Introduction

Windows 11 is the latest operating system from Microsoft, offering a sleek interface, enhanced security, and improved performance. Many users wonder whether Windows 11 includes Microsoft Office or if they need to purchase Office separately.

In this blog, we will clarify whether Windows 11 comes with Office, discuss the different versions of Office available, and explore the best ways to get Office for your Windows 11 device.

Does Windows 11 Come with Microsoft Office Preinstalled?

Windows 11 does not include a full version of Microsoft Office by default. However, it does come with a trial version of Microsoft 365, which allows users to try Office apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for a limited period.

A. Windows 11 with Microsoft 365 Trial

  • Most new Windows 11 PCs come with a 30-day trial of Microsoft 365.
  • After the trial, users must subscribe to Microsoft 365 to continue using the full features.
  • If the trial expires, Office apps will function in read-only mode, allowing users to view documents but not edit them.

B. Windows 11 S Mode and Office

  • Some Windows 11 devices, especially budget-friendly laptops, come with Windows 11 in S Mode.
  • S Mode restricts app installations to the Microsoft Store, meaning users can only install Office apps from the store.
  • Users can switch out of S Mode to install Office 2021, Office 2019, or Office 2021.

How to Get Microsoft Office on Windows 11

If your Windows 11 PC does not include Office, you have several options to install and activate it.

A. Microsoft 365 Subscription

  • Microsoft 365 is a subscription-based version of Office.
  • It includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, and Microsoft Teams.
  • Comes with OneDrive cloud storage for syncing files across devices.
  • Monthly or yearly plans are available.

B. Office 2021 or Office 2019 (One-Time Purchase)

  • Office 2021 Professional Plus and Office 2019 are one-time purchases.
  • Includes core apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
  • No monthly fees, but no major feature updates like in Microsoft 365.

C. Office 2021 Professional Plus

  • The latest version of Microsoft Office with advanced features and AI-powered tools.
  • Ideal for professionals and businesses needing enhanced security and collaboration tools.
  • Available as a one-time purchase or bundled with Windows 11 Pro in some business editions.

D. Free Web-Based Microsoft Office Apps

  • Microsoft offers free web versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint at www.office.com.
  • Limited features compared to full Office versions.
  • Requires an internet connection for editing and saving documents.

How to Install Microsoft Office on Windows 11

If you need to install Office 2021, Office 2021, or Microsoft 365 on Windows 11, follow these steps:

Step 1: Purchase or Subscribe to Office

  • Buy Office from the Microsoft Store, official website, or an authorized reseller.
  • If you have a Microsoft 365 subscription, sign in with your Microsoft account.

Step 2: Download Office

  1. Visit www.office.com.
  2. Sign in with your Microsoft account.
  3. Click Install Office and choose your version.
  4. Download the setup file.

Step 3: Install Office

  1. Open the downloaded setup file.
  2. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Office on your Windows 11 PC.
  3. Wait for the installation to complete.

Step 4: Activate Office

  1. Open any Office app, such as Word or Excel.
  2. Enter your 25-character product key (if required).
  3. Sign in with your Microsoft account to complete activation.

Microsoft Office vs. Free Office Alternatives on Windows 11

If you do not want to purchase Office, there are free alternatives available on Windows 11:

Software Features Limitations
Microsoft Office Web Apps Free online version of Word, Excel, PowerPoint Limited features, requires internet
Google Docs, Sheets, Slides Cloud-based, free with Google account Requires Google Drive for file storage
LibreOffice Free, open-source alternative UI different from Microsoft Office
WPS Office Free version available, supports Office file formats Ads in free version, some premium features locked

While these alternatives are helpful, Microsoft Office remains the best choice for professional work due to its advanced features, security, and integration with Windows 11.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does Windows 11 come with a full version of Office?

No, Windows 11 only includes a trial version of Microsoft 365, which requires a subscription after the trial period ends.

2. Can I use Office 2021 or Office 2019 on Windows 11?

Yes, both Office 2021 and Office 2019 are fully compatible with Windows 11.

3. What is the difference between Microsoft 365 and Office 2021?

  • Microsoft 365 is a subscription-based service with regular updates and cloud integration.
  • Office 2021 Professional Plus is a one-time purchase with a fixed set of features and no major updates.

4. Can I install Office on Windows 11 in S Mode?

Yes, but only the Microsoft Store version of Office will work. You need to switch out of S Mode to install full Office versions like Office 2021 or Office 2021.

5. Is there a free version of Microsoft Office for Windows 11?

Yes, you can use Microsoft Office Web Apps for free at www.office.com, but they have limited features compared to the desktop versions.

6. Can I use my old Office license on Windows 11?

If you have a valid Office 2019 or Office 2021 license, you can reinstall and activate it on Windows 11.

7. Do I need an internet connection to use Microsoft Office on Windows 11?

  • Microsoft 365 and Office Web Apps require an internet connection.
  • Office 2021, Office 2019, and Office 2021 can work offline but need internet for activation and updates.

Final Thoughts

Windows 11 does not come with a full version of Office, but it includes a Microsoft 365 trial for a limited time. Users who need full Office functionality can choose between Microsoft 365 (subscription), Office 2021, or Office 2021 (one-time purchase).

For the best productivity experience, installing Microsoft Office 2021 Professional Plus on Windows 11 ensures access to advanced features, cloud integration, and AI-powered tools.