Introduction
Ready to experience the best Microsoft Office alternative? This comprehensive guide walks you through installing ONLYOFFICE Desktop Editors on both Windows and Mac computers. Whether you're a beginner or tech-savvy user, you'll have ONLYOFFICE running in under 10 minutes.
ONLYOFFICE Desktop Editors is completely free for personal use and offers professional-grade document, spreadsheet, and presentation tools without subscription fees.
What You'll Need Before Installing
Before beginning the installation process, ensure you have:
Windows users: Windows 10 or later (64-bit recommended)
Mac users: macOS 10.14 (Mojave) or later
Disk space: At least 1 GB of free storage
Internet connection: Required for downloading the installer
Administrator access: Needed to install software on your computer
Part 1: Installing ONLYOFFICE on Windows
Step 1: Download ONLYOFFICE Desktop Editors
Navigate to the official ONLYOFFICE website to download the installer:
Open your web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or any browser)
Go to: www.onlyoffice.com/download-desktop.aspx
The website automatically detects your operating system
Click the blue "Download" button for Windows
The installer file (approximately 500 MB) begins downloading
Wait for the download to complete (usually 2-5 minutes depending on your connection)
Pro tip: Always download software from official websites to ensure security and avoid malware.
Step 2: Locate the Downloaded File
Once the download completes:
Open your Downloads folder (usually found in File Explorer)
Look for a file named similar to: DesktopEditors_x64.exe
The file size should be around 500 MB
Note the location for the next step
Step 3: Run the Installer
Now we'll begin the actual installation:
Double-click the downloaded .exe file
Windows may display a User Account Control prompt asking "Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device?"
Click "Yes" to proceed
The ONLYOFFICE installer window opens
Step 4: Choose Installation Language
The installer first asks you to select a language:
Choose your preferred language from the dropdown menu
Click "OK" to continue
The setup wizard launches
Step 5: Accept the License Agreement
To proceed with installation:
Read the license agreement (or scroll to the bottom)
Check the box next to "I accept the agreement"
Click "Next" to continue
Without accepting, you cannot proceed with installation.
Step 6: Select Installation Location
The installer suggests a default installation folder:
The default location is usually: C:\Program Files\ONLYOFFICE\DesktopEditors
For most users, the default location is perfect
To change the location, click "Browse" and select a different folder
Ensure the chosen drive has at least 1 GB of free space
Click "Next" to continue
This step determines where shortcuts appear:
The default option creates a "ONLYOFFICE" folder in your Start Menu
Leave the default setting unless you have specific organizational preferences
Click "Next" to proceed
Step 8: Select Additional Tasks
The installer offers optional shortcuts:
Select your preferences and click "Next".
Step 9: Begin Installation
Review your installation settings:
The installer displays a summary of your choices
Verify everything looks correct
Click "Install" to begin copying files
A progress bar shows installation status
Installation typically takes 2-3 minutes
Step 10: Complete the Installation
When installation finishes:
A completion screen appears
Ensure "Launch ONLYOFFICE Desktop Editors" is checked
Click "Finish"
ONLYOFFICE automatically launches for the first time
Step 11: First Launch Configuration (Windows)
When ONLYOFFICE opens for the first time:
The interface loads with a welcome screen
You'll see options to create a new Document, Spreadsheet, or Presentation
The interface resembles Microsoft Office, making navigation intuitive
No account registration is required for basic use
You're ready to start working!
