Do Computers Still Come with Microsoft 365 Pre-Installed? 2026:Guide
I recently helped my neighbor set up their new laptop, and they were shocked when Office asked for payment after 30 days.
Microsoft 365 pre-installed on computers refers to trial versions or promotional software that comes bundled with new devices, not full permanent licenses.
This confusion costs people an unexpected $99 per year or more when their “free” Office suddenly stops working.
Let me show you exactly what you’re getting with new computers today and how to make the best decision for your needs.
The Quick Answer: It’s Complicated
No, most computers today come with only 30-day trial versions of Microsoft 365, not full permanent licenses.
I’ve set up dozens of new computers this year, and every single one had the same pattern.
The Office apps appear ready to use, but they’re actually time-limited trials.
⚠️ Important: That “included” Office on your new computer expires in 30 days – plan accordingly.
Here’s what manufacturers actually include:
- 30-day trial: Full Microsoft 365 features for one month
- Web app shortcuts: Links to free online versions
- Subscription prompts: Regular reminders to purchase
The trial gives you complete access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other apps.
After 30 days, you’ll see messages about expired trials and reduced functionality.
Your documents remain accessible, but editing becomes severely limited.
Microsoft charges $9.99 monthly for Personal or $99.99 annually after the trial ends.
Some retailers offered special one-year deals in the past, but these promotions are increasingly rare.
Business laptops occasionally include different arrangements through volume licensing.
Educational institutions often provide Office through separate agreements, not through the computer manufacturer.
What You Actually Get on New Computers in 2026?
Computer manufacturers install Microsoft 365 trial software that works for 30 days, after which users must subscribe or purchase to continue using the full features.
When you first power on your new computer, Office apps launch perfectly.
They look and feel like the full versions because they are – temporarily.
| Feature | During Trial | After Trial |
|---|---|---|
| Create Documents | Full Access | View Only |
| Save Files | All Formats | Limited |
| Advanced Features | Available | Blocked |
| Cloud Storage | 5GB OneDrive | Reduced |
The activation process starts automatically when you first open any Office app.
You’ll see prompts to sign in with a Microsoft account or create one.
This account link is how Microsoft tracks your trial period.
✅ Pro Tip: Screenshot the trial start date – Microsoft doesn’t always make expiration dates obvious.
Many users confuse the web apps with desktop versions.
Web-based Office (Office.com) remains free but lacks many desktop features.
Desktop apps require the subscription after your trial expires.
I’ve seen people work for weeks thinking they owned Office, only to hit the paywall mid-project.
The trial countdown isn’t always visible, making surprises common.
Some computers show “Office 365” in the Start menu even after expiration, adding to confusion.
Notifications about expiration often get lost among other Windows alerts.
Understanding these distinctions saves you from workflow interruptions later.
Microsoft Office by Computer Manufacturer
Each manufacturer handles Office differently, though most follow similar trial patterns.
Let me break down what major brands typically include:
Dell Computers
Dell includes 30-day Microsoft 365 trials on most consumer models.
Their business lines may have different arrangements through corporate agreements.
XPS and Inspiron series consistently come with the standard trial.
HP (Hewlett-Packard)
HP bundles Office trials across their Pavilion, Envy, and Spectre lines.
Some HP promotions included one-year subscriptions, but these are seasonal.
Their business ProBook and EliteBook series follow enterprise licensing models.
Lenovo
Lenovo’s consumer laptops include the standard 30-day trial.
ThinkPad business models often ship without consumer Office trials.
IdeaPad and Yoga series follow the typical trial pattern.
ASUS
ASUS includes Office trials on VivoBook and ZenBook models.
Gaming laptops sometimes skip Office installation entirely.
Their approach varies more by product line than other manufacturers.
Acer
Acer consistently includes 30-day trials across Aspire and Swift lines.
Budget Chromebooks obviously don’t include Windows Office versions.
