Microsoft has begun testing a free version of its Office suite for Windows that includes ads. Some users in select countries now have access to an ad-supported version of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint without a subscription fee. This ad-supported version of Office recently appeared in India.
It allows users to access core Office applications with some limitations. Unlike the fully-featured Microsoft 365 version, the free Office apps come with ads displayed on the sidebar. They also include 15-second video ads that play every few hours.
Users of this free version must store their documents in OneDrive as local file storage is disabled. “Microsoft has been conducting some limited testing. Currently, there are no plans to launch a free, ad-supported version of Microsoft Office desktop apps,” a Microsoft spokesperson stated.
Ad-supported Office Free Version
Despite this, the existence of these ads in the test version indicates that Microsoft has engineered its Office apps to work with ad support. This raises the possibility that it might expand to other markets in the future.
At present, Microsoft offers free versions of Office on the web. These are accessed through a browser and come with even more limited functionalities compared to the desktop apps. The test version of Office for Windows also lacks several advanced features.
For instance, Word is missing drawing and design tools as well as line spacing options. Excel does not support add-ins, pivot tables, or macros. PowerPoint lacks features like dictation and custom slide shows.
This move comes as Microsoft continues to explore new ways to provide its Office services. This includes the integration of AI-powered features into its existing 365 subscriptions.
Image Credits: Photo by Nubelson Fernandes on Unsplash
April Isaacs is a news contributor for DevX.com She is long-term, self-proclaimed nerd. She loves all things tech and computers and still has her first Dreamcast system. It is lovingly named Joni, after Joni Mitchell.
