Microsoft is testing a free but ad-supported version of Office, which includes applications like Word, Excel, and Power Point. The free version allows for project creation and editing, but some features are unavailable. One of the technology industry’s leading companies, Microsoft, has begun testing a free version of Office that includes advertisements. While access to desktop versions of Office applications usually requires a Microsoft 365 subscription, the company quietly started testing an ad-supported free version in select countries. According to a report by Arjun Sha, the new application was made available in India first. Windows users can download Office from the official website and access all programs, including popular ones like Word, Excel, and Power Point, for free without entering a license key during installation. In the free version, users will see advertisements constantly while preparing documents, spreadsheets, or presentations, and some features will be disabled.

HOW ARE ADS DISPLAYED IN THE APP
Images released by Sha show a constant ad banner on the right side of the test version. The banner-style ad cannot be closed and may change on its own. Additionally, every few hours, there are silent 15-second video ads. These videos play without sound, but users can enable the sound if they wish.

FEATURES MISSING IN THE FREE MICROSOFT OFFICE VERSION
Limited platform: The free version is only compatible with computers using the Windows operating system. It cannot be used on mobile devices or devices with different operating systems like macOS.
Local file saving: Previously, users with expired licenses or no paid monthly subscriptions could only view documents in Office programs. The free test version now offers the ability to create and edit projects in all applications. However, users can only save documents, tables, or presentations they create to Microsoft’s cloud storage service, OneDrive.
Add-ons: Popular add-ons like Boomerang, FindTime, OneNote Web Clipper, Power-user, or Intis Telecom that assist users are not available in the free version.
Dictation: The feature of writing text using voice commands is not included in this version.
Advanced formatting: Advanced text and document formatting options offered in the premium version are not available in the free trial version.
Visual tools: Visual tools like SmartArt and Designer are disabled.
Advanced features: Advanced services supported by artificial intelligence, such as data analysis, are not accessible in the free version.

MICROSOFT CONFIRMS TEST
A Microsoft representative contacted by Mark Hachman confirmed that the company is testing an ad-supported Office version. Hachman reported that the representative stated, “Microsoft has been conducting a limited trial for some time. There are currently no plans to officially release a free, ad-supported version of Microsoft Office.”