Have you recently bought a Mac and noticed that you don’t have Microsoft Office installed? Whether you’re new to macOS or simply unfamiliar with how to get Office on your Mac, don’t worry! In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the process of installing Microsoft Office on your Mac. We’ll also cover various licensing options, including the free trial, so you can decide what works best for you.
If you’re ready, grab a cup of coffee, get comfortable, and let’s dive into everything you need to know to install Microsoft Office on your Mac.
Why Install Office on Your Mac?
Microsoft Office remains one of the most popular productivity suites, offering tools like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who needs these applications for personal use, having access to Office on your Mac can simplify many of your daily tasks.
But if you’ve tried installing Office on your Mac the same way you would on Windows, you may have quickly realized it’s not as straightforward. Don’t worry—I’m here to help you with that.
Available Licensing Options for Microsoft Office
Before we dive into installation, it’s important to understand the available licensing options for Microsoft Office, including Microsoft 365 subscriptions and Office Home & Student licenses.
Microsoft 365 Subscription
With Microsoft 365, you get access to all Office apps and additional services like OneDrive for cloud storage and Skype for calls. It’s available as a subscription, meaning you pay either monthly or annually. Here are the two main plans:
- Microsoft 365 Personal: $69.99/year or $6.99/month. This plan allows you to use Office apps on one Mac or PC, plus one mobile device.
- Microsoft 365 Family: $99.99/year or $9.99/month. It can be shared with up to six people, and each person can install Office on up to five devices at a time.
Both plans come with 1 TB of OneDrive cloud storage and 60 minutes of Skype calls per month.
Microsoft Office Home & Student License
If you don’t want a subscription, you can opt for the Microsoft Office Home & Student license. For a one-time payment of around $150, you can use the Office apps on one computer. This license doesn’t include cloud storage, Skype minutes, or future updates.
Now that you know the different options, let’s go over how to install Microsoft Office on your Mac.
How to Install Microsoft Office on Mac for Free (Trial Version)
The easiest way to install Microsoft Office on your Mac without upfront payment is by starting with the free trial of Microsoft 365. Here’s how you can do it.
Step 1: Create a Microsoft Account
To start, you’ll need a Microsoft account. If you already have one, great! If not, head over to Microsoft’s sign-up page to create a free account.
Step 2: Choose Your Microsoft 365 Plan
Once your account is ready, visit the Microsoft 365 page and choose the plan that suits you best (either Personal or Family). Click on Try Free for 1 Month.
Step 3: Add Payment Information
Although this is a free trial, you’ll need to provide payment details such as a credit card or PayPal account. You won’t be charged during the first month, and you can cancel anytime to avoid automatic billing.
Step 4: Download and Install Office Apps
After setting up your free trial, you’ll be taken to the Office download page. From here, you can either download the entire Office suite or individual apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Let’s break down both methods.
Installing Office on Mac: Two Methods
Method 1: Installing Office via the Mac App Store
If you only need specific Office applications, you can download them individually from the Mac App Store. Here’s how:
- Open the Mac App Store on your computer.
- Search for the desired apps like Word, Excel, or PowerPoint.
- Click on Get or Install to download each app.
- Once installed, open the app and log in with your Microsoft account.
After logging in, your apps will be activated, and you can start using them for free during the trial period.
Method 2: Installing Office via Microsoft Website
If you prefer to install all Office applications at once, follow these steps:
- Go to the Microsoft account page, log in, and click on Services & subscriptions.
- Under Microsoft 365, click Install Office.
- Download the installer and run the setup file (Microsoft_365_and_Office_xxxx_installer.pkg).
- Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation process.
Once the installation is complete, open any Office app, sign in with your Microsoft account, and start using the software.
How to Disable Automatic Renewal
If you don’t plan on continuing the Microsoft 365 subscription after the free trial, you must disable the auto-renewal feature to avoid being charged.
Here’s how:
- Log into your Microsoft account.
- Navigate to Services & subscriptions.
- Click on Manage next to your Microsoft 365 plan.
- Select Turn off auto-renew or Cancel subscription.
Ensure this is done at least 48 hours before the trial period ends.
Microsoft Office Alternatives for Mac Users
If you don’t want to commit to Microsoft Office, there are several free alternatives available for Mac users that offer similar functionality:
1. Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides
A free suite of productivity apps that work in the cloud. You can access and edit documents from anywhere with an internet connection.
2. Apple’s iWork Suite
Pre-installed on Macs, Pages, Numbers, and Keynote are Apple’s native alternatives to Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
3. LibreOffice
A completely free and open-source office suite that offers similar features to Microsoft Office. It’s a popular choice for Mac users looking for a no-cost option.
Benefits of Using Microsoft Office on Mac
Using Microsoft Office on your Mac offers several advantages, especially if you’re working in a business or educational environment that relies on these apps. Here are a few benefits:
- Cross-platform compatibility: Files created in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint can be easily opened and edited on both Windows and macOS.
- Cloud storage: With OneDrive, you can store and access your files from anywhere, making it easy to work remotely.
- Familiarity: If you’ve previously used Office on Windows, the transition to using it on macOS will be seamless, as the interfaces are almost identical.
Conclusion
Installing Microsoft Office on your Mac is a simple process that offers great flexibility, whether you choose the subscription model with Microsoft 365 or opt for the one-time purchase of Office Home & Student. By following this guide, you’ll be up and running with your favorite Office apps in no time.
Remember, you can always try Microsoft 365 for free and decide later if it’s worth committing to. If not, there are plenty of alternatives that can help you stay productive on your Mac.
FAQs
1. Can I install Microsoft Office on more than one device?
Yes, if you have a Microsoft 365 Family plan, you can install Office on up to five devices per person (up to six people).
2. What happens after my Microsoft 365 trial ends?
After the trial, Office apps will switch to view-only mode, meaning you can still open files, but editing will be disabled unless you purchase a subscription.
3. How do I cancel my Microsoft 365 subscription?
Log into your Microsoft account, go to Services & subscriptions, and select Cancel subscription or Turn off auto-renew.
4. Is there a completely free version of Microsoft Office?
No, but you can use Office Online, which includes free versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint with limited features.
5. Can I use OneDrive with Microsoft Office on Mac?
Yes, with Microsoft 365, you get 1 TB of OneDrive storage for saving and accessing files from any device.
6. Are there any free alternatives to Microsoft Office?
Yes, you can use Google Docs, Apple iWork, or LibreOffice as free alternatives to Microsoft Office.
7. Do I need internet access to use Microsoft Office on my Mac?
You only need internet access for installing Office or activating your subscription. Once installed, you can use the apps offline.
8. Will Microsoft Office slow down my Mac?
No, Office is optimized for macOS and should run smoothly without significantly affecting system performance.
