Share via

Why do I have to purchase Microsoft Word or my PC. I thought that was part of the purchase price of my PC

Anonymous
2020-05-23T12:35:04+00:00

I thought that when I purchased my PC all programs were paid for unless I chose to purchase extra apps/programs. So how come I have to purchase Microsoft Office and why am I being held hostage on my own PC by the EULA agreement?

I am a novice when it comes to electronics, do not understand complicated answers: so if somebody is nice enough to answer this question please use English as much as possible so I do not get frustrated. 

I tried to do the restore point thing but am not certain I got that right. The next part is complicated so I will have to print out the instructions just to tackle it. I really do not want to screw up my PC. People should have been notified prior to purchase that this change was made!

Thank you to anybody who makes the time and effort to reply.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Subscription, account, billing | For home | Windows

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments

Answer accepted by question author

  1. Anonymous
    2020-05-23T16:05:47+00:00

    A computer is just a box to hold some sand and bits of metal and plastic until you install an "Operating System" on it.  That could be Windows or Mac or Linux or Android.  If you build your own computer from scratch components, you have to buy and install an operating system. "All" boxes that come from computer builders include a factory installed operating system. These builders have volume purchasing deal with MS so they pay SIGNIFICANTLY less than the US$100+ retail price users have to pay.  The operating system is just a collection of programs that tell the hardware what to do, and how to do it.  Windows "comes with" some simple applications like Edge to connect to the internet, and Wordpad, or NotePad to create simple documents.

    .

    Office is the marketing name of various "bundles" (groupings) of MS programs. 

    The Office bundle is sold independently of Windows.

    Some computer builders include Office in the price of the computer. In the past that was an "OEM" type license that was permanently tied to the computer. More recently that has been a "free" subscription of Office 365 Personal.  If they don't give you a "free" copy, builders are paid by MS to include a 30 day "free trial" of Office 365 for users to "play with".

    .

    Bottom line, Office is not part of the computer, you have to buy it separately. One way or the other.

    8 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments

Answer accepted by question author

  1. Anonymous
    2020-05-23T12:41:24+00:00

    A functioning/licenced version of Office is only supplied with a PC if that PC maker/seller decides to bundle Office in with your purchase.

    Other than that only Windows is supplied with the PC (Its always been that way. Its up to the PC maker/seller as to if any other software, other than trial software, is bundled with the purchase) 

    FWIW The first PC I purchased, windows and other software was supplied on disk, and I had to connect up the PC install everything before I could use the PC. That was a learning curve!!

    4 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments

0 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest