The compatibility of Microsoft Office with Chromebooks has never been perfect. Scaling and compatibility concerns have persisted for some time in the Chrome web store version of Microsoft Office.
Due to these problems, the tech giant decided to cease support for Office programs on Chromebooks in September of 2021.
Chromebooks, however, have evolved beyond their browser roots and can now be used for far more than just web browsing.
In order to maximize your efficiency, we will examine the four most effective methods for installing and using Office on Chromebooks.
Online Office Use
Office Online is arguably the greatest method to use and enjoy Microsoft Office on a Chromebook. Office Online is a web-based productivity suite that integrates seamlessly with browsers like Google Chrome.
You may use all of Microsoft’s most well-known programs, including PowerPoint, Word, Excel, and more, with Office Online. However, since it is a web-based tool, you will need constant access to the Internet.
Although it is hosted in the cloud, the core features and functionality are much the same.
A subscription to Office 365 would be the icing on the cake, what with the data it syncs and all.
The Virtual Office
Libre Office is a free, cross-platform replacement for Microsoft Office.
Chromebook
When looking for a free and open-source alternative to Microsoft Office, you should consider using Libre Office. And do you want to know the best part? You may get it and use it without spending a dime.
We installed and tried out Libre Office on our Chromebook, and found the process to be relatively painless and intuitive. Similar to its Microsoft Office brother, the software can open and save files with those names.
Therefore, using Libre Office to access Microsoft Office files should be as simple as drinking water.
But many of you may be asking if and how Libre Office can be installed on a Chromebook. Don’t worry, it’s a simple process; come with me and I’ll show you.
Libre Office on a Chromebook: How to Set It Up
Chromebook Linux support must be enabled (this article provides instructions).
Once Linux is installed and enabled, open the terminal and type “sudo apt update” into the command prompt.
Enter the “sudo apt install flatpak” command and hit enter once more.
The Chromebook flatpak installation process will now begin. When the setup process is finished, you can proceed by typing the following command and pressing Enter.
For example: sudo flatpak remote-add –if-not-exists the flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo
After that, press Enter once more after typing “sudo flatpak install flathub org.LibreOffice.LibreOffice.”
The most recent version of Libre Office for your Chromebook is about to begin installing. These programs are available in the application drawer under the Linux folder.
A Crossover Use
In addition to Microsoft Office, Crossover allows you to run a wide variety of other Windows-only programs on your Chromebook.
You may use the app to run any Windows program, even the complete desktop edition of Microsoft Office, on a Chromebook. There is a catch, though.
In order to use Microsoft Office and other Windows programs, users must pay for a Crossover subscription each year. However, a free trial period of 30 days is provided.
Crossover
The Google Play Store is where you can get WPS Office.
Download WPS Office from the Google Play Store if the previous procedures seem too time-consuming and confusing for you.
For starters, it’s completely cost-free to use and operates similarly to Microsoft Office.
Second, this tool has an advantage over Office Online in that it may be used without an internet connection.
But there is a one little flaw. WPS Office is a free alternative to Microsoft Office that can be used in place of PowerPoint, Word, and Excel alone.
WPS Office does not work with Microsoft Access or any other Office program. However, this is a fantastic method for using Office on a Chromebook.
Get WPS Office Here!
Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides as an Extra Tool
Google Sheets, Slides, and Docs are worth mentioning despite the fact that they are not officially part of Office. All of these programs are available for Chromebook users to download from the Google Play Store.
Slide replaces Microsoft’s PowerPoint, Sheets stands in for Excel, and Docs is a Word replacement. However, the fact that these apps may be used without an internet connection is a major plus.
Use Office on Your Chromebook and Get More Done
Installing Office on Chromebooks is simple using one of the techniques outlined above.
Everything from creating presentations to drafting documents in Word can be done on a Chromebook. If you’re a Chromebook user and you’ve successfully installed Office, please let us know in the comments.