Get Microsoft Office installed on your Windows PC or Mac in minutes. Our plain-language guide covers every version — Office 365, 2021, and 2019 — with no jargon.
Step-by-Step Guide
Pick your operating system and follow the numbered steps below.
Compatible with Windows 10 and Windows 11
Open any browser and go to account.microsoft.com. Use the email address you used when purchasing Office.
On your account dashboard, find the Install Office button under your active subscriptions and click it.
The installer file (OfficeSetup.exe) will download automatically to your Downloads folder. Wait for it to finish.
Double-click OfficeSetup.exe. If Windows asks for permission, click Yes. Office will begin downloading and installing.
Once installed, open Word, Excel, or any Office app. Sign in with your Microsoft account to activate your license.
Quick tip: If setup stalls, record any error code, restart the computer, and use Microsoft’s official installation troubleshooter.
What You Can Install
Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365) installs via the cloud. Your apps update automatically and you can install on up to 5 devices with a single subscription.
Includes
Word · Excel · PowerPoint · Outlook · Teams
Office 2021 is a one-time purchase. You install it once and own it permanently — no monthly fees, no renewals.
Still running Office 2019? The installation process is nearly identical. This guide covers all three versions side by side.
Every step in this guide uses the official Microsoft account portal. No third-party downloads, no sketchy installers.
Compatibility
Resources
If the Office installer stops at 0% or throws an error code, these targeted fixes resolve the most frequent problems on Windows 10 and 11 without reinstalling Windows.
Got a new Mac and need to install Office? This walkthrough covers the exact order of steps — from signing in to your Microsoft account to launching Word for the first time.
The installation process differs between subscription and one-time versions. Here is exactly what changes — and which version makes sense depending on how you work.
New install guides and troubleshooting articles are added regularly. Check back soon.
Ready to Begin?
Follow our step-by-step guide and have Microsoft Office running on your Mac or Windows PC today — completely free to use.