Can you still download Microsoft Office 2016 for free? Many users ask this question when looking to install this classic MS Office suite on their Windows PC. MS Office 2016 is a powerful software used to edit and create documents, available in both 32 and 64-bit versions. With its stable performance and familiar layout, it remains a top choice for users who need reliable access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other essential Office tools.
While Microsoft typically charges for Office products, you don’t always need to pay to install Microsoft Office 2016 on your PC. Our ultimate step-by-step guide for MS Office free download (2016 64-bit) easily and safely.
Difference Between 64-bit Version and 32-bit Version
When Microsoft launched Office 2016, it marked a significant shift in software architecture. The 64-bit edition brought substantial improvements over its predecessors like Office 2013, particularly for power users:
Enterprise Notes:
The 64-bit version offers better security (DEP/ASLR) and supports migrations from Office 2010/ Office 2013
Office 2019 Professional Plus provides further improvements for business use
Mobile access requires separate solutions like Office for iPad
System Requirements for Microsoft Office 2016 64-bit
Processor: Microsoft Office 2016 works fine with 1 GHz (compare to Office 2021 needing 2GHz+) or faster x86- or x64-bit processor with an SSE2 instruction set or the latest one.
Processor*: 1GHz CPU
RAM Memory: At least 2GB RAM
Storage Space: It requires 3GB of space.
Operating System: It is compatible with Windows 8/8.1/10, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 10 Server, Windows Server 2012, and Windows Server 2008/2012 R2. However, it doesn’t support Windows XP.
Graphics Card: The graphics hardware acceleration requires a DirectX10 graphics card and a minimum of 1024 x 576 resolution.
A special consideration for Mac users: While Microsoft Office for Mac 2016 exists, its system demands differ significantly from the Windows version covered here.
How to Download Microsoft Office 2016 64-bit for Free
Since Microsoft has discontinued sales of Office 2016 in favor of Office 365, users seeking this version should consider these important factors before proceeding:
File Format Compatibility
If you're upgrading from very old systems like Office 2003, be aware that the default format changed from .doc to .docx. While Office 2016 can read older formats, you may need to convert some files.
Cross-Platform Access
For users who also work on tablets, note that the mobile experience differs significantly. The Office for Ipad/ Android versions have different feature sets compared to the desktop edition.
Enterprise Deployment
Organizations currently using specialized versions like Office LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel) should evaluate whether volume licensing makes more sense than individual installations.
While Microsoft no longer offers direct downloads, we'll guide you through safe acquisition methods that preserve all the classic productivity features you need. Follow along and get started now to enjoy the full features of this classic productivity suite!
1. Visit SoftFamous and land on the download page for Microsoft Office 2016.
2. You can see the Download button; click on it.
3. You can find two options on the next page. One is linked to downloading the Home and Student versions while the other one is to download the Professional version.
4. Choose the right version for you, it will redirect you to the download page. Click on start download, or your download will automatically start.
Learn more about how to activate Microsoft Office.
How to Install MS Office 2016 64-bit on Your PC
First things first, you can not install MS Office 2016 if you have already installed any other Office version on your PC. For this purpose, you will have to remove the current version of MS Office from your PC. Follow the below-mentioned steps to do it properly.
1. Go to the Control Panel of your computer. Click on Uninstall a Program.
2. After that, find the current version of Office on your PC, select it and press uninstall.
3. Now, double click on the zip file. Extract the settings to a folder.
4. You will find setup.exe in the folder.
5. Open it, and follow the instructions from the wizard, and it will lead to installing MS Office 2016 on your PC.
How to Manually Update Office 2016 64-bit
Usually, Microsoft automatically updates your MS Office applications to the latest available versions. However, if you want to manually update applications like Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and Outlook, follow these steps.
1. Open any application like Word, Excel, or PowerPoint.
2. Go to File and then click on More. Select Account.
3. On the left side, you will see all your account information. On the right side of the screen, you can find Update Options. Click on it.
4. It will look for any available updates and update your Office quickly.
Bonus Tip: Download Free Alternatives to MS Office 64-bit
Although Microsoft Office 2016 (64-bit) can be downloaded for free, the process is time-consuming and may come with issues that take effort to fix. A quicker way to get the 64-bit version is to use a free alternative. Here we highly recommend WPS Office, trusted by millions of global users. It lets you edit Word, Excel, PPT, and PDF files for free. If you're looking for a simpler option than downloading the free crack full version of microsoft office 2016, give WPS Office a try!
Functions:
WPS Office comes with everything you need to handle daily office work — Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Unlike Microsoft Office 2016. it also includes a built-in PDF editor, so you can open, edit, and convert PDF files without extra software. Plus, it offers a Template Store with free access to thousands of resumes, letters, reports, and more.
