How to Install ONLYOFFICE on Windows and Mac: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

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:

1. Open your web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or any browser)

2. Go to: www.onlyoffice.com/download-desktop.aspx

3. The website automatically detects your operating system

4. Click the blue "Download" button for Windows

5. The installer file (approximately 500 MB) begins downloading

6. 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:

1. Open your Downloads folder (usually found in File Explorer)

2. Look for a file named similar to: DesktopEditors_x64.exe

3. The file size should be around 500 MB

4. Note the location for the next step

Step 3: Run the Installer

Now we'll begin the actual installation:

1. Double-click the downloaded .exe file

2. Windows may display a User Account Control prompt asking "Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device?"

3. Click "Yes" to proceed

4. The ONLYOFFICE installer window opens

Step 4: Choose Installation Language

The installer first asks you to select a language:

1. Choose your preferred language from the dropdown menu

2. Click "OK" to continue

3. The setup wizard launches

Step 5: Accept the License Agreement

To proceed with installation:

1. Read the license agreement (or scroll to the bottom)

2. Check the box next to "I accept the agreement"

3. Click "Next" to continue

Without accepting, you cannot proceed with installation.

Step 6: Select Installation Location

The installer suggests a default installation folder:

1. The default location is usually: C:\Program Files\ONLYOFFICE\DesktopEditors

2. For most users, the default location is perfect

3. To change the location, click "Browse" and select a different folder

4. Ensure the chosen drive has at least 1 GB of free space

5. Click "Next" to continue

Step 7: Choose Start Menu Folder

This step determines where shortcuts appear:

1. The default option creates a "ONLYOFFICE" folder in your Start Menu

2. Leave the default setting unless you have specific organizational preferences

3. Click "Next" to proceed

Step 8: Select Additional Tasks

The installer offers optional shortcuts:

• Create a desktop icon: Check this for quick access from your desktop

• Create a Quick Launch icon: Useful for older Windows versions

Select your preferences and click "Next".

Step 9: Begin Installation

Review your installation settings:

1. The installer displays a summary of your choices

2. Verify everything looks correct

3. Click "Install" to begin copying files

4. A progress bar shows installation status

5. Installation typically takes 2-3 minutes

Step 10: Complete the Installation

When installation finishes:

1. A completion screen appears

2. Ensure "Launch ONLYOFFICE Desktop Editors" is checked

3. Click "Finish"

4. ONLYOFFICE automatically launches for the first time

Step 11: First Launch Configuration (Windows)

When ONLYOFFICE opens for the first time:

1. The interface loads with a welcome screen

2. You'll see options to create a new Document, Spreadsheet, or Presentation

3. The interface resembles Microsoft Office, making navigation intuitive

4. No account registration is required for basic use

5. 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:

1. Open Safari, Chrome, Firefox, or your preferred browser

2. Navigate to: www.onlyoffice.com/download-desktop.aspx

3. The site detects you're using macOS

4. Click the "Download" button for Mac

5. The .dmg file (approximately 500 MB) downloads to your Downloads folder

6. Wait for the download to complete

Step 2: Locate the Downloaded DMG File

After downloading completes:

1. Open Finder

2. Click "Downloads" in the left sidebar

3. Look for a file named: ONLYOFFICE-DesktopEditors.dmg

4. The file icon appears as a white disk image

Step 3: Open the DMG File

To begin installation:

1. Double-click the .dmg file

2. macOS verifies the disk image (this takes a few seconds)

3. A new window opens showing the ONLYOFFICE installation contents

4. You'll see the ONLYOFFICE application icon and an Applications folder shortcut

Step 4: Install ONLYOFFICE

The installation process on Mac is straightforward:

1. In the opened window, you'll see the ONLYOFFICE icon on the left

2. You'll see the Applications folder icon on the right

3. Click and drag the ONLYOFFICE icon onto the Applications folder icon

4. The system copies ONLYOFFICE to your Applications folder

5. A progress bar shows the copying process

6. Wait for the copy to complete (usually 30-60 seconds)

Step 5: Eject the DMG File

After installation completes:

