Since, Microsoft Word is a Windows based program, it is not natively supported on Chromebooks. However, it is possible to use Word on Chromebook.
Although, Chromebook comes preloaded with free software for working on Documents (Google Docs), there are many users who prefer using Microsoft Word on Chromebook.
So, let us go ahead and take a look at different ways to use Microsoft Word on Chromebook.
AdvertisementAn easy way to use Microsoft Word on Chromebook is to download and install either Microsoft Office App or the specific Microsoft Word App on your Chromebook.
1. Go to Google Play Store on your Chromebook
2. Search for the App ( Microsoft Office or Microsoft Word ) that you want to download.
Note: Alternatively, you can reach the Excel download page using this link: Download Word App From Google Play Store.
3. Once you find your preferred App (Office or Word), click on the Install button.
4. Once the App is downloaded, use the Launcher to open Microsoft Word App on your Chromebook
5. Once you are in Word, you will be required to Sign-in by using Microsoft Account or your Microsoft Office Subscription Account.
The rest is practically the same as working on Microsoft Word on Windows computer or Mac.
If you have an older version of Chromebook and it uses Chrome Web Store, you need to download and install Office Online Extension.
1. Go to Chrome Web Store on your Chromebook.
Advertisement2. Make sure you are the Extensions tab in the side menu and Search for Microsoft Office online .
3. Download and Install the Office Online Extension on your Chromebook.
The Office Online Extension allows you to Create, View, Edit and collaborate Word files in your web browser.
Working on Documents using Microsoft Office Online is similar to using the desktop version of Microsoft Word program.
As with Microsoft Office or Word App, you need a Microsoft Account to use Word Online and all your documents will be saved to your OneDrive account.
The native Google Docs App on your Chromebook allows you to open, view and edit Microsoft Word files directly on a Chromebook.
If Google Docs is not available, you can download the App from Google Play Store and also from the Chrome Web Store.
1. Open the Files App on your Chromebook
2. Click on Downloads in the Left pane and click on the Word File that you want to Edit.
3. Make changes to Excel File as required and save the File as a Microsoft file.
The Edited Excel File will be saved to your Google Drive Account, which you access any time or share with the others.
Google Docs works fine with simple Word documents but you may find it struggling with Word tables and Word documents with complex formatting.
As with Google Sheets, a big advantage of Google Docs is that it allows you to collaborate online in real time and chat with other collaborators, right from inside the document.
This makes it really easy for multiple people to work on the same document at the same time.
Another feature of Google Docs is that it automatically saves your work as you type. Word still requires you to hit the save button from time to time.
