Getting Started with Microsoft Word

Purpose

This article helps you get started with Microsoft Word in Microsoft 365, including how to create, edit, format, and collaborate on documents.

Applies To

  • Microsoft 365
  • Microsoft Word

Audience

  • All employees
  • New hires

Overview

Microsoft Word is a powerful word‑processing application that allows you to create and edit documents such as reports, letters, forms, and templates. With Microsoft 365, your Word files can be stored in OneDrive or SharePoint for secure access from any device.

Word Online also supports real‑time collaboration, commenting, version history, and autosave to help teams work together efficiently.

Getting Started

Step 1: Sign in to Microsoft 365

  1. Open a web browser and go to:
    https://mail.icc.edu
  2. Sign in using your work email address and password.

Step 2: Open Word

  1. Select the App Launcher (nine dots in the top‑left corner).
  2. Select Word.

Step 3: Understand Word Online

  • Home – View recent documents and templates.
  • New – Create a blank document or choose a template.
  • Open – Access files from OneDrive, SharePoint, or upload from your device.
  • Ribbon Tabs – Home, Insert, Layout, Review, View, etc.
  • Comments/Track Changes – Tools for collaboration and editing review.

Common Tasks

Create a New Document

  1. From the Word home screen, select Create blank document.
  2. Begin typing your content.

Open an Existing File

  1. Select Upload a file.
  2. Choose OneDrive, Sites (SharePoint), or upload a file from your device.

Format Text

  1. Highlight the text.
  2. Use the Home ribbon to adjust:
    • Font & size
    • Bold, Italic, Underline
    • Text color
    • Styles (Headings, Titles, etc.)

Insert Images or Objects

  1. Go to Insert.
  2. Choose from:
    • Pictures (Device, Stock Images, or Online)
    • Tables
    • Drawings (Shapes)
    • Headers & Footers

Use Track Changes

  1. Go to the Review tab.
  2. Select Track Changes to enable editing markup.
  3. Use Comments to leave notes for collaborators.

Share a Document

  1. Select Share in the top‑right corner.
  2. Click Share
  3. Enter the recipient's email.
  4. Click the pencil to edit the permissions.
  5. Select Send.

Tips & Best Practices

  • Save files in OneDrive or SharePoint to enable autosave and collaboration.
  • Use Styles to keep formatting consistent and improve accessibility.
  • Enable Track Changes when working with others on edits.
  • Use Version History to restore previous versions if needed.
  • Use Read Aloud and the Accessibility Checker for polished, inclusive documents.

Common Questions

Does Word save automatically?

Yes — Word Online saves changes automatically when the file is stored in OneDrive or SharePoint.

Can multiple coworkers edit the same Word document?

Yes. Word Online supports real‑time co‑authoring.

Is Word different in the browser vs desktop?

Yes. Word Online supports core features, while Word Desktop includes advanced tools such as mail merges, advanced formatting, and more complex layout features.

Before Contacting the Service Desk

Please confirm that you have:

  • Accessed Word via https://mail.icc.edu
  • Verified the file is stored in OneDrive or SharePoint
  • Confirmed whether others are editing the file
  • Checked your internet connection

Still Need Help?

If you can’t open, edit, or share Word files, submit a Service Desk ticket and include:

  • The document name
  • Where the file is stored (OneDrive, SharePoint, or local device)
  • What issue you’re experiencing (editing, formatting, opening, etc.)
  • Any error messages shown

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