Microsoft Tests Free Desktop Office Apps with Ads and Limited Features

The ad-supported version of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint offers basic functionality but restricts local file saving and includes persistent ads.

Microsoft is conducting limited testing of a free, ad-supported version of its Office desktop apps for Windows users.
The free version includes Word, Excel, and PowerPoint but lacks advanced features such as pivot tables, animations, and design tools.
Users must save files to OneDrive, as local file saving is disabled, with only 5GB of free storage available.
Persistent banner ads and muted 15-second video ads appear within the apps, encouraging users to subscribe to Microsoft 365.
Microsoft states there are no current plans to launch this version broadly, and access remains limited to select regions and users.