As a Linux user, you may seek a way to download Microsoft Office 2016 for free on Linux, requiring a detailed guide for this specific installation. However, confusion arises due to limited official support for Office 2016 on Linux and the desire for cost-free access.
This article will provide you with a step-by-step guide to download and install Microsoft Office 2016 for free on Linux in 2023.
1. Preparation Before Installing Microsoft Office 2016 for Linux
1. Check System Requirements:
Before diving into the process, make sure your Linux system meets the minimum requirements for Microsoft Office 2016:
RAM: Ensure you have a minimum amount of RAM as per Office 2016's requirements. Typically, 2GB or more is recommended for smooth performance.
Storage Space: Check that you have sufficient available storage space on your Linux machine. Office 2016 may require several gigabytes of free disk space.
Ensuring your system meets these prerequisites will help you install and run Office 2016 smoothly on your Linux system.
2. Download and Install Ubuntu:
Ubuntu is a free and open-source Linux distribution that is known for its user-friendly interface and wide range of software support. It is one of the most popular Linux distributions, and it is a good choice for both beginners and experienced users.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to download and install Ubuntu:
Step 1: Download the Ubuntu file.
Go to the Ubuntu website and click on the "Download" button
Step 2: Select the Ubuntu version that suits your needs (e.g., LTS for long-term support) and click "Download."
Step 3: Create a bootable USB drive.
You will need a USB drive with at least 4GB of free space. You can use a tool like Etcher to create a bootable USB drive from the Ubuntu ISO file.
Step 4: Boot from the USB drive.
Insert the bootable USB drive into your computer and restart it. Access the boot menu (usually by pressing F2, F12, or Del during startup) and select the USB drive as the boot device.
Step 5: Start the Ubuntu installation process.
Once Ubuntu boots from the USB drive, click "Install Ubuntu" from the welcome screen. Follow the on-screen instructions to select your language, keyboard layout, and installation type. You can choose to install Ubuntu alongside your existing OS or replace it.
Step 6: Create User Account
Set your username and password for the Ubuntu system. You can also choose to enable automatic login and encrypt your home folder for added security.
Step 7: Installation Complete
Wait for the installation to finish. Once it's done, click “Reboot” to install the Ubuntu system.
Step 8: Explore Ubuntu
Congratulations! You've successfully installed Ubuntu. Explore its user-friendly interface, access the Software Center to install applications, and enjoy the benefits of this powerful Linux distribution.
3. Install PlayOnLinux on Ubuntu:
PlayOnLinux is a graphical frontend for Wine, a compatibility layer that allows you to run Windows applications on Linux. It simplifies the installation and management of Windows software on Ubuntu, making it a valuable tool for gamers and users who rely on Windows-specific applications.
Benefits of PlayOnLinux:
Ease of Use: PlayOnLinux provides a user-friendly interface for installing and managing Windows applications, eliminating the need for complex configurations.
Wine Compatibility: It integrates with Wine to improve compatibility with a wide range of Windows software.
App Profiles: PlayOnLinux creates separate virtual drives (called "wineprefixes") for each application, ensuring that they don't interfere with each other.
Community Support: A thriving community offers support, tips, and scripts for installing popular Windows software.
Step-by-Step Guide to Install PlayOnLinux on Ubuntu:
Step 1: Open the Ubuntu Software Center
Step 2: Search for the PlayOnLinux application in the search box.
Step 3: Click on the Install button to actually install the application in the system.
Step 4: Search for the application in the Activities Panel and open the application by clicking on the icon
Step 5: We have successfully opened the PlayOnLinux application.
With PlayOnLinux, you can now run Windows applications seamlessly on your Ubuntu system. It simplifies the process, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of Windows software without leaving your Linux environment.
2. How to Install Microsoft Office 2016 on Ubuntu(Linux) with PlayOnLinux
In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of installing Microsoft Office 2016 on Ubuntu using PlayOnLinux, a powerful tool that simplifies running Windows applications on Linux. Let's get started!
Step 1: Install PlayOnLinux
If you haven't already, follow the previous guide to install PlayOnLinux on your Ubuntu system. It's an essential prerequisite for running Microsoft Office 2016.
Comment: Ensure PlayOnLinux is properly installed and configured before proceeding to the next steps.
Step 2: Open PlayOnLinux and click on the "Install" button in the top menu click on the "Install" button in the top menu
Step 3: Install Microsoft Office 2016
Select "Office" from the categories. Choose "Microsoft Office 2016" and click "Install."