Compatibility:
WPS Office works on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. It supports all major file formats, including Microsoft Office files like .docx, .xlsx, .pptx, as well as PDF. You can easily open, edit, and save documents without worrying about formatting issues.
Price:
WPS Office is free to use for both personal and commercial purposes — no ads, no hidden costs.
Pros:
Intuitive User Experience
WPS Office retains the familiar ribbon interface that made microsoft office 2016 so approachable, while introducing thoughtful modernizations that reduce the learning curve. The layout will feel instantly comfortable to anyone transitioning from older Office versions, yet incorporates contemporary design elements that improve workflow efficiency.
Comprehensive File Compatibility
Unlike Office 2016 which struggles with newer file formats, WPS maintains flawless compatibility across the entire Office ecosystem. It handles everything from legacy office 2007 documents to the latest Microsoft Office 2021 formats with perfect fidelity, eliminating conversion headaches. The integrated PDF toolkit further simplifies document workflows by allowing direct editing without file format conversions.
Enterprise-Grade Security
While Microsoft discontinued security updates for Office 2016 years ago, WPS provides ongoing protection through regular security patches and vulnerability fixes. This continuous maintenance is particularly crucial for business users who need to protect sensitive data against evolving threats in today's digital landscape.
Seamless Cross-Platform Performance
WPS delivers superior cross-device synchronization compared to Office 2016's limited mobile capabilities. Documents maintain perfect formatting whether accessed on Windows PCs, Macs, or mobile devices, with real-time syncing that ensures you're always working with the latest version. Mac users will appreciate the optimized performance on Apple Silicon processors that even surpasses Microsoft's native Mac offerings.
To help you better understand the differences and advantages, here is a comparison table between WPS Office and Microsoft Office 2016:
Overall, Microsoft Office 2016 64-bit version is more extensive in terms of features with enhanced cloud integration, collaboration, and customer support. However, it is costly, especially for individuals, and has compatibility issues with non-Microsoft platforms. For individuals and small startups, WPS Office is a highly recommended alternative — it’s completely free, easy to use, and delivers all the essential features you need with a familiar interface. Why pay more when you can get powerful office tools for free? Download WPS Office now and boost your work efficiency instantly!
FAQs about MS Office 2016 64-bit Download
Microsoft Office 2016 works perfectly fine with a PC with minimum requirements. However, this software has common issues, like compatibility with older hardware, issues with installation, and specific programs that usually don’t work with MS Office. We will discuss all these issues today and provide you with a handy solution.
1. Compatibility issues with older hardware
The Microsoft Office 2016 64-bit is an advanced software and requires a PC with decent specifications. Hardware must be 64-bit architecture as it won’t work with 32-bit architecture. Moreover, even with 64-bit architecture, if your PC doesn’t have at least 2GB RAM, 3GB HDD storage, and a 1GHZ processor, it is more likely to have compatibility issues with your system.
Solution:
Check your PC specs before proceeding with office 2016 64-bit download. If your system is not compatible, consider upgrading your hardware or installing the 32-bit version of Microsoft Office 2016. Keep in mind that the 32-bit version may have some performance limitations, so you’ll need to balance between performance and cost.
2. Troubleshooting Installation Issues
Sometimes the installation of Microsoft Office 2016 may freeze, show errors like “Error 1935,” or fail to activate properly. These problems can be caused by corrupted files, antivirus interference, or an outdated operating system. In such cases, you won’t be able to use Microsoft Office 2016 on your PC properly.
Solution:
If you encounter such issues during the free download of Microsoft Office 2016 (64-bit), try running the installation file as Administrator, disabling antivirus on your PC, restarting your PC, and updating your Windows version. If all these don’t work, uninstall the current corrupted version of MS Office and re-install it on your PC. Ensure you have a backup of your critical files before uninstalling the software from your computer.
3. Issues with Specific Programs
If you have successfully installed Microsoft Office 2016 64-bit free on your PC, you might face issues with specific office programs. For instance, you may feel MS Word freezing, crashing, or poor performance while processing large files. Similarly, with Excel, you may find compromised performance with larger data sets. The same can happen with other MS Office softwares, including Outlook can have synchronization issues with email while sending and downloading files.
Solution:
If your MS Office programs are slow and freezy, try disabling Add-in and check if you are running it in safe mode; immediately remove that. For Excel, try to keep the workbook size smaller and, if possible, use simple predefined formulas rather than creating complex ones yourself. Disabling hardware graphics acceleration may also help greatly in the case of Outlook.
