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What Is Included with Microsoft 365 Basic: Can You Use Word and Excel?
Question details
The user wants to know the features included in the Microsoft 365 Basic subscription plan, specifically checking if Microsoft Word and Excel are available to use.
- Product
- Microsoft 365 Basic
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Evaluating Microsoft 365 subscription options for personal productivity and document editing.
- Observed behavior
- Seeking clarity on whether the Basic subscription tier provides access to core Office applications like Word and Excel.
Before deciding on a subscription, check your workflow requirements to see if web-based applications are sufficient or if you rely on the advanced features found only in fully installed desktop software.
Access Word and Excel via Web and Mobile Apps
Microsoft 365 Basic grants access to the web and mobile versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, along with additional cloud storage.
Microsoft 365 Basic is a lower-cost subscription tier designed for lighter use. While it does not include the standard desktop applications for Windows or Mac, it provides robust web and mobile app access.
You can still create, edit, and share Word documents and Excel spreadsheets directly through your internet browser or via the mobile apps for iOS and Android.
Navigate to Microsoft365.com in your web browser, log in with your Microsoft account, and select the Word or Excel icon from the app launcher sidebar to start working.
Download the Microsoft 365 mobile app, or the standalone Word and Excel apps, from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and sign in with your Basic subscription account.
Save your documents to OneDrive to take advantage of the included 100 GB of cloud storage, allowing your files to sync across all your devices seamlessly.
Get Full Desktop Apps for Free with WPS Office
If Microsoft 365 Basic doesn't meet your needs because it lacks desktop applications, WPS Office is an excellent free alternative. It provides fully-featured desktop apps for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files without requiring a paid subscription.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installer for your operating system.
- 2. Install and Open: Run the setup file, follow the quick on-screen instructions, and launch the WPS Office application.
- 3. Edit Your Documents Offline: Open your existing Word or Excel files directly in WPS Office and enjoy full desktop editing capabilities without paying for a subscription.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Microsoft 365 Basic include desktop versions of Word and Excel?
No, Microsoft 365 Basic only includes access to the web and mobile versions of these applications. Installed desktop apps for your PC or Mac require a Personal or Family subscription.
Can I use Microsoft 365 Basic offline?
Because it relies on web versions for PC and Mac users, you need an active internet connection to create or edit documents on a computer. The mobile apps do offer limited offline editing capabilities.
How much cloud storage comes with Microsoft 365 Basic?
The Basic plan includes 100 GB of OneDrive cloud storage, which is shared across your document files, photos, and Outlook email attachments.
Can I open my Microsoft 365 web documents in a free desktop suite?
Yes, documents created in Microsoft 365 web apps can be downloaded to your computer and opened in free desktop suites like WPS Office without losing their formatting.