1. Close the installation window

2. In Finder's sidebar, you'll see the mounted ONLYOFFICE disk

3. Click the eject icon next to it

4. Alternatively, right-click the disk and select "Eject"

5. You can now delete the .dmg file from Downloads if desired

Step 6: Launch ONLYOFFICE on Mac

To start using ONLYOFFICE:

1. Open Finder

2. Click "Applications" in the sidebar

3. Scroll down to find "ONLYOFFICE"

4. 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":

1. Click "OK" to dismiss the warning

2. Open System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS)

3. Navigate to "Privacy & Security"

4. Scroll down to the Security section

5. You'll see a message about ONLYOFFICE being blocked

6. Click "Open Anyway"

7. Confirm by clicking "Open" in the popup

Alternative method:

1. Right-click (or Control-click) the ONLYOFFICE icon in Applications

2. Select "Open" from the context menu

3. Click "Open" in the security dialog

Step 8: First Launch Configuration (Mac)

When ONLYOFFICE opens successfully:

1. The application window loads with the main interface

2. You'll see options to create Documents, Spreadsheets, and Presentations

3. The familiar ribbon interface mirrors Microsoft Office

4. No registration or account is required for desktop use

5. You're ready to start creating documents!

Step 9: Add ONLYOFFICE to Dock (Optional)

For easy access:

1. With ONLYOFFICE open, find its icon in the Dock

2. Right-click the icon

3. Select "Options" > "Keep in Dock"

4. 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:

1. Right-click any .docx, .xlsx, or .pptx file

2. Select "Open with" > "Choose another app"

3. Select "ONLYOFFICE Desktop Editors"

4. Check "Always use this app to open files"

5. Click "OK"

Mac:

1. Right-click any .docx, .xlsx, or .pptx file

2. Select "Get Info"

3. Under "Open with:", select "ONLYOFFICE"

4. Click "Change All..." to apply to all similar files

5. Confirm the change

Customizing the Interface

Personalize ONLYOFFICE to your preferences:

1. Open ONLYOFFICE

2. Click "File" > "Settings" (Windows) or "ONLYOFFICE" > "Preferences" (Mac)

3. 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:

1. In ONLYOFFICE, click the "Plugins" icon in the toolbar

2. Click "Settings"

3. Browse available plugins (ChatGPT integration, translators, photo editors)

4. Click "Install" on desired plugins

5. 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:

1. Launch ONLYOFFICE

2. Click "Create" and select "Document"

3. A blank document opens in the editor

4. The interface includes familiar tabs: Home, Insert, Layout, References

5. Type naturally as you would in any word processor

6. Click "Save" (or press Ctrl+S / Cmd+S)

7. Choose a location and filename

8. 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:

1. Open ONLYOFFICE

2. Click "Open Local File"

3. Navigate to your documents folder

4. Select any .docx, .xlsx, or .pptx file

5. The document opens with formatting preserved

6. Make edits as needed

7. 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:

1. ONLYOFFICE checks for updates automatically

2. When updates are available, a notification appears

3. Click "Update" to download and install

4. Alternatively, manually check: Help > Check for Updates

Mac:

1. Open ONLYOFFICE

2. Click "ONLYOFFICE" in the menu bar

3. Select "Check for Updates"

4. Follow prompts to download and install updates

5. 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:

1. Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps

2. Locate "ONLYOFFICE Desktop Editors"

3. Click the three dots next to it

4. Select "Uninstall"

5. Confirm the uninstallation

6. Follow the uninstaller prompts

Mac:

1. Open Finder > Applications

2. Find "ONLYOFFICE"

3. Drag it to the Trash

4. Empty the Trash to complete removal

5. 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.

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Last updated: January 2026
Installation instructions tested on Windows 11 and macOS Sonoma