As you know, Chromebooks are different from regular Windows laptops and you can’t install Windows apps on them. So if you need to use the Microsoft Office Suite on your Chromebook, you won’t be able to install Microsoft Office software, but there are ways around that.
Here's how you can run Microsoft Office on your Chromebook for free.
Use Microsoft Office Online
Not all Chromebooks allow you to download Office apps. In such cases, using Microsoft Office Online is the best option. Using this online version, you have access to edit and work as well as share Office files directly in the browser. The only condition is that you need an Internet connection before MS Office can run on Chromebook.
While this gives you an alternative to Google Drive , it’s not exactly ideal. You can still enjoy Microsoft Office on your Chromebook without the Google Play Store, but you won’t have access to all the features you love on Mac or Windows.
So, if your Chromebook doesn’t support Android, then don’t worry. This second method is the perfect option for you. This is one of the great features that you will enjoy while using MS Office on Chromebook.
Even though Chromebooks are part of the Google ecosystem, you don't have to give up all of your control to Google. You should still have access to all of your favorite apps. Here are some apps you might want to work with online with Microsoft Office:
Using PWA apps
Microsoft may have stopped supporting Android apps for Chromebooks, but instead the company introduced PWAs (Progressive Web Apps). Technically, a PWA doesn’t install like a regular app. Instead, it’s basically just a standalone browser window that opens directly to the app you want, so you don’t have to worry about local storage, app updates, etc.
Sign in to your Microsoft Office account online. If you don't have an online account, you'll need to create one. This feature is only available for the free version of Office, but it also works with the premium version.
Click the download icon to the right of your address bar.
Allow Office to “install,” which should only take a few seconds. Alternatively, if you want individual apps, open the individual apps and then click the download icon.
You will find the apps listed alongside other installed software and can pin them to the taskbar for easier access. The apps work just like their web counterparts because they are technically web versions.
Use Office extensions for Chrome
Microsoft officially stopped supporting Office browser extensions in January 2024. If you have them installed, they may still work, but they will not receive any updates and may stop working at any time.
The extension lets you use Microsoft Office on your Chromebook for free by providing shortcuts to the free web version of Office. However, some other extensions have appeared to replace this extension, but they are not official extensions so there may be some glitches.
Just add the extension to your Chromebook and you'll have quick access to Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, Excel, OneNote, and OneDrive right from your browser.
Many people like the new extension (just released in February 2024), MS Office 365 Apps by OUBRECHT . Click the extension icon, select your app, and you're done. Keyboard Launcher for MS Office Online is also great. It allows shortcuts for quick access to Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
You will need to sign in to your Microsoft account the first time you launch the app.
Using Microsoft Teams
If you want a more collaborative environment, using Microsoft Teams alongside Microsoft Office is a great option. While Microsoft Teams was previously a premium option, you can now install it for free for personal use.
The easiest method is to use the browser version. Just go to teams.microsoft.com and sign in with your Microsoft account.
You can now add a shortcut to your home screen to easily launch Teams whenever you want.
Open the Chrome browser menu by clicking the three vertical dots in the top right corner of the screen. Then click “ More Tools” and select “ Create a shortcut.”
Add a name and place the shortcut where you want.
Alternatively, you can also download Microsoft Teams from the Google Play Store if your Chromebook supports Android apps.
Connect to Windows
Here’s a more complex method that will let you use Microsoft Office on your Chromebook for free. You’ll use remote desktop on your Chromebook to connect to your Windows PC, then connect to any apps installed on Windows, including Office apps.
Connecting to Windows is the best solution for users who have a Windows desktop at home but take their Chromebook with them when they travel. Your PC must always be on to be accessible from your Chromebook at all times. Obviously, to use Microsoft Office on your Chromebook using this method, it needs to be installed on your Windows PC.
On your Windows PC, open the Chrome browser and sign in with the same Google account as your Chromebook. Go to Chrome Remote Desktop in your browser.
Select Access my computer or click the settings icon to the right of the address bar to install the PWA version of Chrome Remote Desktop. They both work the same. You'll still install the app in the next step.
If you click Access my computer , download and install Chrome Remote Desktop as prompted.
You will be prompted to enter a name for your computer and choose a PIN. The PIN is a security feature to ensure that not just anyone can connect to your PC.
Follow the same process on your Chromebook to install Chrome Remote Desktop. You can also visit the Chrome Web Store to download Chrome Remote Desktop.
Open Chrome Remote Desktop on your Chromebook. You'll see your Windows PC under Remote Access .
* Additional information:
Use Microsoft Office on Chromebook for free via the Microsoft Office Android app (no longer available)
Microsoft stopped supporting this method as of September 18, 2021. However, if you've downloaded or sideloaded the app now, you can still use it for free, but there won't be any further updates.
Sideloading means enabling Developer Mode, which voids your warranty and wipes all data from your device. It also reduces the effectiveness of many security features. You can disable it after installing the app. However, you should only do this on Chromebooks that are out of date and no longer receive updates.
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