Chromebooks are seamlessly integrated into Google’s ecosystem, including the Office suite of apps connected to Google Drive. They’re all good, but they’re not Microsoft Office, especially if you can access a Microsoft 365 subscription. Chromebooks are also increasingly popular in education and enterprise. With much more remote work and schooling happening today than ever before, using Microsoft Office on a Chromebook is a must for some. Fortunately, you can do just that.
Microsoft Office Android apps on a Chromebook
Android tablets are, to this day, still disappointing compared to the iPad, but some excellent apps have been optimized for the more significant form factor. The Microsoft Office apps are one of the best examples of this, and thanks to Google’s support of Android apps in Chrome OS, you can use them on a Chromebook, too.
VPN Deals: Lifetime license for $16, monthly plans at $1 & more
There’s no set up required either, though it is worth pointing out that on devices over 10 inches in size — which accounts for most Chromebooks — you will need a Microsoft 365 subscription to get full access. Basic editing is free to use, though, and Microsoft has a good resource for checking out classes as an “advanced feature.” All you need to do is download whichever of the apps you need. You’ll find links for each below to help you out.
Once downloaded, you can log in with your Microsoft account and gain access to your cloud-based files to use on your Chromebook, too. These aren’t the only Microsoft apps available on a Chromebook, but they have been optimized and provide the best experience. Things like OneDrive, for example, don’t have much to offer over just using a web browser. And despite being Android app, the Office suite works just as well with a keyboard and mouse/trackpad as it would with touch. The experience has been perfect for some time.
Microsoft Office web apps on a Chromebook
The alternative to using the Android apps is to use the thing at the heart of your Chromebook; Google Chrome. Microsoft has web apps for the Office suite, which are just as good as the Android apps, with the bonus of not taking up any of your storage space. Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and OneNote are all present, as is Outlook, OneDrive, Skype, People, Calendar, even Sway, and Forms. And they’re all free to use with a Microsoft account. To get started, visit Office.com in the browser and either sign in or sign up for an account if you don’t have one. After that, you need to choose your app from the sidebar and get to work. As a bonus, you can install the Office Online extension for Google Chrome which gives you access to your apps and most recent files, whichever site you’re browsing. It’s a neat little time-saver to have. You can also add shortcuts for the web apps to your app drawer for instant access, and from there, pin them to your shelf if you want Office always as close as possible.
Using Microsoft Teams on a Chromebook
Microsoft Teams can also be used on Chromebook, either with the Android app or through the web app, for a better overall experience. There is also now a free version of Teams for consumers, but if you’re there through work or school, just logging in with your credentials is all you’ll need to do. For more on using Microsoft Teams on a Chromebook, check out our complete guide. We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.
