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Can Microsoft 365 Basic Be Used to Write and Print Letters?
Question details
The user wants to know if a Microsoft 365 Basic subscription provides the necessary tools to draft and print letters.
- Product
- Microsoft 365 Basic
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Creating, editing, saving, and printing personal or professional letters.
- Observed behavior
- Microsoft 365 Basic includes 100 GB of OneDrive storage and secure email, but it does not include the desktop versions of Word, Excel, or PowerPoint.
Ensure you have an active internet connection and your Microsoft account login credentials ready, as you will need to access your applications through a web browser.
Use the Free Web Version of Microsoft Word
Since Microsoft 365 Basic does not include installable desktop applications, you can use the free online version of Microsoft Word to write, save, and print your letters.
Microsoft 365 Basic relies on cloud-based applications. The web version of Word runs entirely in your browser and includes all the essential formatting and printing features needed for writing letters.
Open your preferred web browser, go to https://www.office.com/, and sign in using your Microsoft account credentials.
On the left-hand navigation menu, click the Word icon. Select 'New blank document' to start a letter from scratch, or choose a pre-made letter template.
Type out your letter using the online editor. Your progress is automatically saved to your 100 GB OneDrive storage as you type.
To print your letter, click on 'File' in the top-left corner, select 'Print', and then click 'Print this document'. The web app will generate a PDF file that you can send directly to your connected printer.
Write and Print Letters on Your Desktop for Free with WPS Office
If you prefer using an offline desktop application to write and print letters without upgrading your Microsoft 365 Basic subscription, WPS Office provides a completely free, feature-rich alternative.
- 1. Download and Install WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website to download the free desktop application and follow the on-screen installation prompts.
- 2. Open WPS Writer: Launch WPS Office and click on 'Docs' to open WPS Writer, the word processing tool.
- 3. Write and Print: Draft your letter or open an existing Word file. Once finished, simply press Ctrl + P (or Cmd + P on Mac) to print it directly from your desktop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Microsoft 365 Basic include the desktop version of Word?
No, Microsoft 365 Basic only includes 100 GB of cloud storage, ad-free Outlook, and access to web and mobile versions of Office apps. It does not include installable desktop applications like Word, Excel, or PowerPoint.
Are my letters saved automatically in the web version of Word?
Yes, when you use Word for the Web with your Microsoft 365 Basic account, your letters are automatically and continuously saved to your OneDrive storage, as long as you maintain an active internet connection.
Can I use downloaded fonts in Word for the Web?
Word for the Web has a pre-determined list of cloud fonts. You generally cannot use custom fonts installed locally on your computer in the web browser version. For custom font usage, you would need a desktop application like WPS Office or a premium Microsoft 365 subscription.
What is the difference between Microsoft 365 Basic and Personal?
Microsoft 365 Personal includes premium desktop applications that you can install on your PC or Mac, along with 1 TB of cloud storage. Microsoft 365 Basic is a more affordable tier that offers 100 GB of storage and relies entirely on web and mobile apps.
