Formerly known as Office 365, Microsoft 365 is a service that debuted in April that adds more features to the office software.

But if you dont want to shell out the cash, there are a few ways you can get the service and its apps for free.

Microsofts suite of productivity software -- including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Microsoft Teams, OneDrive and SharePoint -- typically costs 150 for a one-time installation (as Office 365), or between 70 and 100 every year for subscription service access across devices and family members (as Microsoft 365).

For students and teachers If youre a student, teacher or faculty member with a school email address, you are likely eligible to get access to Office 365 for free through Microsoft -- including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Microsoft Teams and additional classroom tools.

All you have to do is enter your school email address on this page on Microsofts website: Get started with Office 365 for free.

In many cases, youll be instantly granted access thanks to an automated verification process.

If you attend an institution that needs to be verified, it might take up to a month to confirm your eligibility.

Here are online education classes for every age and grade Recent graduates who want to stick with Office 365 can also get Office 365 Personal for 12 for 12 months, with a valid school email address.

Office 365 For Education Trial Of Microsoft

For everyone else Anyone can get a one-month free trial of Microsoft 365 to try it out.

However, it does require you to enter a credit card, and if you dont cancel before the month is up, youll be charged 100 for a one-year subscription to Microsoft 365 Family (formerly called Office 365 Home).

The good news is, if you dont need the full suite of Microsoft 365 tools, you can access a number of its apps online for free -- including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneDrive, Outlook, Calendar and Skype.

Office 365 For Education How To Get Them

Heres how to get them: Go to Office.com.

If you already have a Windows, Skype or Xbox login, you have an active Microsoft account.

Select the app you want to use, and save your work in the cloud with OneDrive.

Read more at TechRepublic: Microsoft 365: A cheat sheet Use the browser-based version of the Microsoft Word app for free.

There are also fewer features than the full Microsoft 365 versions.

However, there are still a number of benefits, including the ability to share links to your work and collaborate in real time, similar to G Suite tools.

If youre looking for basic versions of each of these apps, the free version should work well for you.

Read more: Windows 10 hacks: 11 hidden tricks to master after you upgrade.

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Office 365 For Education Mac