Microsoft’s word-processing app for desktop

Microsoft Word is part of a premium office suite developed by Microsoft for desktop devices. This particular program is the company’s word-processing solution that comes bundled with its ever-popular Microsoft Office. It features cross-platform compatibility and integrates with various third-party apps and services.

Like Document Writer or AbiWord, Microsoft Word creates or edits documents using various writing tools. The software is available as part of the Office Home & Student one-time purchase or the Microsoft 365 subscription. Additionally, new users have the opportunity to benefit from a free trial offer.

What does it offer?

Microsoft Office has been around for years and has been the preferred choice for millions of PC users. Microsoft Word is one of the Office suite’s core programs, and as its name would suggest, it can be used for word processing needs and requirements. Every iteration comes with new features and functionalities that offer professionals more flexibility and ways to create documents.

This word processor features a clean and modern user interface continually refined with each new update, with later versions utilizing flatter designs and more rounded corners for various UI elements. Navigating through its various tools and functions can be done via its signature ribbon-style toolbar that groups things into tabs depending on what you need to do.

Speaking of tools and features, you get an extensive list of things available. Aside from the standard editing tools, you can insert objects into your text documents to make them stand out more. Using your digital pen or touchscreen, you can even use the Draw tab to highlight, annotate, and the like.

What can I do with it?

Its simple word-processing roots no longer bind today’s Microsoft Word. This notion is supported by the ever-growing set of things that you can now use it for. For instance, you can use it for more engaging presentations by creating detailed and comprehensive infographics with its 3D model Microsoft Word templates library.

If you work closely in groups, you can use the co-authoring feature that lets multiple users work on the same document simultaneously in real time. Also, if you store your files on OneDrive, all the changes you make are saved instantly, ensuring that nothing gets lost and that everyone always has the most up-to-date copy.

On the flip side, if you read multiple documents daily, you can turn on the Immersive Reader mode to help change visual formats for easier reading. You can even turn on a focus line that blacks out your document and limits your view to only single or multiple rows, improving comprehension and allowing you to practice reading faster.

Can I install Microsoft Word for free?

You can download and use Microsoft Word for free directly in your web browser. Whether you’re using Windows 10, Chrome OS, Mac, Safari, Microsoft Edge, or any other major browser, a free-to-use version of Microsoft Word is available for you to access. To access the free version of Word, all you need is a Microsoft account and an internet connection. Like Google Docs, Microsoft Word online offers automatic cloud backups of your work through OneDrive. This ensures your documents are securely saved in the cloud and easily accessible anywhere.

A one-month free trial of Microsoft 365 is also available, but it does require providing a credit card number.

How do I install Microsoft Word on my laptop?

Microsoft Word download and installation can be a straightforward process. First, ensure your laptop meets the minimum system requirements for downloading MS software. Next, purchase the Microsoft Office software from the official MS website or a trusted computer retailer. Then, download and install the MS Office software on your laptop. You will receive a download link to complete the installation if you purchase it online. Finally, open the Microsoft Word program by clicking Start, selecting Programs, and locating Microsoft Word.

Is Microsoft Word on Windows 10?

In case you already have Office installed, you can conveniently access your Office apps on Windows 10 by simply typing the name of the desired app in the search box situated on the taskbar. However, if you haven’t obtained Office yet, it is advisable, to begin with a free trial of MS 365, a subscription package that encompasses the Office applications.

One of the best available

Microsoft Word is a powerful word-processing application in the Microsoft Office suite. It offers many tools and features for creating and editing documents, including inserting objects, collaborating in real-time, and utilizing immersive reading modes. Microsoft Word is highly regarded for its intuitive interface and compatibility with various devices and platforms. Users can access it for free online or through a Microsoft 365 subscription, and installation on Windows 10 is straightforward.

Can you read me? Loud and clear.

Easy reading

In Read Mode, text reflows in columns automatically for easier on-screen reading.
And fewer menus–only tools that add value to your reading–keep you focused on your content.

Easy writing

The familiar Word program lets you create, edit, and share work quickly and easily.
Most people can open and work with a document in Word. It’s the most popular word processing program in the world.

Bring it all together

1 TB of OneDrive cloud storage keeps you connected to important files.
Install the Office apps on your mobile devices and you can access the latest version of your files anytime, anywhere.
Roaming documents keep track of your most recently used files so you can quickly access them across devices and pick up right where you left.

Get together

Sharing is simplified.
Save files to the cloud on OneDrive, OneDrive for Business or SharePoint and just send everyone a single link to the same file, along with viewing and editing permissions. You’ll all have the latest version of the file.

Work together

You and your team can converse, collaborate and co-author your documents in real-time using Word.
As you and your team make edits and changes to your documents, the improved version history allows you to view or go back to earlier drafts.

Stay on track

Track changes, and add or reply to comments right next to the text you’re discussing.
Everyone can follow the conversation and stay on top of changes to the text, layout and formatting.

It’s professional

Give your documents a professional look—align charts, photos, videos, and diagrams with your text.
Handy alignment guides pop into place when you need them and disappear when you’re done. Live Layouts on your desktop and tablet let you drag a photo, video, or shape to where you want it and the text reflows right before your eyes.

It works with PDFs

Here’s a time-saver you’ll really love: Open a PDF in Word on your desktop, and you can edit content, such as paragraphs, lists and tables, as if you created it in Word.