Microsoft releases Word, Excel and PowerPoint for Windows 10 Technical Preview

Microsoft has made its Word, Excel and PowerPoint productivity apps available to download for those running the Windows 10 Technical Preview, but problems have prevented some from downloading the apps.

Microsoft promised last month when it revealed the latest build of Windows 10 that it would make the Office apps available on the operating system in February.

Brandon LeBlanc, senior marketing manager at Microsoft, announced in a blog post that the apps are now available to download for those testing the new version of the forthcoming operating system.

“Office is making available the Word, Excel and PowerPoint apps for PCs and tablets running the latest build of the Windows 10 Technical Preview,” he said.

“If you’re already on the Windows 10 Technical Preview, just search for them in the Windows Store Beta (the grey tile in the Start menu or on the taskbar).”

Microsoft released some screenshots of the apps, such as the shot of Word running on a desktop and smartphone (below) or Excel (above).

However, a note on a blog post by Julia White, general manager for Office product management, acknowledged that there had been some problems downloading the apps, but promised that a fix was being worked on.

“We’re seeing some reports of issues accessing and downloading the apps. The team is working on a fix now. Please check back later,” she said.

It is not clear at present whether this has been resolved.

The apps are designed to work across all sorts of devices that will run Windows 10, from desktops and laptops to tablets and smartphones. This will include touchscreen functionality to enhance use on devices such as phones.

White touted the touch elements of the apps as a major advantage. "These ‘universal’ Office apps are optimised for touch and mobile use and are a great way to take your work on the go. No keyboard or mouse required,” she said.

The Office suite also includes Outlook and OneNote but these are still to be released for Windows 10.

Those interested in trying out the apps and the Windows 10 Technical Preview can register with the Windows Insider programme.

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