Microsoft Testing a Free, Ad-Supported Version of Microsoft 365 Desktop Apps

Microsoft is testing an ad-supported free tier for the Microsoft 365 Copilot or Office apps. Typically, these apps are solely accessible to those that buy the Microsoft 365 subscription. However, some customers are actually seeing an choice to go for a free model that gives restricted options and adverts. Currently, the Redmond-based tech large is barely providing three apps, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint on this tier. As per a report, the corporate just isn’t trying to launch this new tier, and is barely conducting a restricted take a look at in some areas.

Microsoft Offers Ad-Supported Free Version of Office Apps to Some Users

Gadgets 360 employees members noticed this free, ad-supported tier of Microsoft 365 on their PCs on Monday. The plan seems when a consumer clicks on the “Buy Microsoft 365” button positioned on high of the Office apps. Usually, this opens a pop-up window that exhibits the completely different subscription plans. However, at the moment, a “Try Microsoft 365 for free” message seems, displaying the free tier.

The ad-supported, free tier of Microsoft 365

Normally, as soon as the Office license expires, customers can nonetheless use apps to view paperwork, however they can not edit and create new paperwork except they buy a subscription. However, now, the free tier is providing three apps — Word, Excel, and PowerPoint — without cost. The pop-up highlights that customers can entry restricted options in these apps, can be proven adverts, and can get 5G of cloud storage, which can be powered by OneDrive.

First reported by Beebom, the ad-supported tier exhibits a persistent advert banner on the precise facet of the app interface, which can’t be eliminated. Additionally, Microsoft is reportedly additionally taking part in a muted 15-second video advert each few hours.

The publication said that the free tier doesn’t permit customers to avoid wasting paperwork domestically, and solely cloud storage can be utilized. Some superior options are additionally mentioned to be greyed out within the free tier corresponding to putting in add-ins, including watermarks, or analysing information.

“Microsoft has been conducting some limited testing. Currently, there are no plans to launch a free, ad-supported version of Microsoft Office desktop apps,” a Microsoft spokesperson informed PCWorld in a assertion. It seems that India is perhaps half of this restricted testing area. Other areas are at the moment not identified.