Do you have to have a Microsoft account to benefit from Word Office?

I bought a new notebook and strangely I can't work with these application programs because I'm required to have a Microsoft account.

I then created an account, now I have 2 options. Either I have to buy the license for it or test xx days for free. Such a mess.

Then I would probably prefer to work with the old PC.

Go to your trusted electronics retailer and buy an office license there.

If you prefer to do it online, you are often ripped off at such retailers.

Then please on a reputable site.

There are of course free ways, but I would advise against that. There are good alternatives, such as libre office or open office.

Of course. For example. At Microsoft.

Is this for free?

So I always did it in Wordpad, but whenever I want to open a file, I'm redirected to Word, after which an account is requested, what for?

LibreOffice is free yes.

I don't know, I don't use Wordpad.