No, not always a new version of a program is the best. And no, our computer is not always compatible with the new version of a program. Therefore, we understand that you want to download older versions of Microsoft Office programs.
Programs such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel or PowerPoint can also be downloaded in their previous versions if you follow the steps we suggest below.
Remember that Microsoft 365 is the most recent suite that now gives its name to this set of programs that are so famous and so essential on a computer.
But, what has been said, if you need to install previous versions of Microsoft Office programs, keep reading, we will tell you how.
What versions of Microsoft Office are still available?
As of this writing, all versions of Office from 2010 and earlier are no longer supported, which means you can’t download them from Microsoft’s website.
Since then, however, the company has started tying Office products to your account, so it’s still possible to get copies of 2013, 2016, 2019 and of course Microsoft 365.
How can I download older versions of Microsoft Office?
To get your old version of Office, go to the Microsoft website and sign in to your Microsoft account. It will need to be the same one you used to purchase the previous version of Office, as your product key will be linked to it.
Once logged in, click on the ‘Service and Subscriptions’ option which you will see at the top of the page.
All versions of MS Office that you have purchased in the past (2013 and later) should be listed in the main panel, along with your product key. Otherwise, read our tutorial on how to find your Microsoft product key.
Once you have found the correct version and have your product key, click the “Install” button to begin the download process. If you want the 64-bit version, which is a good idea on modern computers, or if you want to use Office in another language, click “Other options” and select the one that best suits your needs.
When the download is complete, double click on the file to start the installation. Follow the onscreen instructions and you’ll be up and running in no time.
Can I download older versions of Office for free?
While you can certainly locate sites that allow you to download a free version of Microsoft Office, you won’t be able to (legally) use the product unless you write down the product key.
Since these sites host Office without permission, we won’t recommend any of them, and you should definitely make sure your computer is protected with a good Software antivirus if you’re going to go that route.
Microsoft never made Office available to users as a completely free product, so you’ll have to pay to access its features.
However, there are other options, as you can always search eBay for an old physical copy of Office 2010 or earlier, although you should always check if it has already been activated, as the license is not generally good only to install it on a machine.
The good news is that you can get a free alternative that is fully compatible with Microsoft Office document formats. An example is LibreOffice, which is a complete office suite, with alternatives to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc. There is no problem: it is Software
Do you want something you can use in a web browser without downloading anything? Why not use Google’s Office apps? They offer all the features that most people need, and if you already have a Google account, you already have access to it. Worried about not being able to print from an online word processor? You are right.
