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Microsoft 365
This guide sets out the key facts about Microsoft 365, based on official Microsoft pages. It covers the main apps, free web access, subscription plans and sign-in options.
Microsoft 365 is Microsoft's subscription productivity suite, bringing together Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams and OneDrive with cloud storage, security and AI-powered Copilot features. Free web versions of the core apps are available with a Microsoft account, while paid plans add desktop apps and extra capabilities for individuals, businesses, schools and other organisations.
Core apps included in Microsoft 365
Microsoft 365 includes the familiar productivity apps Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams and OneDrive. It also adds Copilot experiences that help you create, find, summarise and get things done across your work. These apps are designed to work together seamlessly for work, school and life.
Free web versions of Word, Excel and PowerPoint
With a Microsoft account, you can use Word, Excel and PowerPoint in your browser for free. Microsoft 365 on the web provides these apps at no cost, while downloading the desktop version gives you even more innovation, security and value. This makes the core tools accessible from almost any device with a browser.
Download for Windows and Mac
Microsoft 365 can be downloaded for Windows PCs and Mac computers. The official download page describes it as the latest version of Microsoft Office for Windows PCs, offering the best experience for work, creation and collaboration. The apps are available across your devices once you sign in.
Subscription benefits: security and cloud storage
A Microsoft 365 subscription bundles leading productivity apps with AI built in, advanced digital security and spacious cloud storage in one plan. Microsoft says this lets you work safely from anywhere, with secure cloud storage and advanced security features included as standard.
Word: AI-suggestions and editing features
Word in Microsoft 365 lets you create content you can be proud of, using AI-suggestions and powerful editing features. It is one of the everyday productivity apps included in the suite and is available on desktop and mobile devices, with the same document tools working across platforms.
Excel: formulas, tables and analysis
Excel in Microsoft 365 helps you make smarter decisions with your data using robust formulas, tables and analysis tools. It is designed for working with numbers and is one of the core apps in the Microsoft 365 suite, available on desktop and mobile displays.
PowerPoint: AI-driven design and collaboration
PowerPoint in Microsoft 365 lets you create polished slides in minutes using AI-driven design and collaboration tools. It is part of the Microsoft 365 suite and is designed to help you build presentations quickly, with tools that support teamwork on slide decks.
Apps work together across work, school and life
Microsoft 365 brings together everyday productivity apps that work seamlessly together for work, school and life. The suite is positioned as a single set of tools for creating, collaborating and sharing, rather than a collection of separate programs.
Cloud-based collaboration from all devices
Microsoft 365 leverages the cloud so you can seamlessly create, collaborate and share from all your devices. The cloud approach means your documents and tools are available wherever you are, and it supports working safely from anywhere with secure cloud storage.
Signing in to the Microsoft 365 portal
The Microsoft 365 portal at portal.office.com/Home/ is the sign-in page for your account. If you do not already have an account, you can create one from the same page. Sign-in options are available, along with links to Microsoft's terms of use and privacy statement.
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