Microsoft Office 2019, a perennial favorite for those who prefer a one-time purchase over a subscription model, remains a popular choice. While Microsoft now emphasizes its subscription service, Microsoft 365, many users are still looking for ways to download and install Office 2019 without cost. This guide will walk you through the official method for reinstalling Microsoft Office 2019, compare it with Office 2021 and Microsoft 365, and suggest excellent free alternatives to fulfill your productivity needs.
Part 1: Official Method to Reinstall Microsoft Office 2019
If you have already purchased Microsoft Office 2019 and need to reinstall it on your PC or Mac, follow these step-by-step instructions.
Step 1: Uninstall Previous Versions of MS Office
Before installing, it’s crucial to remove any existing versions of Microsoft Office to prevent conflicts.
- Open the Control Panel on your PC or the Applications folder on your Mac.
- Locate the previous version of Office you wish to uninstall.
- Select it and click on “Uninstall” for PC users, or drag the Microsoft Office folder to the Trash for Mac users.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the uninstallation process.
Step 2: Download and Install Microsoft Office 2019
- Navigate to the official Microsoft Office home page.
- Sign in using the Microsoft account that is linked to your Microsoft Office 2019 purchase.
- Select the “Install apps” option.
- Choose “Office 2019” for PC or “Office for Mac” for Mac.
- Select your preferred language.
- Click on “Download.”
- Once the download is complete, run the installation file for PC or open the downloaded file for Mac.
- Follow the instructions to finalize the installation.
Note: Unlike older versions that might have had different system requirements, Office 2019 requires Windows 10 or a later operating system.
Step 3: Activate Microsoft Office 2019
- Open any Office application, such as Word or Excel.
- When prompted for activation, enter the product key associated with your Microsoft Office 2019 purchase.
- Complete the activation process by following the on-screen prompts.
For any issues during reinstallation, Microsoft’s official support website is a valuable resource for troubleshooting. You can also find helpful guides on Microsoft Word free download.
Part 3: The Truth About Free Downloads from Third-Party Websites
Downloading Microsoft Office 2019 from unofficial third-party websites is illegal and infringes upon copyright laws. These unofficial sources may offer the software for free or at a discounted price, but they often contain viruses or malware that can compromise your computer’s security and steal personal information.
Using pirated software is not only unethical but can also lead to legal repercussions. Microsoft Office is a premium software suite, and its development, maintenance, and support require significant investment. By using pirated software, you undermine the creators’ efforts and deprive them of fair compensation.
Therefore, it is strongly recommended to avoid downloading Microsoft Office 2019 from third-party sites. Instead, consider legitimate free alternatives such as WPS Office, Google Docs, or LibreOffice. Alternatively, purchasing a legal copy of Microsoft Office 2019 or subscribing to Microsoft 365 ensures you receive genuine software with proper support and updates.
Part 4: Comparing Microsoft Office 2019, 2021, and Microsoft 365
Microsoft Office is a suite of productivity applications including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Understanding the differences between versions can help you choose the best fit for your needs.
Microsoft Office 2019
Released in September 2018, Office 2019 is the most recent non-subscription version. It introduced new features like additional Excel chart types and PowerPoint Morph transitions compared to its predecessor, Office 2016. Key features include:
- Applications: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, and Publisher (Windows only).
- Enhanced Features: Support for inking, Focus mode in Word, and improved translation and accessibility tools.
- System Requirements: Windows 10, Windows Server 2019, or macOS Sierra (10.12) or later.
- Editions: Microsoft Office 2019 Professional Plus includes Publisher and Access.
The price typically ranges from $150 to $440. However, Microsoft will cease providing technical support and security updates for Office 2019 in October 2023.
Microsoft Office 2021
As the successor to Office 2019, released in October 2021, Office 2021 is also a standalone purchase but is limited to Windows 10 and Windows 11. It offers:
- Applications: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote.
- New Features: Dark mode support, enhanced accessibility, and integration with Microsoft Teams.
- System Requirements: Windows 10 or Windows 11.
Pricing is similar to Office 2019, ranging from $149 to $439.