Part 2: Installing ONLYOFFICE on Mac
Step 1: Download ONLYOFFICE Desktop Editors for Mac
Begin by downloading the Mac version:
Open Safari, Chrome, Firefox, or your preferred browser
Navigate to: www.onlyoffice.com/download-desktop.aspx
The site detects you're using macOS
Click the "Download" button for Mac
The .dmg file (approximately 500 MB) downloads to your Downloads folder
Wait for the download to complete
Step 2: Locate the Downloaded DMG File
After downloading completes:
Open Finder
Click "Downloads" in the left sidebar
Look for a file named: ONLYOFFICE-DesktopEditors.dmg
The file icon appears as a white disk image
Step 3: Open the DMG File
To begin installation:
Double-click the .dmg file
macOS verifies the disk image (this takes a few seconds)
A new window opens showing the ONLYOFFICE installation contents
You'll see the ONLYOFFICE application icon and an Applications folder shortcut
Step 4: Install ONLYOFFICE
The installation process on Mac is straightforward:
In the opened window, you'll see the ONLYOFFICE icon on the left
You'll see the Applications folder icon on the right
Click and drag the ONLYOFFICE icon onto the Applications folder icon
The system copies ONLYOFFICE to your Applications folder
A progress bar shows the copying process
Wait for the copy to complete (usually 30-60 seconds)
Step 5: Eject the DMG File
After installation completes:
Close the installation window
In Finder's sidebar, you'll see the mounted ONLYOFFICE disk
Click the eject icon next to it
Alternatively, right-click the disk and select "Eject"
You can now delete the .dmg file from Downloads if desired
Step 6: Launch ONLYOFFICE on Mac
To start using ONLYOFFICE:
Open Finder
Click "Applications" in the sidebar
Scroll down to find "ONLYOFFICE"
Double-click the ONLYOFFICE icon
Step 7: Handle macOS Security (First Launch)
Since ONLYOFFICE isn't from the Mac App Store, macOS may block it:
If you see "ONLYOFFICE cannot be opened because it is from an unidentified developer":
Click "OK" to dismiss the warning
Open System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS)
Navigate to "Privacy & Security"
Scroll down to the Security section
You'll see a message about ONLYOFFICE being blocked
Click "Open Anyway"
Confirm by clicking "Open" in the popup
Alternative method:
Right-click (or Control-click) the ONLYOFFICE icon in Applications
Select "Open" from the context menu
Click "Open" in the security dialog
Step 8: First Launch Configuration (Mac)
When ONLYOFFICE opens successfully:
The application window loads with the main interface
You'll see options to create Documents, Spreadsheets, and Presentations
The familiar ribbon interface mirrors Microsoft Office
No registration or account is required for desktop use
You're ready to start creating documents!
Step 9: Add ONLYOFFICE to Dock (Optional)
For easy access:
With ONLYOFFICE open, find its icon in the Dock
Right-click the icon
Select "Options" > "Keep in Dock"
The icon remains in your Dock even after quitting
Troubleshooting Common Installation Issues
Windows Issues
Problem: "Windows protected your PC" message appears
Solution: This is Windows SmartScreen protection. Click "More info" and then "Run anyway." ONLYOFFICE is safe software from a reputable developer.
Problem: Installation fails with insufficient permissions
Solution: Right-click the installer and select "Run as administrator." This grants necessary permissions for installation.
Problem: Antivirus blocks the installation
Solution: Temporarily disable your antivirus, install ONLYOFFICE, then re-enable protection. Add ONLYOFFICE to your antivirus whitelist if needed.
Problem: Installation stalls or freezes
Solution: Close the installer, restart your computer, and try again. Ensure no other installations are running simultaneously.
Mac Issues
Problem: "ONLYOFFICE is damaged and can't be opened"
Solution: This occurs if the download was interrupted. Delete the .dmg file, clear your browser cache, and download again from the official website.
Problem: Cannot drag to Applications folder
Solution: Ensure you have administrator privileges. Try restarting Finder by holding Option, right-clicking the Finder icon in the Dock, and selecting "Relaunch."
Problem: Application crashes on launch
Solution: Check that your macOS version meets minimum requirements (10.14 or later). Update macOS if needed, then reinstall ONLYOFFICE.
Problem: Disk image won't mount
Solution: The download may be corrupted. Delete the .dmg file and download fresh from the official website.
Configuring ONLYOFFICE After Installation
Setting File Associations
To make ONLYOFFICE open documents by default:
Windows:
Right-click any .docx, .xlsx, or .pptx file
Select "Open with" > "Choose another app"
Select "ONLYOFFICE Desktop Editors"
Check "Always use this app to open files"
Click "OK"
Mac:
Right-click any .docx, .xlsx, or .pptx file
Select "Get Info"
Under "Open with:", select "ONLYOFFICE"
Click "Change All..." to apply to all similar files
Confirm the change
Customizing the Interface
Personalize ONLYOFFICE to your preferences:
Open ONLYOFFICE
Click "File" > "Settings" (Windows) or "ONLYOFFICE" > "Preferences" (Mac)
Explore available customization options:
Interface theme: Choose Light or Dark mode
Language: Select your preferred interface language
Font scaling: Adjust text size for better readability
Autosave: Configure automatic saving intervals
Spell check: Enable/disable and choose languages
Installing Plugins
Extend ONLYOFFICE functionality with plugins:
In ONLYOFFICE, click the "Plugins" icon in the toolbar
Click "Settings"
Browse available plugins (ChatGPT integration, translators, photo editors)
Click "Install" on desired plugins
Plugins appear in the Plugins menu for easy access
Comparing ONLYOFFICE Desktop vs. Cloud Versions
Understanding your options helps choose the right setup:
Desktop Editors (What you just installed):
Works completely offline after installation
Files stored locally on your computer
No account required for basic use
Free for personal and commercial use
Perfect for individual users and small teams
ONLYOFFICE Cloud/Workspace:
Requires internet connection
Files stored in cloud storage
Enables real-time collaboration with team members
Requires account creation
Best for teams needing simultaneous editing
Many users combine both, using Desktop Editors for personal work and cloud version for team collaboration.
