desktop applications Archives

Winsage

March 6, 2025

How to Download the Old Classic Outlook App on Windows 11

Microsoft has started the automatic migration of classic Outlook users to its new web-based Outlook Progressive Web App (PWA), removing the option to revert to the classic version for many users. The classic Outlook app is still available for download via the Microsoft Store, and users can install it by accessing the Microsoft Store link, clicking "View in Store," and then "Install." To block automatic transitions to the new Outlook app, users need to modify a Registry entry by opening "Registry Editor," navigating to the specified path, changing the value of "UseNewOutlook" to 0, and restarting their PC. Additionally, Microsoft has removed WordPad from Windows 11, leading to discontent among some users.

Winsage

February 28, 2025

Microsoft tests free Word, PowerPoint and Excel apps for Windows — expect a lot of ads

Microsoft is testing a free, ad-supported version of its Office desktop applications, allowing users to access tools like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint without a subscription or one-time purchase fee. This version will require documents to be stored on OneDrive, as local file saving will not be available. It will also lack advanced features such as add-ins, sophisticated formatting options, and dictation capabilities, focusing instead on basic writing and editing tasks. Microsoft has confirmed that there are currently no plans for a public launch of this free version, despite the ongoing limited testing.

Winsage

February 25, 2025

Microsoft is testing free Office for Windows apps with ads

The free desktop versions of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are currently being tested in India, featuring advertisements and limitations compared to the paid Microsoft 365 subscription. This ad-supported version includes persistent banner ads and 15-second video ads, and requires users to store documents exclusively in OneDrive, disabling local file storage. The free version lacks several features found in the paid versions: Word does not include drawing and design tools or line spacing options; Excel does not support add-ins, pivot tables, or macros; and PowerPoint is missing dictation and custom slide shows. Microsoft has stated that there are no plans to launch a free, ad-supported version of the desktop apps, despite the current testing phase.

Winsage

February 25, 2025

Microsoft quietly launches free, ad-supported version of Office apps for Windows with limited functionality

Microsoft has introduced a new version of Microsoft Office for Windows that allows users to edit documents without a Microsoft 365 subscription or an Office license key. This free version includes persistent advertisements and limited functionality, supporting only file saving to OneDrive and excluding local file editing. Users can access it by bypassing the sign-in prompt, but features such as add-ins, dictation, advanced formatting, designer tools, and smart art are not available. The free version is currently undergoing limited testing, with reports of difficulties in bypassing the sign-in prompt, indicating possible region-specific tests or A/B trials. Microsoft has not officially announced this version or provided details in its support documentation.

Winsage

February 25, 2025

Microsoft tests ad-supported Office apps for Windows users

Microsoft has introduced ad-supported versions of its Office desktop applications, allowing Windows users to edit documents without a subscription. These applications will display advertisements in a vertical panel on the right side of the window and include prompts encouraging users to subscribe to Microsoft 365 to remove ads. Users must download and install Microsoft 365 to access these applications, and they can choose to skip the sign-in process for free access. However, a subscription is required to save documents edited with these applications directly to local drives. The ad-supported versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint have limited functionality compared to the full versions. Reports suggest that the availability of these applications may be part of a regional test, as some outlets could not replicate the findings. Additionally, Microsoft has a history of integrating ads into its products, including in the Windows 11 Start menu and Windows File Explorer.

Winsage

February 24, 2025

Microsoft launches ad-supported Office apps for Windows users

Microsoft has introduced ad-supported versions of its Office desktop applications for Windows users, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. These applications display advertisements in a vertical panel on the right side of the window while users work. Users are encouraged to subscribe to Microsoft 365 to remove ads, with saving edited documents limited to OneDrive unless a paid subscription is chosen. The ad-supported versions come with basic functionality and restrictions compared to the full versions. Microsoft has previously integrated advertisements into its products, including the Windows 11 Start menu and Windows File Explorer.

Winsage

February 24, 2025

You Can Now Use Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for Free on Windows

Microsoft has introduced free, ad-supported versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for Windows users, which require saving documents to OneDrive. These versions have significant limitations: Word lacks Dictate, Line spacing, WordArt, and all Draw and Design tools; Excel is missing Add-in support, Pivot Table functionality, and various chart types; PowerPoint excludes Add-ins, Dictate, Screenshot, and SmartArt. Users can use these apps offline, but they represent a compromise between Office Web Apps and the full desktop Office suite. The release coincides with a price increase for Microsoft 365 subscriptions and the distribution of AI credits for accessing Copilot features. To install, users must visit the Microsoft 365 website, skip the sign-in prompt, and agree to save documents to OneDrive to access editing features. There have been reports of inconsistencies in the installation process across different regions.