Microsoft is testing a free version of Office, including applications like Word, Excel, and Power Point, but supported by ads. The free version allows project creation and editing, but some features are restricted. One of the leading companies in the technology sector, Microsoft, has started testing a free Office version with advertisements. While accessing the desktop versions of Office applications required a Microsoft 365 subscription, the company quietly began testing an ad-supported free version in certain countries. According to a report by Arjun Sha, the new application was made available in India first. Windows users can download Office from the official website and access all programs, including the popular ones like Word, Excel, Power Point, for free without entering a license key during installation. Continuous ads are displayed while preparing documents, spreadsheets, or presentations in the free version, with some features being inaccessible.

HOW ADS ARE DISPLAYED IN THE APPLICATION Sha’s published images reveal a continuous ad banner on the right side of the test version. The banner-style ad cannot be closed and changes on its own. Moreover, every few hours, 15-second video ads are played. These videos run silently, but users can choose to enable sound.

WHAT FEATURES ARE MISSING IN THE FREE MICROSOFT OFFICE VERSION Limited platform: The free version offered only works on computers using the Windows operating system. It cannot be used on mobile devices or devices with different operating systems like OS. Local file saving: Users with expired licenses or no paid monthly subscriptions could only view documents in Office programs. The released free test version provides the ability to create and edit projects in all applications. However, users can only save the documents, spreadsheets, or presentations they create to Microsoft’s online cloud storage service, OneDrive. Add-ons: Helpful add-ons such as Boomerang, FindTime, OneNote Web Clipper, Power-user, or Intis Telecom, among others, are not available in the free version. Dictation: The feature of typing text with voice commands is not included in this version. Advanced Formatting: The advanced text and document formatting options offered in the premium version are not found in the free trial version. Visual tools: Visual tools like SmartArt and Designer are unavailable. Advanced features: Advanced services supported by artificial intelligence, such as data analysis, are not accessible in the free version.

MICROSOFT CONFIRMS THE TEST A Microsoft official contacted by Mark Hachman – whose name was not disclosed – confirmed that the company is testing an ad-supported Office version. Hachman reported that the official stated, “Microsoft has been conducting a limited trial for some time. Currently, there are no plans to officially release a free, ad-supported Microsoft Office version.”