How to Download Word on Desktop or Mobile: Easy Guide

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Get MS Word on all your devices in a few easy steps

Written by Nicole Levine, MFA

Last Updated: February 18, 2026 Fact Checked

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Downloading on Windows & Mac

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Downloading on iPhone & iPad

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Downloading on Android

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Free Alternatives

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Video

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Q&A

If you're using a Windows PC or Mac, you can download Word if you subscribe to Microsoft 365 (formerly Microsoft Office), or if your work or school account has access. On an Android, iPhone, or iPad, the Word app is free, and you can get it from the App Store or Play Store. This wikiHow guide will teach you how to download Microsoft Word on a computer, phone, or tablet. We'll also teach you about some free alternatives to Word if you don't want to pay to edit documents on your desktop.

Downloading Word on PC or Mac: Quick Steps

Subscribe to Microsoft 365 (or get a free trial).
Log in to m365.cloud.microsoft/apps.
Click Install Apps.
Select a version and click Install.

Section 1 of 4:

Downloading Word on Windows & Mac

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1
View available Microsoft 365 plans. If you want the full version of MS Word on your PC or Mac (and don't already have a subscription), you will need to subscribe to Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365). There are several subscription options to choose from, and you have the option of paying yearly or monthly. There's also a free trial if you're not ready to commit. View an overview of the plans on Microsoft's website.^{[1]
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- If you're already subscribed to Microsoft 365, are using a Microsoft account provided to you by your work or school, or just need to redownload Word, skip to step 3.
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Purchase a plan. To proceed with buying a plan, click the Buy Now link and follow the on-screen instructions. To try before you buy, click Try for free for 1 month below the plan you want to buy, and follow the on-screen instructions.
- If you want to use Word for free, you can use the browser-based version online at no cost. Check out our guide to getting Office for free to learn how.
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Once you are subscribed, you can download Word for Windows or Mac. To get started, go to m365.cloud.microsoft/apps in a web browser. If prompted, sign in with your Microsoft account.
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Click Install Apps. You'll see this button in the upper-right corner. A pop-up will appear, asking you to choose some options.^{[2]
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Microsoft Support
Technical support and product information from Microsoft.

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- If you're using a work or school account, click Install and more, then select Microsoft 365 Apps.
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Select a version and click Install. For most people, the default selection will be fine. If you want to choose a different language, you can choose your preferred language before installing. Then, follow the on-screen instructions to install the Microsoft 365 apps on your computer.
- If you're downloading Word on a Mac, follow the on-screen instructions to download the installer to your computer. Then, double-click the downloaded file–it's called "Microsoft Office installer.pkg" and should be in your default download folder–and follow the on-screen instructions to install.
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Cancel the trial before a month is up (optional). If you don't want to pay for Office, be sure to cancel your trial before your card is charged. To cancel the trial:^{[3]
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Microsoft Support
Technical support and product information from Microsoft.

Go to source}
- Go to ^{[4]
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  Research source} and sign in.
- Click Cancel on your Office 365 trial, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
- If there is no "Cancel" option and you see "None" next to "Paid With," you don't need to make any changes.
You may have to click OK or Save File to start the

Section 2 of 4:

Downloading Word on an iPhone or iPad

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If you want to use Word on your iPhone or iPad, you can download the mobile app for free from the App Store. There's no need to pay for a subscription–all features of the app are free.
You'll see it at the bottom of the App Store.
A list of matching search results will appear.
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Tap Get next to "Microsoft Word." Be sure to tap the one that's right next to "Microsoft Word," as some other apps that look similar may be advertised above it.
- If you have downloaded Word before, you'll see a cloud icon with an arrow instead of Get.
Once you download the app, its icon will be added to your home screen. Tap the icon to launch the app.

Section 3 of 4:

Downloading Word on an Android

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Open the Play Store
. You'll usually find it on the home screen or in the app drawer.
- The Word mobile app is completely free.
Tap the magnifying glass icon, then type microsoft word into the search bar. Press the Enter key, and you'll see the results of your search.
It's the blue icon with a white document and the letter "W" inside. This downloads the app to your Android. Once the app is finished downloading, its icon will be added to the app drawer (and possibly the home screen, depending on your settings).

Section 4 of 4:

Trying a Free Alternative

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Use Microsoft 365 Online. Microsoft 365 offers a completely free version of Word available for online use. It's not as full-featured as the paid version, but you can use it to get most things done. See our guide to using Word for free to learn how.^{[5]
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Download a free alternative suite. Some of the best office-related applications for home, student, or small business use are free—and nearly all of them are capable of creating, opening, and saving Microsoft Word documents. Although they might not be as full-featured as Microsoft 365, free office suites are usually capable enough for the average user who needs to do some word processing, work with spreadsheets, or create a slide presentation. Here are some popular free alternatives:
- Open Office
- LibreOffice
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Use Google Docs online. Google Docs is a free online word processing app that can open, edit, and save files in the Microsoft Word format. Check out our guide to making a Google Doc to get started.^{[6]
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Community Q&A

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Question

How do I download Microsoft Word on Windows 10 for free?

Community Answer

Unfortunately, you cannot obtain Microsoft Office for free, you must pay for a license.

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Can I buy just Microsoft Word?

Gary Furby

Community Answer

Yes, you can purchase Microsoft Word separately from the rest of Microsoft Office for $159.99. You can find Microsoft Word on sites like Amazon.

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How much does a Microsoft Word license cost?

Gary Furby

Community Answer

With Microsoft 365, a monthly subscription is $7.00, and an annual subscription is $70.00. A one-time purchase costs $160.00, and in the UK, it costs £159.99. A mobile device is not required for a one-time purchase.

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Thank you for your feedback.
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