Comment: PlayOnLinux will guide you through the installation process, simplifying it considerably.
Step 4: Follow the Installation Wizard
Follow the on-screen prompts to install Microsoft Office 2016.
Comment: Take your time to configure Office to your preferences.
Step 5: Launch Microsoft Office
Once configuration is done, you can now launch Microsoft Office 2016 applications from the PlayOnLinux interface.
With PlayOnLinux, running Microsoft Office 2016 on Ubuntu becomes a hassle-free experience, bridging the gap between Windows and Linux productivity.
3. Best Free Alternative to Microsoft Office 2016 for Linux - WPS Office
WPS Office is a free and open-source office suite that includes a word processor, spreadsheet program, and presentation software. It is also a powerful project management tool, with a variety of templates and features that can help users to plan and manage events.
WPS Office is a great alternative to Smartsheet, especially for users who are looking for a free and easy-to-use solution. It offers a variety of advantages, including:
● Free download and free to use Word, Excel, and PPT: WPS Office is completely free to use, with no hidden fees or subscriptions.
● Powerful PDF toolkit: WPS Office includes a powerful PDF toolkit that allows users to create, edit, and convert PDF files.
● Rich template store: WPS Office has a rich template store with over 10,000 templates to choose from, including a variety of scheduling templates.
● Rich functions: WPS Office offers a wide range of features and functions, including the ability to collaborate with others online and to create and edit documents on the go.
● Light weight: WPS Office is a lightweight application that takes up very little space on your computer.
● Support online documents: WPS Office allows users to save and access documents online, making it easy to collaborate with others and to access your files from anywhere.
● Safe and stable: WPS Office is a safe and stable application that has been used by millions of people around the world.
Besides that, these are unique features not offered by Microsoft Office for FREE but WPS has:
Co-Editing: Collaborate within Word documents, spreadsheets, and presentations in real-time, enhancing teamwork and productivity.
Group Document Sharing: Share documents within a group, allowing members to edit with your permission, streamlining group projects.
Don’t stop at that, WPS AI complements WPS Office by offering advanced features such as document analysis, efficient formatting, and intelligent content recommendations. It's the perfect companion to boost your productivity and streamline your document creation process.
4. How to Install WPS Office on Ubuntu(Linux)
WPS Office is a popular office suite for Linux, and installing it on Ubuntu is straightforward. Follow these step-by-step instructions to install WPS Office on your Ubuntu system.
Step 1: Visit the official WPS Office website for Linux
Step 2: Click the "Download" button on the page.
Step 3: Select the correct WPS Office version for your Ubuntu system.
Typically, 32-bit and 64-bit solutions are both offered. Choose the one that best suits the architecture of your system.
Step 4: Once the download is finished, look for the file in your "Downloads" folder.
Step 5: Use the "Open With" and "Software Install" options from the context menu when you right-click on the downloaded file. The Ubuntu Software Center will now be accessible.
Step 6: To start the installation procedure, click the "Install" button.
Step 7: To install software on Ubuntu, you must enter your administrator password when requested.
Step 8: After the installation is complete, you can open WPS Office by selecting it from the programs menu or by using the Ubuntu Dash to search for it.
You've successfully installed WPS Office on your Ubuntu Linux system. You can now enjoy using WPS Writer, Presentation, and Spreadsheets.
5. FAQs
Is there an official Microsoft Office version for Linux?
No, Microsoft doesn't provide an official Office version for Linux, but web-based Office 365 can be used through browsers.
Are there any legal concerns with using Office 2016 on Linux?
Using Office 2016 on Linux through compatibility layers like Wine is legal if you have a valid Office license.
Can I Access Office 365 on Linux for Free?
Yes, you can access Office 365 on Linux through web browsers like Google Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge. Microsoft offers online versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more, which are accessible for free with limited features. To unlock full functionality and additional cloud storage, you can subscribe to Office 365. This way, you can use Microsoft Office applications on Linux without any compatibility concerns.
6. Summary
This article provides a step-by-step guide with screenshots for easy installation on Ubuntu. While there's no official Microsoft Office version for Linux, using Office 2016 through PlayOnLinux with a valid license is legal. Microsoft Office 2016 is accessible via browsers on Linux, offering limited free access and subscription-based full functionality.
Overall, WPS Office is a good alternative to Microsoft Office 2016 on Linux. It is free to use, it is compatible with Microsoft Office formats, and it offers a wide range of features. If you are looking for a free and open-source office productivity suite for Linux, then WPS Office is a good choice.
