Installing MS Office 2013 on Ubuntu 12.04 LTS

I suggest you use AbiWord instead. It's compatible with DocX and you has a number of advantages over word (no, I'm not joking, really)... there's a good reason why it's referred to affectionately as "the underappreciated word processor" by some.

As for the rest of Office, I suggest you do one of four things:

  1. If you must have Office 2013, it doesn't current work w/ Wine... so use VMWare, etc.

    ADVANTAGES: the software you want!

    DISADVANTAGES: in separate environment)

  2. Install Office 2010 instead on Wine. IMPORTANT!! (I don't recall seeing anyone else put this... ONLY the 32-bit version works. The 64-bit won't install (just like 2013).

    ADVANTAGES: faster access, probably more responsive, easier file access!

    DISADVANTAGES: you may miss some of 2013's features if you're a power user or find it less visually appealing, depending on your preferences.)

  3. Get an Office 365 subscription. Test if it the desktop versions will install in Wine (and add your results here, please). Even if they won't you can still use the in-browser version when your internet connected (which I assume is most of the time)

    ADVANTAGES: fast, your data auto-saves and is accessible anywhere from the cloud in-browser!

    DISADVANTAGES: major step down in functionalility.)

  4. Switch to an open source or third party alternative, e.g. Libre Office (widely distributed w/ Linux) or Google Docs (in the cloud)

    ADVANTAGES: Probably free! Inherent advantages if you pick a cloud app. Personal satisfaction if you support open source!

    DISADVANTAGES: Probably lacks compatibility w/ at least some Office features.

Hope that helps!

P.S. I'm not sure why some downvoted you -- this seems a valid question. True, you might not have provided all the possible info (e.g. why you're not considering Office 2010 or an alternative like Libre Office), but you asked a relatively clear question, which is perfectly reasonable from a beginner-to-mid-range user. Let's be respectful... I digress.


According to Wine HQ, Microsoft Office 2013, can't be installed.

I you would suggest that you look at Libreoffice, or if insist on MS office, you can try Office 365.


You can also try:

  1. WinConn. This is a remote app manager that uses FreeRDP, a free implementation of the RDP protocol. It allows you to run office 2013 in a virtual machine(Make sure you use Windows 7 Ultimate edition!), but it looks like you're just running a local application in a seperate window.
  2. Office 2010 with PlayOnLinux. This is software based on Wine.
  3. Office 365 in your browser.
  4. Skydrive in your browser. You can then create a Word document/PowerPoint presentation/Excel document/OneNote note free of charge. Keep in mind though you just got a limited set of features(It's actually a stripped down version of a paid Office 365 account)

  5. Google docs

  6. Kingsoft office for linux. Although it's still in alpha stage, Kingsoft office for Windows has build up a reputation for being a worthy alternative to Microsoft Office.