The Surface Laptop is a popular choice among students, professionals, and anyone looking for a reliable and portable device. One of the most common questions people ask before purchasing a Surface Laptop is whether it comes with Microsoft Word pre-installed. In this article, we’ll delve into the details and explore the various options available to you.
What’s Included with the Surface Laptop?
When you purchase a Surface Laptop, you’ll get a range of software and apps pre-installed, including:
- Windows 10 Home or Pro (depending on the model)
- Microsoft Edge
- Microsoft Store
- OneDrive
- Skype
- Xbox Console Companion
- Microsoft Office Online (more on this later)
However, Microsoft Word is not always included as a standalone application. Instead, you’ll get access to Microsoft Office Online, which allows you to create and edit documents using a web-based version of Word.
What is Microsoft Office Online?
Microsoft Office Online is a free, web-based version of the popular productivity suite. It includes online versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote, which you can access from any device with a web browser. Office Online is a great option for basic tasks, such as creating and editing documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.
However, Office Online has some limitations compared to the full desktop version of Microsoft Office. For example:
- Limited features: Office Online doesn’t include all the features and tools available in the desktop version of Microsoft Office.
- Limited offline access: While you can use Office Online offline, you’ll need to reconnect to the internet to sync your changes and access certain features.
- Limited collaboration: While you can share documents and collaborate with others in real-time, the experience is not as seamless as it is with the desktop version of Microsoft Office.
How to Get Microsoft Word on Your Surface Laptop
If you need the full desktop version of Microsoft Word, there are several options available:
- Purchase Microsoft Office: You can buy a subscription to Microsoft 365, which includes the full desktop version of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Microsoft 365 starts at $6.99 per month for individuals and $8.25 per month for businesses.
- Use the Microsoft Office Trial: If you’re not sure whether you need the full desktop version of Microsoft Office, you can try the free trial. The trial includes the full version of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, for a limited time (usually 30 days).
- Use Alternative Word Processors: If you don’t need the full features of Microsoft Word, you can use alternative word processors, such as Google Docs or LibreOffice. These options are free and offer many of the same features as Microsoft Word.
Microsoft 365 Plans and Pricing
Microsoft 365 offers several plans and pricing options, including:
| Plan | Price | Features |
| — | — | — |
| Microsoft 365 Personal | $6.99/month | Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), 1TB OneDrive storage, Skype minutes |
| Microsoft 365 Home | $8.25/month | Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), 6TB OneDrive storage, Skype minutes |
| Microsoft 365 Business | $8.25/month | Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), 1TB OneDrive storage, Skype minutes, business features |
Conclusion
While the Surface Laptop doesn’t come with Microsoft Word pre-installed, you have several options available to you. You can use Microsoft Office Online, purchase a subscription to Microsoft 365, or use alternative word processors. By understanding your needs and options, you can make an informed decision and get the most out of your Surface Laptop.
Does the Surface Laptop come with Microsoft Word pre-installed?
The Surface Laptop does not come with Microsoft Word pre-installed. However, it does come with Microsoft Office Online, which allows you to access and edit Word documents online. This means you can still create and edit documents, but you won’t have the full desktop version of Word installed on your device.
If you need the full version of Word, you can purchase a subscription to Microsoft 365, which includes the desktop version of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other Office applications. Alternatively, you can also purchase a one-time license for Microsoft Office, which includes Word and other Office applications.
What is Microsoft Office Online, and how does it differ from the desktop version of Word?
Microsoft Office Online is a web-based version of Microsoft Office that allows you to access and edit Word documents, as well as other Office files, from any device with a web browser. While it offers many of the same features as the desktop version of Word, it is more limited in its functionality and is designed for basic editing and collaboration.
One of the main differences between Microsoft Office Online and the desktop version of Word is the level of features and functionality. The desktop version of Word offers more advanced features, such as macros, add-ins, and advanced formatting options, which are not available in the online version. However, the online version is still a powerful tool for basic editing and collaboration.
Can I install Microsoft Word on my Surface Laptop if it’s not pre-installed?
Yes, you can install Microsoft Word on your Surface Laptop if it’s not pre-installed. You can purchase a subscription to Microsoft 365, which includes the desktop version of Word, or you can purchase a one-time license for Microsoft Office, which includes Word and other Office applications.
To install Word, simply go to the Microsoft website and sign in with your Microsoft account. From there, you can download and install the desktop version of Word, or you can purchase a subscription to Microsoft 365. Once installed, you can access Word from your Start menu and use it just like any other application.
What are the system requirements for running Microsoft Word on a Surface Laptop?
The system requirements for running Microsoft Word on a Surface Laptop are relatively modest. You’ll need a Surface Laptop with at least 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, as well as a 64-bit version of Windows 10 or later. You’ll also need a valid license for Microsoft Word, either through a subscription to Microsoft 365 or a one-time purchase of Microsoft Office.
In terms of processor speed, a dual-core processor is recommended, but a quad-core processor is preferred for optimal performance. Additionally, a dedicated graphics card is not required, but it can improve performance if you plan to use Word for graphics-intensive tasks.
Can I use Microsoft Word on my Surface Laptop without an internet connection?
If you have the desktop version of Microsoft Word installed on your Surface Laptop, you can use it without an internet connection. However, if you’re using Microsoft Office Online, you’ll need an internet connection to access and edit your documents.
If you need to use Word offline, you can purchase a subscription to Microsoft 365, which includes the desktop version of Word, or you can purchase a one-time license for Microsoft Office. This will allow you to use Word even when you don’t have an internet connection.
How much does Microsoft Word cost, and are there any discounts available?
The cost of Microsoft Word varies depending on the version and the type of license you purchase. A subscription to Microsoft 365, which includes the desktop version of Word, starts at around $7 per month for an individual plan. A one-time license for Microsoft Office, which includes Word and other Office applications, starts at around $150.
There are often discounts available for students, teachers, and businesses, so it’s worth checking the Microsoft website for any promotions or discounts. Additionally, if you’re purchasing a Surface Laptop, you may be eligible for a discount on Microsoft 365 or Microsoft Office.
Can I use alternative word processing software on my Surface Laptop?
Yes, you can use alternative word processing software on your Surface Laptop. Some popular alternatives to Microsoft Word include Google Docs, LibreOffice, and OpenOffice. These applications offer many of the same features as Word, but may not be compatible with all Word file formats.
If you’re looking for a free alternative to Word, Google Docs is a good option. It’s a web-based application that allows you to create and edit documents online, and it’s compatible with many Word file formats. LibreOffice and OpenOffice are also good options, and they offer more advanced features than Google Docs.