Earlier this week, Microsoft broke from a long tradition of only offering paid versions of the native Microsoft Office app (web having been free for some time) and silently introduced a free, ad-supported version of Microsoft Office exclusively for Windows 11 users. This was first spotted by Beebom, which tested it on Windows 11 machines and VMs (My testing on Windows 10 quickly revealed it to be business as usual on older versions of Windows. Go figure.)
Even so, it’s nifty and arguably even intelligent of Microsoft to build in a “Skip for now” button leading into a free version of Microsoft Office allowing Word, Excel, and PowerPoint to be used for free. The ads that support this use come in the form of the combination of a persistent ad banner onscreen, as well as a muted 15-second video ad playing every few hours.
Anderson is an avid technology enthusiast with a keen eye for emerging trends and developments in the tech industry. He plays a pivotal role in delivering up-to-date and relevant technology news to keep the website’s readers informed. With a background in tech journalism and a passion for research, Anderson ensures that each piece he posts is thoroughly vetted, insightful, and reflective of the latest advancements in the field. His commitment to staying ahead of industry shifts makes him an invaluable asset to the team and a trusted source for readers seeking credible and timely tech news.