Getting Started: Your First Document
Now that ONLYOFFICE is installed, create your first document:
Launch ONLYOFFICE
Click "Create" and select "Document"
A blank document opens in the editor
The interface includes familiar tabs: Home, Insert, Layout, References
Type naturally as you would in any word processor
Click "Save" (or press Ctrl+S / Cmd+S)
Choose a location and filename
Select your preferred format (DOCX recommended for maximum compatibility)
Quick formatting tips:
Use the Home tab for font, size, and text formatting
Access Insert for images, tables, and shapes
Explore Layout for page setup and margins
The References tab handles footnotes, citations, and tables of contents
Importing Your Existing Documents
Migrating from Microsoft Office is seamless:
Open ONLYOFFICE
Click "Open Local File"
Navigate to your documents folder
Select any .docx, .xlsx, or .pptx file
The document opens with formatting preserved
Make edits as needed
Save in original format or convert to ONLYOFFICE format
ONLYOFFICE handles Microsoft Office formats natively, so you don't need to convert files. Work directly with DOCX, XLSX, and PPTX files while maintaining compatibility.
Keeping ONLYOFFICE Updated
Stay current with the latest features and security patches:
Windows:
ONLYOFFICE checks for updates automatically
When updates are available, a notification appears
Click "Update" to download and install
Alternatively, manually check: Help > Check for Updates
Mac:
Open ONLYOFFICE
Click "ONLYOFFICE" in the menu bar
Select "Check for Updates"
Follow prompts to download and install updates
Restart the application after updating
Enable automatic update checks in preferences to stay current effortlessly.
Uninstalling ONLYOFFICE (If Needed)
Should you need to remove ONLYOFFICE:
Windows:
Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps
Locate "ONLYOFFICE Desktop Editors"
Click the three dots next to it
Select "Uninstall"
Confirm the uninstallation
Follow the uninstaller prompts
Mac:
Open Finder > Applications
Find "ONLYOFFICE"
Drag it to the Trash
Empty the Trash to complete removal
Optionally, remove preferences from ~/Library/Preferences
Conclusion: You're Ready to Work!
Congratulations! You've successfully installed ONLYOFFICE Desktop Editors on your computer. You now have a powerful, free alternative to Microsoft Office that handles documents, spreadsheets, and presentations with professional results.
Key takeaways:
ONLYOFFICE is completely free for personal and business use
The installation process is straightforward on both Windows and Mac
Your existing Microsoft Office files work seamlessly
No subscription fees, no limitations, no compromises
Start creating documents today and enjoy the freedom of subscription-free productivity software. Whether you're writing reports, analyzing data, or designing presentations, ONLYOFFICE provides all the tools you need.
Additional Resources
Official Website: www.onlyoffice.com
Documentation: helpcenter.onlyoffice.com
Community Forum: forum.onlyoffice.com
Video Tutorials: youtube.com/onlyoffice
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to create an account to use ONLYOFFICE Desktop Editors?
No. ONLYOFFICE Desktop Editors works completely offline without requiring account registration. Accounts are only needed for cloud collaboration features.
Is ONLYOFFICE really free?
Yes, ONLYOFFICE Desktop Editors is completely free for personal and commercial use. There are no hidden fees, trial periods, or feature limitations.
Can I open Microsoft Office files?
Absolutely. ONLYOFFICE natively supports DOCX, XLSX, and PPTX files with excellent compatibility. You can work with Microsoft Office files without conversion.
Will ONLYOFFICE work offline?
Yes. Once installed, ONLYOFFICE Desktop Editors works completely offline. No internet connection is required for creating or editing documents.
Can I install ONLYOFFICE on multiple computers?
Yes. You can install ONLYOFFICE on as many computers as you need at no cost. The desktop license has no device limits.
How do I get technical support?
Visit the official ONLYOFFICE forum (forum.onlyoffice.com) for community support. The Help Center provides comprehensive documentation for common questions.
Is my data safe with ONLYOFFICE?
Yes. ONLYOFFICE Desktop Editors stores all files locally on your computer. Your documents never leave your device unless you explicitly share them.
Can I use ONLYOFFICE for commercial purposes?
Yes. ONLYOFFICE Desktop Editors is free for both personal and commercial use without restrictions.
Last updated: January 2026
Installation instructions tested on Windows 11 and macOS Sonoma
