Download Details

Version: 16.0.20228.20124 (latest)
File size: 6.3 MB
License: Free Trial
Security scan: VirusTotal: 71 of 71 engines say OK (0 flagged)
SHA-256 checksum: f266bc16834fbfae5aa7aca7c27ed5f393cac0bb2acebc2d5bb2dd7813cf7497
Developer: Microsoft Corporation
Supported OS: Windows 11, Windows 10, Linux
Installers: 64-bit (x64), 32-bit (x86), ARM (Arm64)
Downloads: 10059
Rating: 4.6 out of 5 · 81 reviews
File name(s): setup.exe

Reviewed by Ahmed Madbouli
Tested on Windows 11 and 10 · November 11, 2026 · How we review

Screenshots

Get Word if documents are part of your daily routine: reports, essays, contracts, CVs or anything that has to look the same on every screen and printer.

It runs on Windows 10 and 11, with 64-bit, 32-bit and Arm64 builds. Co-authoring with comments and tracked changes is the feature that sets it apart from lighter editors.

It starts as a free trial, so check the license section before you commit. If you only write the odd letter, a free editor may be enough.

What is Microsoft Word?

Word is the word processor from Microsoft Corporation, part of the Office suite. It handles text layout, page design, spelling and grammar, and file exchange.

It reads older .doc files and the current .docx format, and it can export to PDF.

Co-authoring with comments and tracked changes

Several people can work in one file stored on OneDrive or SharePoint. Edits appear as they happen, and comments stay anchored to the text they refer to.

Tracked changes let the author accept or reject each edit. Where it falls short: real-time sharing needs cloud storage and a connection.

Tip: if a reviewer works in another tool, save a copy first, then use Review, Compare to see exactly what changed.

Styles and the Navigation pane for long documents

Apply Heading styles and Word builds a clickable outline in the Navigation pane. A table of contents can be generated from the same headings.

This is what keeps a thesis or a 60-page report manageable.

Tip: change a style once and every paragraph using it updates, which beats formatting by hand.

Editor, Dictation and Read Aloud

Editor flags spelling, grammar and wordy phrasing as you type. Dictation turns speech into text, and Read Aloud plays your draft back to you.

Hearing a draft often exposes clumsy sentences that silent reading misses. Accuracy depends on your microphone and accent, so expect to correct some words.

Templates and Quick Parts for repeated paperwork

Built-in templates cover resumes, letters, invoices and newsletters. Quick Parts stores a clause, address block or disclaimer you can drop in with two clicks.

If you send the same contract wording every week, this saves real typing.

Free trial, one-time purchase or subscription: what you get

The desktop app is not free for the long term. Word for the web, in a browser at no cost, covers basic writing and sharing.

Feature	Word for the web (free)	Desktop Word (paid after trial)
Works offline	No, needs internet	Yes, after setup
Advanced layout and references	Limited	Full set
Real-time co-authoring	Yes	Yes, with cloud-saved files
Ongoing feature updates	Handled online	Subscription only

A one-time purchase edition covers one PC and does not include cloud extras. Upgrading to the next major release means buying again.

Is Word safe to install?

The installer on this page is checked with VirusTotal and came back clean.

Download only from the button on this page or from Microsoft itself. “Cheap license key” sites are where real problems start.

Who can skip desktop Word

If you write short notes and share them by link, Google Docs does the job in a browser at no cost.

If you want a free offline editor that opens .docx files, LibreOffice Writer is the closest match. Complex layouts may shift slightly between the two programs.

Older PCs with 2 GB of RAM will feel slow, since Word is heavier than a basic text editor.

Pros & Cons

What we liked

Reliable layout and print output
Smooth co-authoring with comments
Works offline after activation
Free browser version available
Opens old .doc files

What we didn't like

Desktop app needs paid license
Heavy on low-memory PCs
Microsoft account required

Best Microsoft Word Alternatives

Microsoft 365 (Office)
Rents you the latest Office apps with cloud storage for always-on access.
Microsoft Office 2024
A one-time purchase offline installer - Pro Plus 64-bit office suite.
Microsoft Office 2016
A stable desktop office suite with smart cloud sharing and collaboration features.
Microsoft Office 2021
A one-time purchase offline setup of Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint (2021).

FAQ

Can I use Word on my Windows PC without paying?

Yes, for a limited time through the free trial. Word for the web is also free in a browser, but with fewer features.

Is there a way to buy Word once instead of subscribing?

Yes, Microsoft sells Office editions with Word as a one-time purchase for one PC. They get no new features, and a later major release costs full price.

Will Word run without an internet connection?

Yes, once it is installed and activated. Internet is needed for setup, activation, cloud files and updates.

Why does Word say “Unlicensed Product” after installing?

You are probably signed in with the wrong Microsoft account. Sign in with the account that holds the license or subscription, and the banner should clear.

Is there a version for 32-bit Windows or Arm laptops?

Yes, a 32-bit installer and an Arm64 build are both available. Most current PCs should use the main 64-bit installer.

Can Word open files made in much older versions?

Yes, it opens old .doc files and current .docx files. Very old documents may show a compatibility mode label in the title bar.

Found a problem with this download? Report an outdated version, broken link, suspicious installer or incorrect information.

Microsoft Word