WPS Office is a popular office suite that offers a range of productivity tools, including word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software. It is often considered a viable alternative to Microsoft Office, especially for users who are looking for cost-effective solutions. However, WPS Office is not free, and users typically need to purchase a license to access all its features. In this article, we will explore how you can activate WPS Office for free in 2023, despite the fact that the original claim of free for 23 years is not accurate.
Understanding the Original Claim
The claim that WPS Office would be free for 23 years was a marketing strategy by Kingsoft, the company behind WPS Office. While this statement was true at the time, it was not a permanent offer. The free offer was valid for a limited time, and users had to activate their licenses within that period. After the expiration of the free offer, users were required to purchase a license to continue using WPS Office.
Activation Process for Free Users
For users who activated their WPS Office licenses during the free offer period, the activation process is straightforward. Here are the steps to activate WPS Office for free:
1. Download the latest version of WPS Office from the official website.
2. Install the software on your computer.
3. During the installation process, you will be prompted to activate the software.
4. Enter the activation code provided to you during the free offer period.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the activation.
Obtaining an Activation Code
If you missed the free offer period or lost your activation code, obtaining a new one can be challenging. However, there are a few methods you can try:
1. Check Your Email: If you previously activated WPS Office during the free offer, the activation code might be in your email inbox.
2. Contact Customer Support: Reach out to WPS Office customer support and explain your situation. They may be able to provide you with a new activation code or assist you with the activation process.
3. Search Online: Sometimes, users share activation codes online. However, be cautious when downloading codes from untrusted sources, as they may contain malware.
Using WPS Office for Free Legally
It's important to note that using WPS Office for free without a valid license is illegal and violates the software's terms of service. While some users may find ways to bypass the activation process, these methods are not recommended. Instead, consider the following legal options:
1. Purchase a License: WPS Office offers various licensing options, including individual, family, and business plans. Purchasing a license is the most straightforward and legal way to use WPS Office.
2. Free Trial: WPS Office often offers a free trial period. During this time, you can use the software without any limitations.
3. Open Source Alternatives: If you're looking for free office suite alternatives, consider using open-source software like LibreOffice or OpenOffice.
Features of WPS Office
WPS Office offers a range of features that are similar to those found in Microsoft Office. Some of the key features include:
- Word Processing: Create, edit, and format text documents with ease.
- Spreadsheet: Manage and analyze data using powerful spreadsheet tools.
- Presentation: Design and deliver professional presentations.
- PDF Reader: View and edit PDF files directly within the WPS Office suite.
- Cloud Storage: Access your documents from anywhere using WPS Cloud.
Conclusion
While the claim that WPS Office would be free for 23 years was a marketing strategy, users who activated their licenses during the free offer period can continue to use the software for free. For those who missed the free offer or lost their activation code, obtaining a new one may be challenging but not impossible. It's important to use WPS Office legally by purchasing a license or using open-source alternatives.
