When it comes to purchasing a new laptop, one of the most important considerations for many users is the software that comes pre-installed. For those who rely heavily on Microsoft Office for work, school, or personal projects, the question of whether Surface Laptops come with Office is a crucial one. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of what you can expect from your Surface Laptop in terms of Office software, as well as explore some alternative options for accessing the tools you need.
What’s Included with Your Surface Laptop?
Surface Laptops are designed to provide a seamless and intuitive user experience, and Microsoft has taken steps to ensure that users have access to the tools they need to get started right away. When you purchase a Surface Laptop, you can expect to find a range of software pre-installed, including:
- Windows 10 Home or Pro (depending on the model)
- Microsoft Edge
- Microsoft Store
- OneDrive
- Skype
- Xbox Console Companion
However, when it comes to Microsoft Office, the situation is a bit more complicated. While some Surface Laptops may come with a trial version of Office, this is not always the case. In general, you can expect to find a 30-day trial of Microsoft Office 365, which includes popular applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Understanding the Different Types of Office Software
Before we dive deeper into the specifics of what’s included with your Surface Laptop, it’s helpful to understand the different types of Office software that are available. Here are a few key options to consider:
- Microsoft Office 365: This is a subscription-based service that provides access to the latest versions of Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Office 365 is available in a range of plans, including Personal, Home, and Business.
- Microsoft Office 2019: This is a one-time purchase option that provides access to the latest versions of Office applications. Office 2019 is available in a range of plans, including Home & Student, Home & Business, and Professional.
- Microsoft Office Online: This is a free, web-based version of Office that provides access to basic versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote.
Alternative Options for Accessing Office Software
If your Surface Laptop doesn’t come with Office software, or if you’re looking for alternative options, there are several ways to access the tools you need. Here are a few options to consider:
- Purchase a Subscription to Office 365: If you need access to the latest versions of Office applications, purchasing a subscription to Office 365 may be the best option. This will provide you with ongoing access to the software, as well as regular updates and support.
- Buy a One-Time License for Office 2019: If you prefer to own your software outright, purchasing a one-time license for Office 2019 may be the way to go. This will provide you with access to the latest versions of Office applications, but you won’t receive ongoing updates or support.
- Use Microsoft Office Online: If you only need basic access to Office applications, Microsoft Office Online may be a good option. This free, web-based version of Office provides access to basic versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote.
Student and Teacher Discounts
If you’re a student or teacher, you may be eligible for discounted pricing on Office software. Microsoft offers a range of plans and promotions specifically for students and teachers, including:
- Office 365 Education: This plan provides access to the latest versions of Office applications, as well as other tools and resources, for a discounted annual fee.
- Office 2019 for Students and Teachers: This plan provides a one-time license for Office 2019 at a discounted price.
Conclusion
While Surface Laptops may not always come with Office software pre-installed, there are several options available for accessing the tools you need. Whether you choose to purchase a subscription to Office 365, buy a one-time license for Office 2019, or use Microsoft Office Online, you can be confident that you’ll have access to the latest versions of Office applications. By understanding the different types of Office software available, as well as the alternative options for accessing these tools, you can make an informed decision about which option is best for you.
| Surface Laptop Model | Office Software Included |
|---|---|
| Surface Laptop 3 | 30-day trial of Microsoft Office 365 |
| Surface Laptop 2 | 30-day trial of Microsoft Office 365 |
| Surface Laptop | 30-day trial of Microsoft Office 365 |
Note: The information in this table is subject to change and may not reflect the current software offerings for Surface Laptops.
Do Surface Laptops Come With Microsoft Office?
Surface Laptops do not come with a full version of Microsoft Office pre-installed. However, they do come with a trial version of Microsoft Office, which allows users to try out the software for a limited time. This trial version includes popular Office applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
After the trial period expires, users will need to purchase a subscription to Microsoft 365 or buy a standalone version of Microsoft Office to continue using the software. It’s worth noting that some Surface Laptops may come with a promotional offer for Microsoft 365, which can provide users with a discounted rate for a certain period.
What Office Applications Are Available on Surface Laptops?
Surface Laptops come with a range of Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. These applications are available through the Microsoft Store and can be downloaded and installed on the device. Additionally, users can also access web-based versions of these applications through the Microsoft Office website.
It’s worth noting that some Surface Laptops may come with additional Office applications, such as OneNote and Publisher. However, these applications may not be available on all Surface Laptop models, and users may need to purchase a separate subscription or license to access them.
Can I Install Microsoft Office on My Surface Laptop?
Yes, users can install Microsoft Office on their Surface Laptop. The device comes with a 64-bit version of Windows 10, which is compatible with the 64-bit version of Microsoft Office. Users can purchase a subscription to Microsoft 365 or buy a standalone version of Microsoft Office and install it on their device.
To install Microsoft Office on a Surface Laptop, users will need to download the installation files from the Microsoft website and follow the prompts to complete the installation process. Users will need to have a valid product key or subscription to activate the software.
How Much Does Microsoft Office Cost for Surface Laptops?
The cost of Microsoft Office for Surface Laptops varies depending on the version and subscription model chosen. A personal subscription to Microsoft 365, which includes access to Office applications, costs around $6.99 per month. A home subscription, which allows up to six users to access the software, costs around $8.25 per month.
Users can also purchase a standalone version of Microsoft Office, which costs around $149.99 for the Home & Student edition. However, this version does not include access to cloud storage or online collaboration tools, which are available through the Microsoft 365 subscription model.
Do Surface Laptops Come With Any Productivity Software?
Yes, Surface Laptops come with a range of productivity software, including the Microsoft Edge web browser, the Mail app, and the Calendar app. These applications are designed to help users stay organized and productive on the go.
Additionally, Surface Laptops also come with a range of other productivity tools, including the Windows 10 operating system, which includes features such as the Start menu, the Taskbar, and the Action Center. These tools are designed to help users quickly access the applications and files they need to stay productive.
Can I Use Google Docs on My Surface Laptop?
Yes, users can use Google Docs on their Surface Laptop. Google Docs is a web-based application, which means that users can access it through the Microsoft Edge web browser on their device. Users will need to have a Google account to access Google Docs, but they can use the application to create and edit documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.
Google Docs is a popular alternative to Microsoft Office, and it offers many of the same features and functionality. However, it’s worth noting that Google Docs may not be compatible with all file formats, and users may need to convert their files to use them with the application.
Are Surface Laptops Good for Productivity?
Yes, Surface Laptops are well-suited for productivity. The devices are designed to be portable and lightweight, making them easy to take on the go. They also come with a range of features that are designed to help users stay organized and focused, including the Windows 10 operating system and the Microsoft Edge web browser.
Additionally, Surface Laptops are also designed to be powerful and efficient, with fast processors and plenty of storage. This makes them well-suited for demanding productivity tasks, such as video editing and data analysis. Overall, Surface Laptops are a great choice for anyone who needs a portable and productive device.