Microsoft has began testing a free model of Workplace for Home windows that features advertisements. Proper now, you need to pay for a month-to-month Microsoft 365 subscription to get entry to the complete desktop model of Workplace, however Microsoft has been quietly testing an ad-supported model in sure international locations.
Beebom first noticed that the ad-supported model of Workplace for Home windows appeared in India not too long ago, permitting Home windows customers to entry Phrase, Excel, PowerPoint, and different Workplace apps with out the Microsoft 365 subscription price.
“Microsoft has been conducting some restricted testing. At present, there aren’t any plans to launch a free, ad-supported model of Microsoft Workplace desktop apps,” says a Microsoft spokesperson in a press release to PCWorld. Whereas Microsoft claims that is restricted testing, the corporate has particularly engineered its Workplace apps to now work on Home windows with advertisements, so we might nicely see this model seem in additional markets ultimately.
The ad-supported model of Workplace contains banners which might be completely seen on the facet, in addition to 15-second video advertisements that play each few hours, in keeping with Beebom. Microsoft additionally forces customers of this free model of Workplace to retailer paperwork in OneDrive, with help for native file storage disabled.
Microsoft at present solely gives free variations of Workplace on the internet, so you need to use a browser to entry much more restricted variations of Phrase, Excel, and PowerPoint. This take a look at model of Workplace for Home windows doesn’t embrace the complete options of the apps, both. Phrase is lacking drawing and design instruments, line spacing, and extra. The free model of Excel doesn’t help add-ins, pivot tables, or macros. PowerPoint can be lacking help for dictation, customized slide reveals, and different options.