How to Install Microsoft Word 2010: Guide for Windows XP, Vista, and 7

PDF download Download Article
Easily install Microsoft Word 2010 with either a CD or a digital download
PDF download Download Article

With Microsoft Word 2007, Microsoft introduced a change to the word processing program's interface, replacing the menus and toolbars with a menu ribbon. With Word 2010, however, Microsoft has introduced an alternative to installing its software from a compact disc or DVD. You can still install Word from disc, but you can now also download Word from the Internet and activate either version with a 25-character product key card. The following steps tell you how to install either version of Word 2010 in Windows XP, Vista, or 7.

Things You Should Know

  • Word 2010 may already be installed on your PC, which you can check by going to your Start menu, selecting All Programs , and navigating to Microsoft Office .
  • If you have a Word 2010 CD, you can put it into your computer's disc drive and install using the on-screen guide.
  • You can alternatively download Word 2010 from Microsoft if you don't have the CD or you don't have a disc drive on your PC.
  • Upon starting Word 2010 for the first time, you will be prompted for an activation code; this code should be on the CD case if you have a disc or would have been provided to you if you bought the code online.
Section 1 of 4:

Checking to See if Word 2010 Is Already Loaded on Your PC

PDF download Download Article
    • In Windows XP, the button is a rectangular button labeled "Start."
    • In Windows Vista and Windows 7, the button is a circular button displaying the Windows logo.
  2. Advertisement
  3. Because Microsoft Word is part of the Microsoft Office suite of programs, this option will be present if any of the Office components have been installed.
    • In Windows XP, "Microsoft Office" appears as a menu prompt that displays a submenu when clicked.
    • In Windows Vista and Windows 7, "Microsoft Office" appears as a folder that displays its contents beneath it when clicked.
  4. The icon bears a large, capital, blue "W."
    • Many PCs that run Windows now come with trial versions of Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel installed, either in addition to or replacing their less powerful counterparts in Microsoft Works.
    5. Advertisement
Section 2 of 4:

Installing Word 2010 From Disc

PDF download Download Article
  1. A compact disc (CD) can be inserted into either a CD or DVD drive. A DVD, however, can only be inserted into a DVD drive.
  2. This signifies that your drive has read the disc and is ready to install the software.
    • If the AutoPlay window does not appear, you can open My Computer or Windows Explorer, right-click on the letter for your CD or DVD drive showing that Microsoft Office or Microsoft Word is present and then click AutoPlay.
  3. You'll be asked whether to install the program to a default directory or a different directory and may be presented with a license agreement.
    4. Advertisement
Section 3 of 4:

Downloading Windows 2010

PDF download Download Article
  1. A list of websites will appear.
  2. While a number of sites offer Word 2010 downloads, you should choose a trustworthy site, such as Microsoft's own website or a reputable third-party site.
  3. You may first be asked to read a license agreement.
    4. Advertisement
Section 4 of 4:

Activating Word 2010

PDF download Download Article
  1. Where your product key card is located depends on whether you installed from a disc, downloaded from the Internet, or Word was pre-installed.
    • If you installed from a disc, your product key will appear on the disc case on a card label opposite the disc holder.
    • If you downloaded from the Internet or Word was pre-installed, your product key is on a card inside a package labeled "Product Key Card."
  2. You'll see a startup screen with a check mark.
  3. You'll be prompted to enter your 25-character product key. Once this is entered and verified, Word 2010 will be activated.
    4. Advertisement


Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • When installing the Microsoft Office suite from a disc, you can choose to install only some of its applications by choosing Customize and then right-clicking the applications you don't want to install and selecting "Not Available" from the popup menu. (You won't be able to remove individual programs from the Office suite installation, however; you must uninstall Office completely and then reinstall the programs you want.)
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • Save your product key. If Word came pre-installed or you downloaded it, it will entitle you to download the program again if your hard drive is accidentally erased.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • When deciding whether to purchase Word 2010 in disc form or a product key card, consider how many PCs you own and whether you want to have a disc. If you have only one PC or if you have trouble keeping your discs organized, you may prefer having a product key card.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      Easily Add Page Numbers to a Word Document on Any Platform
      How to
      Add Check Boxes to Word: 10 Simple Steps
      How to
      Remove a Blank Page in Word
      3 Simple Ways to Insert a Hyperlink in Microsoft Word
      How to
      Add Backgrounds in Microsoft Word: Watermarks, Images, & Colors
      3 Easy Ways to Delete a Horizontal Line in a Word Document
      How to
      Print Avery Labels in Microsoft Word on PC or Mac
      How to
      Create and Edit the Table of Contents in Word
      How to
      Remove the 'Read Only' Status on MS Word Documents
      How to
      Add a Horizontal Line in Microsoft Word
      Easily Format Word Docs from Scratch or Using Templates
      How to
      Insert Equations in Microsoft Word
      How to
      Print on an Envelope Using Microsoft Word
      How to
      Create an Index in Word
      Advertisement

      References

      1. http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/buy/using-the-product-key-card-FX101853163.aspx

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 93,855 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement