It was not initially popular, since its user interface was different from the leading word processor at the time, WordStar. Advertisements depicted the Microsoft Mouse and described Word as a WYSIWYG, windowed word processor with the ability to undo and display bold, italic, and underlined text, although it could not render fonts. Unlike most MS-DOS programs at the time, Microsoft Word was designed to be used with a mouse. That year Microsoft demonstrated Word running on Windows. Free demonstration copies of the application were bundled with the November 1983 issue of PC World, making it the first to be distributed on-disk with a magazine. Its name was soon simplified to Microsoft Word. Microsoft announced Multi-Tool Word for Xenix and MS-DOS in 1983. Simonyi started work on a word processor called Multi-Tool Word and soon hired Richard Brodie, a former Xerox intern, who became the primary software engineer. In 1981, Microsoft hired Charles Simonyi, the primary developer of Bravo, the first GUI word processor, which was developed at Xerox PARC. Main article: History of Microsoft Word Origins Word can also be acquired by purchasing Windows RT or the discontinued Microsoft Works suite. Using Wine, versions of Microsoft Word before 2013 can be run on Linux.Ĭommercial versions of Word are licensed as a standalone product or as a component of Microsoft Office suite of software, which can be purchased either with a perpetual license or as part of a Microsoft 365 subscription. Subsequent versions were later written for several other platforms including: IBM PCs running DOS (1983), Apple Macintosh running the Classic Mac OS (1985), AT&T UNIX PC (1985), Atari ST (1988), OS/2 (1989), Microsoft Windows (1989), SCO Unix (1990) and macOS (2001). It was first released on October 25, 1983, under the name Multi-Tool Word for Xenix systems. The mobile application also provides free access to basic editing features from your pocket, and all of this only requires a Microsoft account to keep everything in sync.Microsoft Word is a word processing software developed by Microsoft. The development of the browser-based application for Windows 10, Mac, Linux, and Chrome OS users makes it easy and convenient to work solo or in collaboration. Not only is there no requirement to pay to use Microsoft Word anymore, but there’s also no requirement to even install it if you’re using it on a PC.
Previously, Microsoft had a standalone Word app for both iOS and Android, but it has now merged Word with Excel and Powerpoint on mobile in the single Microsoft Office application.Īgain, to use it you only need to log in with a Microsoft account for free access to basic features, as well as online collaboration, backup to OneDrive, and the ability to create PDF files from your documents. Using Microsoft Word on a smartphone or a tablet might not be your first choice, but it’s possible and it’s also free. You can download and use Microsoft Word for free from either the Apple App Store (opens in new tab) or Google Play Store (opens in new tab). More advanced features are available to users with a Microsoft 365 subscription, but if all you’re looking for is basic access to Microsoft Word on your smartphone or tablet, this will do the job very well. (Image credit: Microsoft Office Mobile) How to use Microsoft Word for free on iOS and Android This isn’t the full version of Microsoft Word, but it looks the same and has all the basic suite of features that the majority of people will need access to. You also have the ability to collaborate with other people in real-time. Using Microsoft Word online is a lot like Google Docs, in that you have automatic cloud backups of your work with OneDrive. Office Online offers more than just Microsoft Word, too, with Excel, Powerpoint, and much more also available for free. Head to ‘the official Office website (opens in new tab) in your browser of choice, enter your login credentials and choose ‘Microsoft Word’. Whether you’re on Windows 10, Mac, Chrome OS, or Linux, using Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Safari, or any other major browser, you can access a free-to-use version of Microsoft Word.Īll you need is a Microsoft account and a data connection. The easiest way to download and use Microsoft Word for free is right in your web browser. (Image credit: TechRadar) How to use Microsoft Word for free on Windows 10, Mac, Chrome OS, and Linux