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Will Microsoft 365 Release a Full Desktop Version for Ubuntu?
Question details
The user is inquiring whether Microsoft has any plans to release a native, full desktop version of the Microsoft 365 suite for the Ubuntu Linux operating system.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- Ubuntu
- Scenario
- Looking to install and use a native desktop application for Microsoft Office on a Linux distribution.
- Observed behavior
- Currently, Microsoft 365 is only accessible via web applications on Ubuntu, and there is no official desktop release available for Linux distributions.
Ensure you have a modern, updated web browser installed on your Ubuntu system (such as Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, or Microsoft Edge) and a stable internet connection to access the web-based applications smoothly.
Access Microsoft 365 via Web Apps
Since there is no native desktop client for Linux, using Microsoft 365 through your web browser is the official and most reliable method to access your documents on Ubuntu.
While the full desktop version is available for Windows and macOS, Linux users can still access the core functionalities of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint directly through the web. This method ensures you are always using the latest version of the apps without needing compatibility layers.
Launch a compatible web browser on your Ubuntu desktop, such as Firefox, Chrome, or Edge.
Go to the official Microsoft 365 website (office.com) and click the 'Sign in' button.
Enter your Microsoft account credentials to access your dashboard.
Click on the specific app icon (like Word or Excel) from the left sidebar to create or edit documents online.
Submit a Request via Microsoft Feedback Portal
If you strongly need a native Linux desktop application for Microsoft 365, submitting official feedback helps Microsoft gauge user demand.
Get a Native Office Desktop Experience on Ubuntu with WPS Office
Since Microsoft 365 does not offer a full desktop client for Linux, WPS Office is an excellent free, lightweight, and easy-to-use alternative. It provides a native Ubuntu application, offering a seamless migration with a familiar interface and excellent compatibility with all Microsoft Office file formats.
- 1. Download the Linux Installer: Visit the WPS Office website and download the .deb package specifically designed for Ubuntu/Debian-based systems.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Double-click the downloaded .deb file to open it with Ubuntu Software Center, or use the terminal command 'sudo dpkg -i' to install it.
- 3. Launch and Edit: Open WPS Office from your applications menu and immediately start creating or editing your documents natively offline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run the Windows version of Microsoft 365 on Ubuntu using Wine?
While older versions of Microsoft Office (like Office 2013) can sometimes run on Ubuntu using compatibility layers like Wine or PlayOnLinux, the modern Microsoft 365 desktop suite relies heavily on deeper Windows services and generally does not work reliably. It is not recommended for a stable workflow.
Is there a desktop app for Microsoft Teams on Ubuntu?
Microsoft previously maintained a native Linux application for Teams, but it has been retired. Linux users are now encouraged to use the Teams Progressive Web App (PWA), which can be installed through supported browsers like Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome.
What are the limitations of Microsoft 365 web apps compared to the desktop version?
The web apps provide core functionality for everyday tasks but lack some of the advanced features found in the desktop clients. For instance, you cannot run VBA macros in Excel for the web, and advanced document formatting options in Word may be restricted or unavailable offline.
