Earlier this week, Microsoft made a noteworthy shift in its approach to the Microsoft Office suite by introducing a free, ad-supported version specifically for Windows 11 users. This move marks a departure from its longstanding tradition of offering only paid versions of the native Office applications, although the web-based version has been free for some time. The announcement was first highlighted by Beebom, which conducted tests on Windows 11 devices, while users of Windows 10 found the familiar paid model still in place.
Features and Limitations
This new offering allows users to access essential applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint without charge, albeit with the presence of advertisements. The ads manifest as a persistent banner on the screen, complemented by muted 15-second video ads that play every few hours. While the introduction of a “Skip for now” button provides a user-friendly touch, it does raise questions about the overall user experience, especially when compared to established competitors like Google Docs.
However, the free version is not without its shortcomings. Beebom meticulously cataloged over 30 missing features that significantly limit the formatting and decorative options available to users. For instance, critical functionalities such as line spacing, text wrapping, headers, footers, bookmarks, and even basic date and time fields have been removed. The absence of hyphenation is particularly striking, highlighting the limitations that users may face.
While the applications remain usable, Beebom’s assessment that “most of the basic and some of the key features are available” may indeed downplay the extent of the restrictions. For those who opt for this free version, the motivation often lies in maintaining compatibility with existing workflows that rely on Microsoft Office. Yet, with such a significant number of essential formatting options locked behind a paywall, users might find themselves reconsidering their choices. Alternatives like LibreOffice or Google Drive could provide a more comprehensive solution without the constraints imposed by Microsoft’s new offering.
If Microsoft intends to monetize its free users through advertisements, it would be prudent to ensure that the free version of Microsoft Office is sufficiently functional. The extensive list of omitted features may give the impression of a company that is less interested in user satisfaction and more focused on profit, particularly for a platform that already inundates users with ads.
