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On the website, Microsoft says that they’ve got free plan for a free Microsoft account, on which you have 5GB of OneDrive storage and can use all their apps for free, but when you install those apps on IPad it says, that it requires activation and I have to pay.
So, how to activate Microsoft 365 for free?
Processes in Microsoft 365 for setting up Office apps, redeeming product keys, and activating licenses.
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Answer accepted by question author
Hello, Roman
We appreciate your feedback, please click Yes or No to help us improve the support experience and help others with similar concerns.
Yuhao Li
Microsoft Community Technical Support
Answer accepted by question author
A Microsoft account is needed to use Microsoft's online products. For example, to use OneDrive, XBox, Microsoft Store, Outlook Online, Microsoft 365 Online and Microsoft Community, you need to have a Microsoft account.
A Microsoft account is always free for everyone, and it comes with 5GB of storage space in OneDrive.
The free version of Microsoft 365 is the online-only version, known as Microsoft 365 Online. It is free for everyone. You can find it here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/free-office-online-for-the-web The free version of Microsoft 365 stores your documents, spreadsheets, presentations, etc. in your OneDrive
The subscription version of Microsoft 365 is the downloadable version, which allows you to download the Microsoft 365 apps to your devices. The subscription version of Microsoft 365 comes with 1 terabyte of storage space in OneDrive, and lets you store your documents, presentations, spreadsheets, etc. on your hard drive, if you wish, or on your OneDrive.
In addition, if you have a subscription to Microsoft 365 and you are using Microsoft 365 Online, you will find that you have more features to work with.
Answer accepted by question author
Hello, Roman
Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are not entirely free to use on Mac. For the full suite of features and offline access, a paid subscription is required. You can use the online versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for free by signing up for a Microsoft account. The online versions are accessible through a web browser and offer basic functionalities.
The policy regarding the screen size of iPads for using Microsoft Office apps for free is based on Microsoft’s licensing terms and the intended use of the device. Smaller devices, typically those with screens under 10.1 inches, are often used for personal or casual purposes. Microsoft allows the free use of Office apps on these devices because they are less likely to be used for intensive professional work, which is the main target audience for their paid subscriptions.
Larger devices, such as iPads with screens over 10.1 inches, offer a user experience closer to that of a laptop or desktop computer. They are more likely to be used for productivity tasks that could potentially replace the need for a full computer setup. By requiring a subscription for these devices, Microsoft aims to monetize the increased productivity potential that comes with larger screens.
Yuhao Li
Microsoft Community Technical Support
All right, now it’s become more clear. But why are some apps like OneNote from Microsoft 365 are free everywhere, on IPad, Mac, etc? While some are free only somewhere, for example Word, Excel and PowerPoint are free on Mac, I can use them there with the same account, but on IPad it depends on the size of the screen. Why is it so?
Hello, Roman
Welcome to Microsoft Community.
Activating Microsoft 365 for free can be a bit tricky, as the full suite of Office apps typically requires a paid subscription. However, Microsoft does offer some options for using Office apps without cost:
For your specific case with the iPad, it seems that the requirement for activation is due to the size of the device’s screen. The free versions of the apps are intended for smaller devices, and larger tablets require a subscription. Always ensure that you’re following Microsoft’s terms of service when seeking ways to use their software for free. If you’re looking for a long-term free solution, the web-based Office Online might be the best legal option.
Yuhao Li
Microsoft Community Technical Support