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Microsoft quietly began testing a free, ad-supported version of its Office desktop applications for Windows users. The limited test offers access to Word, Excel, and PowerPoint without a subscription but comes with persistent ads and reduced functionality.
The test, first spotted by Beebom on Tuesday, appears restricted to certain regions, including India. Users see banner ads on the right side of their screen and 15-second video advertisements every few hours.
“Microsoft has been conducting some limited testing,” a Microsoft spokesperson confirmed to PCWorld. “Currently, there are no plans to launch a free, ad-supported version of Microsoft Office desktop apps.”
Unlike Microsoft’s existing free web versions, these desktop applications allow users to create, edit, and save documents. However, the free version forces users to save exclusively to OneDrive rather than local storage.
The test versions also lack numerous features. Word excludes line spacing, borders, and design tools. Excel removes pivot tables and conditional formatting. PowerPoint strips animation tools and slide master functionality.
For casual users who need basic document creation, the trade-off might prove worthwhile.
The company’s careful approach comes amid rising competition from Google Workspace and LibreOffice. Their growing functionality threatens Microsoft’s dominance in productivity software.
“It is perhaps also an acknowledgment of the threat posed by some of the free and open source Office alternatives available as Microsoft increases its prices and adds extra AI services,” noted Richard Speed of The Register.
Tech experts speculate this limited test could also signal Microsoft’s willingness to adopt new business models. By offering a restricted free version with ads, Microsoft might hope to convert casual users into paying subscribers while competing against completely free alternatives.
Microsoft previously tested various ad placements across its products. The company experimented with ads in the Windows 11 Start Menu in 2023 and in File Explorer in 2022.
For most users, obtaining desktop versions of Microsoft’s productivity apps still requires either a subscription or a perpetual license purchase. The company’s statement suggests no immediate plans to change this approach despite the ongoing tests.
Whether the ad-supported Office expands beyond limited testing remains uncertain. The unusual silence surrounding the launch suggests Microsoft treads cautiously into this new territory.
