Is SharePoint Available With Free to Use (Free Version?)

Last Updated on November 14, 2024

Does SharePoint have a free trial?

In this article, let’s answer the question about SharePoint being available for free use, and what you can do.

Let’s get started.

Table of Contents:

SharePoint Foundation: The Free Version

Is there a version of Microsoft SharePoint that’s free to use?

Well technically, SharePoint Foundation was Microsoft’s free edition of the platform.

Here’s what SharePoint Foundation offered:

It was designed for smaller organizations needing basic collaboration and document-sharing tools.

Despite being free, it had limited functionality compared to paid versions like SharePoint Server or SharePoint Online.

It lacked advanced features like enterprise search, integration with external systems, or PowerApps.

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SharePoint Foundation was a free solution from Microsoft, but it’s no longer available for download.

The final version, released in 2016, marked the end of Microsoft’s support for this product.

The short of it is:

Without ongoing support, SharePoint Foundation poses risks like security vulnerabilities and lack of compatibility with newer systems.

Well technically, you can still download the installer here:

Businesses relying on it should consider transitioning to supported alternatives like SharePoint Online or other collaboration tools.

If you’re searching for a free, secure, and updated platform, exploring newer free solutions or Microsoft’s paid offerings is a smart move.

If SharePoint Foundation isn’t an option, several free tools offer great collaboration features that can work well.

Some popular alternatives:

Google Workspace (Free Version) – Includes Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Meet for document management and team communication.
Microsoft Teams Free – Offers chat, file sharing, and basic team collaboration features.
Trello – A visual task management tool with boards and cards to organize projects.
Slack (Free Plan) – Ideal for team messaging and integration with other tools.
Zoho WorkDrive Free – Provides file storage and basic team collaboration features.

These tools may not replicate SharePoint’s full functionality, but they’re easy to set up and meet most basic needs.

For advanced options, upgrading to their paid plans can add features like larger storage or automation tools.

When choosing a tool, consider what’s most important for your organization, like file storage, content management, or integrations.

SharePoint Online is Microsoft’s modern, cloud version of the platform.

It has become the go-to solution for businesses looking for flexibility and powerful collaboration tools.

Here’s what makes SharePoint Online stand out:

Unlike the SharePoint Foundation, SharePoint Online is subscription-based (depending on the features and storage).

If you want scalability and modern collaboration tools, I recommend SharePoint Online.

Its features keep up with today’s digital work environment, making it a worthy successor to earlier SharePoint versions.

Do you have more questions about SharePoint’s free version? Let me know in the comments below.

For any business-related queries or concerns, contact me through the contact form. I always reply. 🙂