If you own a product key for Microsoft Office 2021, 2019, or 2016, but don't have the installation files available, it's really simple to download them legally and direct from Microsoft.
Whether you subscribe to Microsoft 365, Microsoft Office was included with your system, or you've moved to a new computer, we'll show you the different methods available to get Office 2021, 2019, or 2016 for free.
1. How to Download Office From a Microsoft 365 Subscription
If you have an active Microsoft 365 subscription, you're entitled to download Microsoft Office applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. These are continually updated as long as you remain subscribed. This is also applicable if your business has an Enterprise license, where the service might be called Office 365.
If you're on the fence about buying a subscription, we've previously compared Microsoft 365 against Office 2021.
- Go to the Microsoft 365 subscription page and log in.
- Next to Microsoft 365 apps for your devices, click Install.
- A window opens to confirm that you wish to download and install Office. Select your language and version, then click Install.
If you have an enterprise account, you may be redirected to your organization's Office page to complete this process. If so, select Install Office & Office 365 apps.
2. How to Download Office From a License Key
If your system came with a copy of Microsoft Office, it may already be pre-installed. If not, you should have a product key from the manufacturer, which you can use to download Office from Microsoft.
Alternatively, if you bought Microsoft Office from Microsoft or through another retailer, you can use this same method to download replacement installation files.
Whatever your situation, head to Microsoft's Download Office page. Sign in, input your product key, and download your version of Office. There are ways to get a free and legal Microsoft Office license if you don't have one.
How to Install Office 2021, 2019, and 2016
No matter which method you use to download Office, the installation process is the same. It's quick and simple. Start by opening the installation file. Microsoft Office will begin downloading—you must stay online during this process.
Office comes in both 64-bit and 32-bit versions; the former is the default. If you already have part of Office installed in 32-bit, the other applications will also use that. If you want to reinstall everything in 64-bit, you must first uninstall Office.
When the installation process is complete, the window reads: "You're all set! The Office apps are installed on your computer". You'll find the apps within the Start Menu. Of course, you can always do a system search to find them too.
When you open an Office program for the first time, it asks you to agree to the license agreement, so click Accept if you do. You might also see the Microsoft Office Activation Wizard; follow the instructions for this. It's always best to select I want to activate the software over the internet for the speediest activation.
Free Alternatives to Office
While you can download Office 2021, 2019, and Office 2016 for free from Microsoft, you need to own a license key or have a Microsoft 365 subscription to actually use the programs within.
As such, you might want to consider a free Office alternative, of which there are plenty. Programs like LibreOffice, or online tools like Google's work suite, might not have all the advanced functionality of Office, but still offer plenty to get the job done.
Your changes have been saved
Email is sent
Email has already been sent
Please verify your email address.
You’ve reached your account maximum for followed topics.
Follow
Followed
Follow with Notifications
Follow
Unfollow
Readers like you help support MakeUseOf. When you make a purchase using links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Read More.
