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.

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

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

  1. 1
    Click the Windows Toolbar Start Menu button.
    • 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. 2
    Select All Programs.
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  3. 3
    Select Microsoft Office. 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. 4
    Look for an icon labeled "Microsoft Word 2010." 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.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Installing Word 2010 From Disc

  1. 1
    Insert the disc into your drive. 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. 2
    Wait for the AutoPlay window to appear. 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. 3
    Follow the instructions in the AutoPlay window to begin the installation. 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.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Downloading Windows 2010

  1. 1
    Enter "Download Word 2010" into the search field of any Internet search engine. A list of websites will appear.
  2. 2
    Select a download website. 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. 3
    Click the "Download" or "Download Now" button. You may first be asked to read a license agreement.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Activating Word 2010

  1. 1
    Find your Word 2010 or Office 2010 product key. 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. 2
    Start up Office 2010 or Word 2010. You'll see a startup screen with a check mark.
  3. 3
    Click Activate. You'll be prompted to enter your 25-character product key. Once this is entered and verified, Word 2010 will be activated.
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About This Article

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Co-authors: 4
Updated: July 20, 2020
Views: 80,818
Categories: Microsoft Word
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