Microsoft is currently testing a free, ad-supported version of its Office suite for Windows, according to reports. The move would expand the availability of Microsoft’s productivity tools, which are currently offered for free only via the web.
A free version of Microsoft Office for Windows might be on its way.
The ad-supported version, as reported by Beebom, would allow users to access popular applications such as PowerPoint, Word, and Excel at no cost. However, the free access comes with a few conditions. Users can expect an ever-present banner ad on the right side of the screen, as well as 15-second video advertisements that would play every few hours. Furthermore, any documents created or edited through the free version would need to be stored in OneDrive, rather than local files.
There will also be feature limitations. For example, Word would lack drawing and design tools, and dictation features. Excel will not include conditional formatting options or recommended charts. PowerPoint users would lose access to drawing, animation, and recording tools, among others.
“Microsoft has been conducting some limited testing,” a representative for the company told Engadget in an email. “Currently, there are no plans to launch a free, ad-supported version of Microsoft Office desktop apps.” The statement was also reported in PC Mag.
