Microsoft is testing a free, ad-supported version of Office for Windows in select countries, including India. This version includes Word, Excel and PowerPoint but features permanent banner ads and periodic video ads. Users must store files in OneDrive, as local storage is disabled. The free apps also lack several key features, such as drawing tools in Word and pivot tables in Excel. While Microsoft claims this is limited testing, the move suggests a potential wider rollout in the future.
Source: The Verge