No longer able to access Word and Excel without paying

Question

I have been using Word and Excel for 20 years both when working and at home. Since retiring I recently purchased a new iMac and everything was transferred successfully. I now only have occasion to write letters or spreadsheets very occasionally but found that I can no longer access Word or Excel and realised that the software did not transfer over to the new device.

I simply cannot justify paying a yearly subscription for something that will hardly ever be used and wondered if there are any other options to assist people in similar situations. I have discovered some "view only" downloads and can even access a Microsoft "free trial" for a month but they are not satisfactory or long term solutions.

Any help or guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

You also may consider a Microsoft 365 Basic subscription for a modest rate of US$1.99 monthly [or US$19.99 if paid yearly]. It provides access to the Office Online web apps which may be sufficient for your requirements.

Answer 2

For occasional use, a subscription won't be the best choice, obviously, especially if you do not need mobile access or OneDrive storage.

There is Office Home 2024 which will give you Word, Excel and PowerPoint. This version is a one-time payment license for one user and one computer (Mac or PC). No online storage or web access is included, and classic/legacy Outlook isn't included either.

If you want to test open source software, as suggested by the AI-generated response, LibreOffice provides good compatibility with Microsoft Office. LibreOffice includes a word processor, a presentation application and a spreadsheet application.

Answer 3

If you are looking for alternatives to paying for a yearly subscription for Word and Excel, there are a few options you might consider:

1. Use Free Alternatives: There are several free office suites available that can handle Word and Excel files, such as LibreOffice or Google Docs. These can be good substitutes for occasional use.
2. Purchase a One-Time License: Instead of subscribing to Microsoft 365, you can look into purchasing a one-time license for Office 2019 or Office 2021. This would allow you to use the software without a subscription.
3. Microsoft Office Online: You can access Word and Excel for free through Microsoft Office Online. While it has limited features compared to the desktop versions, it may suffice for basic tasks.
4. Check for Discounts or Offers: Sometimes, Microsoft offers discounts for retired individuals or special promotions that could make a subscription more affordable.

These options can help you maintain access to the tools you need without incurring a significant ongoing cost.

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References:

• When opening Word or Excel, getting a 'subscription canceled' message but I have renewed my Office subscription - Microsoft Q&A
• My Microsoft365 Office Package no longer works with my iPad Pro - Microsoft Q&A