Their Windows machines follow industry-standard trial practices.
Microsoft Surface
Surprisingly, even Microsoft’s own Surface devices only include trials.
They don’t give away full Office licenses on their premium hardware.
This reinforces that Office is a separate purchase from hardware.
OEM Licensing: Agreements between Microsoft and manufacturers that allow pre-installation of trial software but rarely full licenses due to cost considerations.
Regional differences also affect what’s included.
European models sometimes have different software bundles due to regulations.
Asian markets occasionally see special Office promotions not available elsewhere.
Your Options: From Free to Premium
After your trial expires, you have several paths forward.
Each option suits different needs and budgets:
Free Alternatives
- Office Online: Web versions at Office.com with basic features
- Google Workspace: Docs, Sheets, Slides work great for most users
- LibreOffice: Open-source desktop suite with full compatibility
I use Google Docs for 80% of my document needs without paying anything.
The web versions handle basic editing, sharing, and collaboration perfectly.
Microsoft Subscription Options
Microsoft 365 Personal costs $69.99 annually or $6.99 monthly.
Family plans at $99.99 yearly cover six users with 1TB storage each.
These subscriptions include regular updates and cloud storage benefits.
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | Users |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal | $6.99 | $69.99 | 1 |
| Family | $9.99 | $99.99 | 6 |
| Business Basic | $6.00 | $72.00 | 1 |
One-Time Purchase Options
Office Home 2024 costs $149.99 as a one-time purchase.
You get Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote permanently.
No subscription fees, but also no updates to newer versions.
⏰ Time Saver: If you use Office less than twice monthly, stick with free web versions.
Students often qualify for free or discounted Office through schools.
Check with your institution before purchasing any Office products.
Many employers also provide Office licenses for home use.
Understanding how to open Excel files without Office can save money during evaluation.
What to Do When Your Trial Expires in 2026?
Your Office trial expiration doesn’t have to disrupt your workflow.
Here’s my tested approach for smooth transitions:
Immediate Steps
- Export important documents: Save copies in universal formats (PDF, RTF)
- Note your needs: List which Office features you actually use
- Test alternatives: Try free options before committing to subscriptions
Removing Trial Software
Uninstalling Office trials requires Microsoft’s official removal tool.
Standard Windows uninstall often leaves components behind.
The cleanup tool ensures complete removal without conflicts.
Decision Framework
Choose subscriptions if you need regular updates and cloud storage.
Buy Office 2024 outright for stable, long-term desktop use.
Stick with free alternatives for occasional document editing.
“I saved $600 over five years by buying Office outright instead of subscribing.”
– Power user who doesn’t need latest features
Most home users overestimate their Office needs.
Track your actual usage for a month before deciding.
You might discover free tools meet all your requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do any laptops come with permanent Microsoft Office?
No major manufacturers include permanent Office licenses anymore. All mainstream brands (Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS) only bundle 30-day trials. Some business contracts might include full licenses, but consumer models don’t.
Can I transfer my old Office license to a new computer?
Yes, if you own Office 2019, 2021, or 2024 (one-time purchase versions), you can transfer it to your new computer. Microsoft 365 subscriptions work on multiple devices simultaneously. Retail licenses allow transfer, but OEM licenses tied to old hardware don’t.
What happens to my files when the Office trial expires?
Your files remain safe and accessible. You can still open and view documents but can’t edit them in Office apps. The files work normally if you install alternatives like LibreOffice or use Office Online free versions.
Is the free Office Online good enough for basic use?
Office Online handles basic document creation, editing, and sharing well. You get core features of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Advanced features like macros, mail merge, and complex formatting require desktop versions.
Final Recommendations
New computers don’t include full Microsoft Office anymore – accept this reality and plan accordingly.
Budget an extra $70-150 for Office software when buying your next computer.
Test free alternatives during your 30-day trial to make an informed decision.
Your best path depends on actual usage, not perceived needs.