In today's digital landscape, creating and editing documents efficiently is essential. While Microsoft Word is a go-to solution, acquiring and installing the desktop version involves significant cost and effort. Is there a way to leverage Word's core functionality directly from your web browser—without installation or a high license fee?
This article provides a comprehensive guide to using Microsoft Word Online for free. Discover how to access, create, edit, save and share documents entirely within your browser, eliminating the need for local installation.
What Is Microsoft Word Online?
Microsoft Word Online—the browser-based core of Microsoft Office 365—lets you edit word online documents directly through your browser with just a free account. All changes auto-save to OneDrive in real-time, eliminating manual saves while ensuring secure access from any device. Easily work with key formats like .doc, .docx, .dotx, and .odt, and generate polished PDFs in one click for instant sharing.
How to Use Microsoft Word Online?
In this article, we will guide you on how to register for a Microsoft account, how to edit your online documents, how to save the documents to your computer, how to edit documents, and how to share the article by following the below listed easy steps.
1. How to access Ms Word Online with Microsoft Account
Open your browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari) and go to homepage of word for the web. Sign in with your Microsoft account (create one for free if needed).
2. How to create a new Word Document online
After signing in, the Microsoft 365 welcome screen appears. You can create a new document by:
Clicking the Plus (+) icon (top-left) → select "Document", or selecting the Word icon in the left side panel.
You can start creating your document from scratch by selecting a New Blank Document or using any existing templates to create your document more conveniently.
You will find all the basic options of Microsoft Word, like Format, Edit, insert etc., in the Menu Bar and Toolbar of the opened document. You can create, edit and format your document using these options.
3. How to save a Word Online Document to OneDrive
By default, your document is incrementally named Document[number]; you can also rename it at any time by clicking the title bar at the top of the page and typing a new name.
Documents automatically save to OneDrive's root location. To change the default locations, click on File and then Save As option. You can select any folder in your OneDrive to save your new document.
You can create new folders in your OneDrive by clicking on three dots and then on New Folder.
Enter the desired name of your folder and hit the Create button.
4. How to save a Word Online Document to the Computer
You can also save a copy of the document to your PC. Just click on Save As and select Download A Copy. Downloading your newly created document's PDF or ODT version is also available.
There are also some other options in the File Menu. You can print, share and export your document using these options. If you still want to know more about the "word download" topic, please pay attention to our other articles.
5. How to share your Ms Word document
If you have the requirement of co-authoring a document, you can share it in the following 2 ways:
1. Sharing as a Link
Start by opening the Share option either through the button in the top-right corner or via File > Share. Next, generate a shareable link by selecting "Copy Link" or "Get a Link". Now adjust permissions: enable "Allow editing" if collaborators need to modify content, or disable it to enforce view-only access. For sensitive documents, enhance security by optionally setting expiration dates or password protection. Finally, paste the link directly into emails, messaging platforms (e.g., Slack, Teams), or shared documents to distribute access instantly.
2. Sharing via Onedrive
First, ensure your document is saved to OneDrive cloud storage – since this enables real-time collaboration. Next, click the Share button in the top-right corner. Then, enter your collaborators' email addresses and select permissions: Can view (read-only), Can comment, or Can edit. If you’d like, add a personalized message to your invite. Finally, hit Send to deliver access instantly.
Limitations of Microsoft Word Online
Compared to the desktop version of Microsoft Word, Microsoft Word Online is completely free. However, it has many limitations in terms of functionality, for example:
1. No advanced features: Macros, mail merge, watermarks, section breaks.
2. Limited object support: No ActiveX, embedded video, or screenshots.
3. View-only for secured files: Password-protected docs open in read-only mode.
If you want to fully utilize the functions of MS Word without having to pay a high fee, you can choose to save the file on your computer and then use other software for editing, saving and sharing. WPS Office is a great option that enables you to get rid of the version limitations of Microsoft Word Online and enhance your work efficiency.
How to continue editing your document on the desktop?
Generally speaking, if you wish to continue editing documents on your desktop, you would want to directly download the Microsoft Word app.You can visit Microsoft Store to purchase the standalone version of the Word desktop app. If you are a student or want to use Word for personal use, you can select Word for Student and Home. It costs USD 69.99. If you want to use Word for commercial purposes, opt for the standard version of the Word desktop app. It costs USD 159.99.
Then you can select your desired version of the Word desktop app and click on the Buy Now button. Your selected product will be added to your cart. Login with your Microsoft account. Enter your credit card details. Review your entered details and click on Place Order.
Word for the Web is entirely free to use. You just need to have a Microsoft account to use Word online. However, if you want to use the desktop Word app, you must pay a certain amount.
Alternatively, we have some other options. We can choose to use other office software to continue editing documents on your desktop. For example, WPS office can achieve all the functions of an outstanding office software.
Free All-in-one Office Suite Free
WPS Office is a package of different applications including Writer, Spreadsheet, Presentation, PDF, etc. It is free to use on all major operating systems. You can use WPS Office on macOS, iOS, Windows, Android, and Linux for free.
Unlike its competitor, Microsoft Office, WPS Office takes a distinctive approach by seamlessly integrating with Microsoft Office, allowing users to harness the combined benefits of both suites concurrently. This unique feature provides unparalleled flexibility in office productivity, setting WPS Office apart in the competitive landscape.
You can download WPS Office by following easy and simple steps.
1. Visit the official website of the WPS Office.
2. Click on the Free Download button.
3. After the download completion, click on the downloaded exe file in the lower left corner.
4. The WPS Office installation wizard will open. Read and accept the licence agreement and privacy policy and hit the Install Now button. The WPS Office Suite will be downloaded and installed on your PC within minutes.
Pros and Cons
WPS Office is a robust, affordable and easy-to-use office solution. It costs less than Microsoft Office. It supports all file formats of MS Office. It is available for all major operating systems. It is also known to use online. You can create, edit and collaborate on your documents using WPS Office online version.
Other reasons for choosing WPS:
Free Humanize ai – More natural, engaging outputs than robotic replies.
Free Paraphrasing Tool – Rewrite ideas instantly without losing meaning.
Free Sentence Rewriter– Perfect your phrasing with one click.
TrustPilot Rating
The TrustPilot Rating of WPS Office is 4.8.
FAQs
Q1: What is the latest version of MS Word available?
Microsoft Office is now Microsoft 365, and Microsoft 365 is the latest version available today. MS Word is also part of the Microsoft 365 suite.
Q2: How can we connect with cloud service on MS Word?
There are many options in MS Word to save your files. You can also save your files to different types of cloud services. You can connect your desired cloud service by
1. Click on File > Open > Add Place
2. Select a service from the list and save your documents to the new location.
Q3: What is the shortcut key to creating an MS Word hyperlink?
The fastest way to create a hyperlink is to press the Enter or Spacebar keys after typing the web address. You can also use the shortcut key Ctrl + K to create a hyperlink. Similarly, you can select the text or picture you want to display as a hyperlink, click on the Insert tab, and then select Link. You can also right-click the desired text or image and choose Link on the shortcut Menu.
