Office apps installed by default.
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Do you have to pay for Microsoft Office every year now?

Office 2021 is sold as a one-time purchase, which means you pay a single, up-front cost to get Microsoft 365 apps for one computer. One-time purchases are available for both PCs and Macs.
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Do you have to pay a yearly fee for Microsoft Office?

There's the “perpetual” version of Office that's available as a one-time purchase; the most current version is Office 2021. Then there's the subscription version that lives in the cloud and for which you pay a monthly or annual fee.
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Why can't i access Microsoft Word anymore?

If Microsoft Word won't open you can try repairing the Office installation. Next, select the option “Quick Repair” to repair your Office programs. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the process. If Word won't open after the repair, repeat the steps and select the option “Online Repair”.
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Why do I need a subscription for Microsoft Word?

With your paid subscription, you don't just get Microsoft Word, Excel and Powerpoint. You'll also have access to Outlook for your emails, Publisher to build more professional documents and files, as well as the Access database software. Microsoft Office lets you edit more files types.
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Is there a free program like Microsoft Word?

Online Microsoft Word Alternatives
  • Dropbox Paper. Dropbox Paper is a free online word processor offered by the online cloud storage provider. ...
  • Google Docs. ...
  • Etherpad. ...
  • Zoho. ...
  • LibreOffice. ...
  • Jarte. ...
  • WPS Office. ...
  • SoftMaker FreeOffice.
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What happens if you don't renew Office 365?

Admins and users no longer have access to the services or Office applications that came with the subscription. All customer data—from user data to documents and email—is permanently deleted and is unrecoverable. At this point, you can't reactivate the subscription.
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How do I permanently activate Office 365 for free?

You have to activate this first. You can read how to activate your free Office suite on your new laptop below.
...
  1. Step 1: open the Office program. ...
  2. Step 2: choose an account. ...
  3. Step 3: log in to Microsoft 365. ...
  4. Step 4: accept the conditions. ...
  5. Step 5: get started.
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What is the cheapest price for Microsoft Office?

Compare Microsoft 365 with Office
  • Best value for 2-6 people. Microsoft 365 Family. Subscription. $99.99/year. Buy now Or buy at $9.99/month Try free for 1 month.
  • Microsoft 365 Personal. Subscription. $69.99/year. Buy now Or buy at $6.99/month.
  • Office Home & Student 2021. One-time purchase for PC or Mac. $149.99. Buy Now.
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Can I use Microsoft Word after it expires?

You'll still be able to open and print your documents but you won't be able to edit them or to create new ones. Tip: In the meantime, you can use Office Online for free in your web browser. Go Office.com to access the free version.
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Where has my Microsoft Office gone?

Choose Start, type the name of the application, like Word or Excel, in the Search programs and files box. In the search results, click the application to start it. Choose Start > All Programs to see a list of all your applications. You might need to scroll down to see the Microsoft Office group.
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Has access been removed from Office 365?

The official shutdown date for Access Web Apps and Web Databases in Office 365 was set for April 2018. Despite declaring the removal of Access from Office 365, Microsoft quietly changed its mind. Updates continued to appear – the latest version of Access in Office 365 was released in September 2020.
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Why can't I access Microsoft Office?

If you see the message "You don't have access to Office apps right now" one or more of the following may have occurred: Your device isn't connected to your company or organization network. The admin has set up two factor authentication and you haven't authenticated in two ways. Your device isn't joined to the domain.
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Can I buy Microsoft Office for lifetime?

With a lifetime license, you'll keep the 2021 version of Microsoft Office rather than getting the latest software updates as they're released like you would with Microsoft 365. For most users, the savings will be well worth it. This deal expires on February 1, 2023, so act fast to sign up and save for life.
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What is the difference between Microsoft Office and Office 365?

Microsoft 365 includes the robust Office desktop apps that you're familiar with, like Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. You also get extra online storage and cloud-connected features that let you collaborate on files in real time.
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How to get Microsoft Office for free in 2022?

While $0 might be an overreach, here are some ways you can get a discount or lower your Office expense costs in 2022.
  1. Microsoft 365 is free for students. ...
  2. Home use program for business. ...
  3. Home edition or family edition trial. ...
  4. Web-version some M365 apps are free with a Microsoft account.
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