How to Install Office Home and Student 2021 and Create App Shortcuts
Question details
The user needs to install Office Home and Student 2021 for offline use and create individual shortcuts for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Product
- Microsoft Office Home and Student 2021
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Setting up a new purchase of Office Home and Student 2021 on a single PC.
- Observed behavior
- The user wants to ensure the applications can run offline and needs quick access via separate desktop, Start menu, or taskbar shortcuts for each Office app.
Ensure you have your 25-character product key and the login credentials for your Microsoft account ready before beginning the installation.
Install Office 2021 and Pin Apps to Taskbar or Desktop
The standard method to redeem your product key, install the software, and create convenient shortcuts for easy offline access.
Office Home and Student 2021 provides classic Office apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for a single PC. Once activated, these applications can be fully utilized offline without an internet connection.
Go to https://www.office.com/setup in your web browser. Sign in with your existing Microsoft account (or create a new one) and enter your purchased product key to associate it with your account.
After redeeming the key, follow the on-screen prompts to download the installer. Run the setup file from your Downloads folder to install Office on your PC.
Once the installation is complete, open the Windows Start menu and search for 'Word', 'Excel', or 'PowerPoint'. Right-click the application icon and select 'Pin to Start' or 'Pin to taskbar' for quick access.
In the Start menu search results, right-click the Office application and select 'Open file location'. In the File Explorer window that opens, right-click the app shortcut, choose 'Send to', and click 'Desktop (create shortcut)'. Alternatively, on Windows 10, you can simply drag the app icon from the Start menu directly to your desktop.
Try WPS Office for a Free, Lightweight Experience
If you are struggling with complex installations or looking for a more cost-effective productivity solution, WPS Office is an entirely free, lightweight alternative that handles Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files seamlessly.
- 1. Download the software: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installer.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the installer. The process is quick and lightweight compared to traditional Office suites.
- 3. Open and edit files immediately: Launch WPS Office to start creating or editing your existing Microsoft Office documents right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an internet connection to use Office Home and Student 2021?
You only need an internet connection to initially download, install, and activate the software. Once activated, classic apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint can be used entirely offline.
How do I reinstall Office 2021 if I get a new computer?
Since the product key becomes permanently associated with your Microsoft account, you can reinstall Office by signing into your account on the new PC, navigating to 'Services and subscriptions', and downloading the installer. Keep in mind that a one-PC license requires uninstalling the software from the previous machine first.
Why can't I find Word or Excel on my desktop after installation?
Office applications do not automatically place icons on your desktop upon installation. You must manually search for them in the Windows Start menu and pin them to your taskbar, or right-click them to send a shortcut to your desktop.
