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Microsoft Office is still the leading software of its kind, and if you're using a Chromebook you can use it too.
Microsoft Office is one of the most popular software suites in the world, especially among education and enterprise. It's also one of the easiest to use on account of being available essentially everywhere. That includes Chromebooks, a particularly popular laptop among education users.
Microsoft Office on a Chromebook is a really good experience and we'll show you how to get started.
Microsoft Office Android apps on a Chromebook
© Provided by Windows CentralAndroid tablets are, to this day, still disappointing compared to the iPad, but there are still some very good apps that have been optimized for the larger form factor. The Microsoft Office apps are one of the best examples of this, and thanks to Google's support of Android apps in Chrome OS, you can use them on a Chromebook, too.
There's no setting up required either, though it is worth pointing out that on devices over 10-inches in size — which accounts for most Chromebooks — you will need a Microsoft 365 subscription to get full access. Basic editing is free to use though, and Microsoft has a good resource for checking out what classes as an 'advanced feature'.
All you need to do is download whichever of the apps you need. You'll find links for each below to help you out.
Once downloaded you can simply log in with your Microsoft account and gain access to your cloud based files to use on your Chromebook, too. These aren't the only Microsoft apps available on a Chromebook, but they have been optimized and as such provide the best experience. Things like OneDrive, for example, don't really have much to offer over just using a web browser.
And despite being Android apps, the Office suite works just as well with a keyboard and mouse/trackpad as it would with touch. The experience has been very good for some time.
Microsoft Office web apps on a Chromebook
© Provided by Windows CentralThe alternative to using the Android apps is to use the thing at the heart of your Chromebook; Google Chrome. Microsoft has web apps for the Office suite which are just as good as the Android apps with the bonus of not taking up any of your storage space.
Word, Excel, Powerpoint and OneNote are all present, as is Outlook, OneDrive, Skype, People, Calendar, even Sway and Forms. And they're all free to use with a Microsoft account.
© Provided by Windows CentralTo get started simply visit Office.com in the browser and either sign in or sign up for an account if you don't have one. After that you just need to choose your app from the sidebar and get to work.
As an added bonus you can install the Office Online extension for Google Chrome which gives you access to your apps and most recent files whichever site you're currently browsing. It's a neat little time saver to have.
You can also add shortcuts for the web apps to your app drawer for instant access, and from there pin them to your shelf if you want Office always as close as possible.
Using Microsoft Teams on a Chromebook
© Provided by Windows CentralMicrosoft Teams can also be used on Chromebook, either with the Android app or, for a better overall experience, through the web app. There is also now a free version of Teams to use for consumers, but if you're there through work or school, just logging in with your credentials is all you'll need to do.
For more on using Microsoft Teams on a Chromebook be sure to check out our full guide.
That's all there is to it. Google has its own office suite but if you need to use Microsoft Office instead, being on a Chromebook is no hinderance.
How to install Office apps on a Chromebook:
Open the Google Play Store and search for the apps you want to install.
Or you can click on any of these links to download a specific app: Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, OneNote, Office Lens, or Skype for Business.
Click Install.
Once your app(s) are installed, click the Launcher on your Chromebook and click on the app to open it.
Sign in with your personal Microsoft Account or your account associated with your Microsoft 365 subscription. See Install and set up Office on an Android for details on how to sign in to Office on Android.
The easiest way to get Microsoft Office on Chromebook is to download the Office apps that are available for Android and Chromebooks. If you use the Google Play Store, then this is the option you’ll want. You’re all set to download and use the Office programs you want to use on your Chromebook.
Microsoft Office for Chromebook: Google Play Store
Open the Google Play Store.
Search for the Office program you want to download and select it.
Click Install.
Once the app is done downloading, open the Chrome launcher to open the app.
Sign into your Microsoft Account or Office 365 subscription account.
Can A Chromebook Run Office
Follow these simple steps:
Microsoft 365 Office On Chromebook
Open the Google Play Store.
Search for the Office program you want to download and select it.
Click Install.
Once the app is done downloading, open the Chrome launcher to open the app.
Sign into your Microsoft Account or Office 365 subscription account.
Click on the links below to download specific apps:
If your Chromebook only has access to the Chrome Web Store, you unfortunately can’t download the various Office apps. You’re not out of luck, though. It’s possible to use Office Online. With the online version, you’ll be able to work on, edit, and share Office files directly in your browser. You need to be connected to the internet to use Microsoft Office on Chromebook, which may not be ideal, but it means you have an alternative to Drive.
Microsoft 365 On Chromebook
Those are the nuts and bolts of using Microsoft Office on Chromebooks, or using it online if you don’t have the Google Play Store. You won’t have access to every feature you might have on a Windows PC or Mac, but then again, your Chromebook isn’t meant to be one of those.
This gives you the option to work on the same Office files on different devices, which can help you avoid the extra step of converting files from Drive. Chromebook may be clearly tied to the Google ecosystem, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up all control and bow to the Google gods. You can still use your favorite apps.