Microsoft 365
Microsoft 365 is a subscription service that provides continuous access to the latest Office applications and additional cloud-based features and services. Its benefits include:
- Applications: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, and Publisher (Windows only).
- Cloud Services: OneDrive cloud storage and the Microsoft Teams collaboration platform.
- Security & Updates: Advanced security features and automatic updates to the newest versions.
- System Requirements: Broad compatibility across Windows 10+, macOS 10.14+, iOS 12+, and Android 6.0+.
Subscription plans typically cost between $6.99 and $12.99 per month. Given the end of support for Office 2019, considering Office 2021 or Microsoft 365 is advisable for ongoing support and the latest features. You can find guides for Office 365 download.
Part 5: Top Free Alternatives to MS Office 2019
For those seeking cost-effective solutions, several excellent free office suites are available.
1. WPS Office
Developed by Kingsoft, WPS Office is a free suite comprising a word processor (Writer), spreadsheet program (Spreadsheets), and presentation maker (Presentation). It also features a PDF converter and a Template Store offering free templates for various documents.
- Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux. It handles Microsoft Office formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx) seamlessly.
- Price: Free for personal and commercial use.
- Pros: User-friendly interface similar to Microsoft Office, no ads, excellent compatibility, and a vast library of free templates. For mobile users, WPS Office offers full tablet functionality for free, unlike some paid options which are for office for iPad requiring subscriptions.
2. LibreOffice
LibreOffice is a powerful, free, and open-source office suite developed by The Document Foundation.
- Functions: Includes Writer, Calc (spreadsheet), Impress (presentation), Draw, Base (database), and Math (formula editor).
- Compatibility: Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Price: Free.
- Pros: Offers comprehensive features suitable for daily tasks, is customizable due to its open-source nature, and supports both OpenDocument Format (ODF) and Microsoft Office file formats.
3. OpenOffice
The Apache Software Foundation develops OpenOffice, another free and open-source office suite.
- Functions: Similar to LibreOffice, it includes Writer, Calc, Impress, Draw, Base, and Math.
- Compatibility: Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Price: Free.
- Pros: Provides essential functionalities for everyday use and is a good alternative for users who prefer not to pay subscription fees. Its open-source nature allows for user customization.
FAQs about Microsoft Office 2019 Free Download
What are the differences between Microsoft Office 2019 and Office 2016?
Microsoft Office 2019 introduced new chart types in Excel, advanced transition effects in PowerPoint, and improved Focus mode in Word, alongside better inking support and new features like Morph and Zoom in PowerPoint.
Can I install Office 2019 with an older version on the computer?
While technically possible, it’s recommended to uninstall older versions of Office to prevent potential conflicts and ensure optimal performance. Many older versions, such as Office 2003, have also reached end-of-support.
What happens after the free trial ends?
If you are using a trial version, you will need to purchase a license to continue using Microsoft Office 2019. Alternatively, you can transition to Microsoft 365 for continued access through a subscription. You can explore WPS Office premium free trial options as well.
Can I free download MS Office 2019 on multiple devices?
A standard Microsoft Office 2019 license is typically for a single device. However, Microsoft 365 subscriptions often allow installation on multiple devices, depending on the plan. Tools like the Office Deployment Tool can streamline installations across devices. For enterprise users requiring long-term support, Office LTSC offers a 10-year support cycle. Mobile versions, like WPS Mobile, are optimized for touchscreens and offer better user experiences on devices like office for android.
Final Thoughts on Microsoft Office 2019 Download
Microsoft Office 2019 remains a robust option for users preferring a one-time purchase. While free download sources exist online, exercising caution and using only official or trusted channels is paramount. Given the approaching end of support for Office 2019, migrating to Microsoft 2021 or Microsoft 365 is the recommended path for continued security and feature updates.
For those seeking a completely free alternative, WPS Office is a standout choice. It offers a comprehensive set of tools comparable to Microsoft Office, including PDF editing capabilities, a template store, and a resume builder, all while being compatible with major operating systems and free of ads. While LibreOffice and OpenOffice are also viable free options, WPS Office often appeals due to its intuitive interface and additional features.