Microsoft has initiated the testing of a free version of Office for Windows that incorporates ads. Traditionally, access to the full desktop version of Office requires a monthly Microsoft 365 subscription. However, Microsoft has discreetly begun testing an ad-supported version in selected countries.
The tech site Beebom was the first to report the presence of the ad-supported version of Office in India. This new offering allows Windows users to access popular Office applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint without needing a Microsoft 365 subscription.
A Microsoft spokesperson clarified to PCWorld, "Microsoft has been conducting some limited testing. Currently, there are no plans to launch a free, ad-supported version of Microsoft Office desktop apps." Despite this claim of limited testing, the company's deliberate adaptation of Office apps to function with ads on Windows suggests potential future expansion to more markets.
The ad-supported version of Office displays ads in the form of banners that remain visible on the side of the screen, along with 15-second video ads that play intermittently every few hours. Additionally, users of this free version must store documents on OneDrive as local file storage is not supported.
Currently, Microsoft provides free versions of Office online, accessible through a web browser, but these versions are significantly limited compared to the desktop apps. The test version of Office for Windows also does not include the full features of the applications. For instance, Word lacks drawing and design tools, line spacing options, and more. The free version of Excel does not support add-ins, pivot tables, or macros, while PowerPoint is missing dictation support, custom slide shows, and other features.
Microsoft had previously begun testing the integration of AI-powered Office features into its Microsoft 365 subscriptions in a limited number of countries. This was eventually rolled out globally, accompanied by price increases.
As Microsoft continues to explore different offerings and pricing models, the potential expansion of a free, ad-supported version of Office for Windows could mark a significant shift in how users access these essential productivity tools.
