getting started using Word

You can use Word online.

This is not the full program. I only use it to view or sometimes print existing documents or to take notes.

Microsoft Word Online - Work together on Word documents

See Compare Word features on different platforms. This is an archival copy; the current page is Word Features Comparison: Web vs Desktop.

• There are multiple programs, all named Word, and all created and published by Microsoft. This can be confusing when trying to get help.
• They all edit the same document files that have the same file structure. Some of the programs have no control over some of the document structures.
• They may all be called Microsoft 365 or Word 365 if using the subscription plan. If it is called Office 2024 (2019, 2019, 2016, etc.) it is the perpetual license version which is only the desktop programs. The perpetual license versions with a year number only work in a Windows or Mac OS environment.
• But, they are different programs with different features and controls. Note that most users never come close to using all the features offered in the desktop versions of Word.

As of November 2024, the most powerful Word program, with the most features, remains the Windows desktop application from Microsoft 365. I do not expect that to change. The perpetual license version Word 2024 is very close as far as features but does not receive new features as added. It is only for use on a single device. The perpetual license versions of Office/Word is only the desktop applications and does not include the online or mobile versions.

The Macintosh desktop application is a close second in the number of features. The things available in the Windows version not yet on the Mac version include Content Controls, Building Blocks, and ActiveX. It can use, but cannot create, or modify most Content Controls. AutoText is a Building Block that the Mac can and does use. The Mac version lacks the more powerful tools to manage styles available in the Windows version through the Manage Styles Dialog. See How do I manage styles? Mac User. (Look at all of the responses, not just the one marked as an answer.)

The browser version of Word – Word Online – has a Transcribe feature that has recently been added to the Windows desktop version of Microsoft 365’s Word. The online version does not print directly, only by first saving as pdf. The browser version has far fewer features and editing in it has been reported to mess up automatic numbering. Chromebooks use a version of this or of the Android mobile app. See How to access Microsoft Office on a Chromebook. This can only be used with documents stored on OneDrive or SharePoint. See: Differences between using a document in the browser and in the Word desktop application. I would use this for note taking and for quick viewing/printing, but not for editing. Especially not for editing long or complex documents. The ability to mess these up is too high.

The mobile apps (Android/IOS, etc.) vary somewhat but have far fewer features. I would use them for note taking and for quick viewing/printing, but not for editing. Especially not for editing long or complex documents. The subscription versions are more powerful than the free ones but not, IMO, significantly. Primarily these can only be used with documents on OneDrive or SharePoint*. (Usually, you can get at documents on your local device, but it is tricky.)* What you can do in the Microsoft 365 apps on mobile devices with a Microsoft 365 subscription See also Word for Android Phones Help, Word for Android Tablets Help,  Word for iPhone Help, Word for iPad Help.

When seeking help, it is important to give the program that you are having problems with as a part of your question.

I see using Word on anything other than the desktop applications as supplemental to the desktop applications, not a replacement. Note that the statements about capabilities and usefulness are my opinions, not anything from Microsoft. They are based on my use and on my observations over the years here and in other Word forums. In my opinion, none of the versions is perfect. They can all be useful, recognizing their limitations.

I am having the issue of writing in words or any other program. Do I have to purchase a 365 plan before using the program?

Hi Iris, yes>Compare All Microsoft 365 Plans (Formerly Office 365) – Microsoft Store Scroll down for perpetual versions of Home and Home and Business 2024.

You could use the free online version: Free Microsoft 365 Online | Word, Excel, PowerPoint

If you are going to be using one of the desktop programs, I recommend starting by reading:

Basic Concepts of Microsoft Word - from Shauna Kelly

Word seems intuitive, but it is different from other programs and can be different that you expect.