Microsoft Office has been the trusted toolkit for professionals for decades. Now, thanks to Microsoft 365’s web-based apps, you can use familiar tools such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook without needing to download an application.
Whether on a PC, Mac, tablet, or smartphone, these cloud-powered versions let you create, edit, and collaborate on documents from anywhere.
We’ll walk you through how to access and make the most of these online apps. You’ll learn practical tips to improve workflow and productivity and enjoy a more flexible way of working.
Table of contents
- What are the web versions of Office?
- How to access Office for the web
- Key features of Office for the web
- Pros of using Office for the web
What are the web versions of Office?
The web versions of Office, also known as Office for the web, are browser-based versions of apps such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. This service is included in many of Microsoft’s Business and Enterprise-level subscriptions.
The applications look and feel just like the desktop versions but are accessed through a browser such as Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox.
They are ideal for professionals who want to work on the go or need to collaborate in real-time.
How to access Office for the web
To access the web versions of Office and create a new document, follow these steps:
Step 1: Open a web browser
- Open your web browser and visit www.office.com
- Sign in using your Microsoft account credentials.
Step 2: Open the application you want to use
- Once logged in, choose the ‘Apps’ icon on the left-hand bar. You’ll see icons for different Office apps, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Other applications may be available to you, depending on your subscription. Click ‘All apps’ if you want to see all available applications.
- Click on the 'Word' icon to open the web version of Microsoft Word.
Step 3: Create your document
- After Word opens, you’ll be taken to a screen with a few options.
- To start a new document, click on 'Blank document' or choose from a variety of templates if you prefer pre-made layouts.
- Now, you'll be able to start working on your document the same way you would in the Word desktop application.
Step 4: Saving your work
- A great feature offered by Office is auto-save. Your documents are automatically saved to your OneDrive (Microsoft’s cloud storage service) as you work. This means you don’t need to save your document manually, and you can access it from any device with an internet connection.
- By default, your document will be saved with the name 'Document 1'.
- To change the name, click on the current name at the top of the page and type your preferred file name. The new name will be saved instantly.
Step 5: Access your saved document
To find your saved documents, go to OneDrive.com or return to Office.com and click on 'Word'. Your recent files will be displayed, and you can continue working on them as required.
Key features of Office for the web
Although the web versions may not be as feature-rich as desktop apps, they still offer most of the core productivity tools users need. Here are some key features:
- With Office for the Web, you can simultaneously work with others on the same Word, Excel, or PowerPoint document using Microsoft’s co-authoring feature. Everyone’s changes are updated live, which means no more sending files back and forth.
- Every change you make is saved automatically in OneDrive, ensuring you won’t lose your work. You can access your files from any device, making it easy to work on the go.
- You can access your Office apps from any device with an internet connection, supporting communication and collaboration whilst on the go.
Pros of using Office for the web
- Since Office for the web runs in a browser, you can work from any device with internet access. It’s perfect for those who need to work on the go or on devices that don’t support desktop apps, such as phones and tablets.
- The web versions of Office support many of the same keyboard shortcuts as the desktop apps. This can speed up your work and make editing easier.
- Since no installation is required, Office for the web always has the latest updates and features to keep you productive and secure while you work.
- Office for the web comes included in many of the Microsoft Business and Enterprise subscriptions.
Conclusion
Office for the web offers easy-to-use and accessible versions of the classic desktop apps. They are great for supporting professionals in the modern workplace, enabling you to write reports, analyse data, or refine presentations no matter where you are.
At Texaport, our Microsoft-certified experts are here to help you maximise the potential of Microsoft products, ensuring a seamless, secure, and efficient workflow for your business. Contact us today to discover how we can assist you.
