# Microsoft May Introduce a No-Cost, Ad-Financed Edition of Office for Windows
Reports indicate that Microsoft is testing a no-cost, ad-financed version of its Office suite for Windows computers. Although the company hasn’t made an official announcement regarding a public launch, it appears that some users have already accessed this version. This initiative could enhance accessibility for those who prefer not to pay for a subscription, albeit with certain limitations and advertisements.
## Details on the Free Office Edition
As per reports from [Beebom](https://beebom.com/microsoft-free-ad-supported-office-quietly-launched/) and [The Verge](https://www.theverge.com/news/618278/microsoft-office-free-windows-apps-ad-supported-version), Microsoft has secretly begun testing a no-cost version of Office that features ads. Users who download the official Microsoft Office suite from the [company’s site](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/download-office) can opt to bypass the subscription prompt and use the apps with restricted capabilities.
In response to inquiries about this news, a Microsoft representative stated to [PCWorld](https://www.pcworld.com/article/2617938/report-microsoft-launches-a-free-version-of-office-but-with-ads.html), “Microsoft has been conducting some limited testing. Currently, there are no plans to launch a free, ad-supported version of Microsoft Office desktop apps.” Nevertheless, the ongoing testing implies that the company might be considering a wider launch in the future.
## Constraints of the Free Office Edition
The no-cost version offers users access to Microsoft Office apps without a subscription, but it includes several limitations:
– **Advertisements**: Users will encounter ads during app usage.
– **Cloud-Only Storage**: Documents can only be stored on OneDrive, not saved directly to a local computer.
– **Incomplete Features**: Various essential features are not included in the free version.
### Absent Features in Microsoft Office Free Edition
Below are some features that the ad-financed version lacks:
– **Microsoft Word**: Dictate, Add-ins, bookmarks, columns, and draw/design tools are unavailable.
– **Microsoft Excel**: Conditional Formatting, Pivot Tables, Themes, Macros, custom views, and Workbook Statistics are missing.
– **Microsoft PowerPoint**: Format Background, media controls, drawings/animations, recording tools, and screenshot capabilities are not included.
These restrictions may encourage users to subscribe to Microsoft 365 for more advanced features.
## Will This Free Version be Offered for Mac?
Currently, the no-cost, ad-supported version of Microsoft Office is exclusively available for Windows PCs. There is no information regarding plans to extend this offering to Mac users. Nonetheless, Mac users can still utilize Microsoft Office for free via the web version, which also comes with limited functionality.
## Microsoft’s Existing Subscription Options
For users needing full functionality, Microsoft provides various subscription options. The **Microsoft 365 Personal** plan is available for **$6.99 monthly** or **$69.99 annually**. Prices may vary based on the selected plan and features.
## What’s Coming Next?
Microsoft has yet to confirm whether it will officially release this free, ad-supported edition of Office to all users. However, the ongoing tests indicate that the company is exploring new avenues to make Office more accessible while still generating revenue through advertisements.
We will monitor this situation closely and provide updates should Microsoft choose to broaden the rollout of this version. Stay tuned for more information on Microsoft Office and additional tech news!
