Hes authored or co-authored over 30 computer-related books in more than a dozen languages for publishers like Microsoft Press, OReilly, and OsborneMcGraw-Hill.

As you might imagine, the online and mobile app versions arent as robust as the desktop version, but you might still find them useful.

The subscription option also offers access to their mobile apps for iPhone, iPad, Android, and (in turn) Chromebooks.

Office 365 Desktop App Install On Your

These are the full desktop apps that you install on your Windows PC or Mac.

You can buy this version in one of two ways: RELATED: Whats the Difference Between Office 365 and Office 2016.

You pay the upfront cost, get a license, and install it on your computer.

As long as you keep your subscription going, you always have the latest version of Officeincluding major new updates.

The subscription also comes with some extra perks, like a large amount of OneDrive storage, a monthly allotment of Skype minutes, and access to the mobile app versions of the Office apps.

That subscription gives you access to both the desktop and mobile appsyou dont need a separate subscription.

All the same appsWord, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNoteare available.

Office 365 Desktop App Free Microsoft Account

You do not need a subscription to use the online apps, although you will need to sign in with a free Microsoft account.

The big difference (aside from being free) is that Office 365 Online does not offer offline access; you must be connected to the Internet to view and edit documents.

Office 365 Online and the Office 365 Mobile Apps both offer a feature set similar to what youd find in their Google Docs counterparts.

Theyre great if you just need the basic features, or if you occasionally need to view or make minor edits to documents (without the compatibility issues youd run into using Google Docs, LibreOffice, or another suite of programs).

And you wont have access to some of the more advanced reviewing, proofing, or page layout tools.

You also cannot take advantage of advanced design or reviewer tools.

For a complete list, check out the Office Online Service Description on Microsoft TechNet.

While that list specifically talks about the Office 365 Online experience, most of the same exclusions apply to the mobile apps, too.

For example, you cannot create a table of contents form in the online or mobile app versions, but you will be able to view one that was created in the desktop version.

If you need the full desktop version, decide whether you want to go with the standalone Office 2016 or the subscription-based Office 365.

Note that if you also want to use the mobile apps, youll need that Office 365 subscription, anyway.

You can use them just fine on Android, iPhone or iPad, or even on the Chromebook.

He has more than 30 years of experience in the computer industry and over 20 years as a technical writer and editor.

Hes written hundreds of articles for How-To Geek and edited thousands.

Office 365 Desktop App For Mac