The online version can’t be used without an internet connection which could be an inconvenience. Microsoft's only public 'explanation for this change is the web versions of the apps 'provide(s) the most optimized experience for Chrome OS/Chromebook customers.' I myself wonder whether this is simply yet another 'Chrome compete' attempt by Microsoft.The first way you can use Microsoft Office on a Chromebook is to use the online version. (Thanks to for the pointer on the support page change.)īefore last week, this same Support page advised Chromebook users to install the native Android versions of the Office apps from the Google Play Store. That page now says, 'The Android versions of Office, Outlook, OneNote and OneDrive are not currently supported on a Chromebook.' The newly updated page advises Chromebook users to go to to access Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote and OneDrive. Tofel noted that as reported by Windows United, some Chromebook users had heard about Microsoft's plan to move them to the Web versions of its apps dating back to June this year.Īround August 13, Microsoft updated its Support page on 'How to install and run Microsoft Office on a Chromebook' to reflect the coming change. Chromebook users will either need to sign in with their personal Microsoft Account (MSA) or an account associated with a Microsoft 365/Office 365 subscription to use the web-based apps. This is just a Chrome OS limitation being imposed by Microsoft, as noted by Kevin Tofel on the site on August 25. Microsoft will continue to offer native Office apps for other Android platforms beyond this date. Instead, Microsoft will be advising those users to use its web-based and apps starting September 18. Starting in September, Microsoft will no longer support its native Android Office apps on Chromebooks.

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