How to Legally Get Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2016 for Under $10 via Home Use Program

While Microsoft offers free online and mobile versions of Office apps—such as detailed in 6 Ways You Can Use Microsoft Office Without Paying For It—the full desktop suite can be pricey. However, if you're affiliated with an organization holding a Microsoft Enterprise Agreement, the official Microsoft Home Use Program lets you purchase premium versions at a steep discount.

Here's how it works: Head to the Home Use Program page and select your location from the dropdown. US users qualify for $9.95—nearly $300 in value. (Note: Pricing varies by region; US is $9.95.)

Pick from two suites:

Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2016 (Outlook, Publisher, Access, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote)

or Microsoft Office Home and Business 2016 for Mac (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook).

Enter your work or school email and submit. If your organization participates:

1. You'll get immediate access to buy at the discounted price.
2. Or, obtain your organization's program code—contact your benefits administrator for help.

Eligibility isn't guaranteed; confirm your company's enrollment. Key terms include:

• One purchase per employee.
• Temporary license expires if you or your organization exits the program.

This trusted Microsoft program delivers legitimate desktop Office affordably. That said, free web apps might suit you: explore Don't pay for Word! 5 reasons why you should use Office Online for cloud-based alternatives.