To download desktop Microsoft Word, sign in at Microsoft’s Microsoft 365 apps page with the account that owns your Microsoft 365 or Word license, then choose Install apps or the install option shown for your product. Run the installer and open Word to activate it. If you only need Word in a browser, Microsoft’s free web version needs no desktop download; availability of desktop editing depends on your license.
Check what you already have
Before buying anything, search your computer for Word and check which Microsoft account is signed in. A work or school organization may already assign you a license. If you bought Office or a stand-alone Word license before, sign in with the account connected to that purchase. Microsoft says a previously redeemed product key or assigned license can usually go straight to the install steps. Check your device against the current system requirements if the installer or product page says your computer is unsupported.
Install Word on a Windows PC
- Open m365.cloud.microsoft/apps in a browser and select Sign in.
- Use the Microsoft account, or the work or school account, associated with your license.
- Choose Install apps and follow the option shown for your subscription or stand-alone purchase. If Word is licensed through an organization, its admin may control which apps can be installed.
- Open the downloaded setup file and approve the Windows prompt if it appears. Leave the computer connected while installation completes.
- Open Word from the Start menu and sign in or follow the activation prompt. Confirm that you can create and save a new document.
The installer may include other Office apps with Word. A licensed stand-alone version can also appear on the same apps page. Do not assume that seeing a download button means a new purchase is required; first verify which account owns the product.
Install Word on a Mac
Sign in to the same Microsoft apps page with the account tied to your license, choose the install option, open the downloaded package, and follow the macOS installer. Launch Word and complete activation when prompted. Microsoft also describes a Customize option during installation if you want to choose particular apps. The available choices can depend on the product and license.
Mac App Store installs have their own licensing conditions. If you plan to use a one-time purchase, confirm the supported download and activation route on Microsoft’s product instructions before assuming the App Store version will accept it.
Install Word from the Mac App Store
- Open the App Store app on your Mac.
- Search for Microsoft Word and confirm that Microsoft Corporation is listed as the developer.
- Select Get, then Install.
- Open Word from the Applications folder and sign in with the account that holds your Microsoft 365 license.
Without an eligible license, Word opens with limited features until you sign in with a licensed account or buy a plan.
Find Word on your laptop after it installs
A Microsoft 365 install usually adds Word together with Excel, PowerPoint, and the other included apps.
- Windows: Select Start, type Word, and open it from the results. Right-click it and choose Pin to taskbar for one-click access.
- Mac: Open Finder > Applications and double-click Microsoft Word. Drag it to the Dock to keep it handy.
To confirm Word is activated on a Windows laptop, open it and choose File > Account. The Product Information section shows which product and license Word is using.
Use Word without a desktop install
If you do not have a desktop license, sign in to Microsoft’s free web apps to use Word in a browser. A free account offers the web version, with different features and storage terms from a paid Microsoft 365 subscription. See our guide to free Word access versus desktop installation before paying for software you may not need.
If download or activation fails
- No Install apps option: Check that you signed in with the account that owns the subscription or redeemed purchase. For work or school, ask the organization’s admin about your assigned license.
- Word asks you to buy again: Do not repurchase immediately. Check the license and account shown inside Word and on Microsoft’s services page.
- The installer stalls: Keep the device connected and use Microsoft’s installation troubleshooter if it does not finish.
- Word installs but cannot edit: Complete activation with the licensed account and review any activation error shown by Microsoft.
- You found a download on another site: Use Microsoft’s account and product pages for the installer so you know which product and license you are getting.
Mobile Word apps and the browser version have different installation steps and features. This guide covers desktop Word for Windows and Mac; check the official app store listing for your mobile device.
How do I download a Word document instead of the app?
If you want a copy of a document rather than the Word program, you can save the file to your computer from Word for the web.
- Open the document in Word for the web.
- Select File > Save As.
- Choose Download a Copy. The browser saves a .docx file to your Downloads folder.
You can also download a file straight from OneDrive: select the document and choose Download. In desktop Word, the file is already on your computer or in OneDrive, so use File > Save As to save a copy in another folder.
For email attachments, Safari links, and where the file ends up on a Mac, see how to download a Word document to your Mac.
Sources
- Microsoft Support: Download and install Microsoft 365 or Office
- Microsoft Support: Subscription and free web apps
Matt has been writing about Microsoft Windows and other Microsoft products since the days of Windows XP. He spends much of his time writing for sites like WindowBrain.com