If you have recently upgraded your Microsoft Office suite and are wondering Where Is Infopath In Ms Office, the short answer is that it was removed after Office 2013. This means you will not find InfoPath as a standalone application in Office 2016, Office 2019, or Microsoft 365. Many users who relied on InfoPath for form creation and data collection are now searching for it, only to discover it is no longer included by default.
In this article, we will explain exactly what happened to InfoPath, where it might still be available, and what alternatives you can use instead. We will also provide step-by-step guidance for accessing InfoPath if you have an older Office version or an enterprise license.
Where Is Infopath In Ms Office
To be clear, the exact keyword “Where Is Infopath In Ms Office” refers to the location of Microsoft InfoPath within the Office suite. In modern versions, it is simply not there. Microsoft discontinued InfoPath as a standalone product after Office 2013, though some enterprise editions may still include it under specific circumstances.
Let us break down the different Office versions and what you can expect.
Office 2013 And Earlier Versions
If you are using Office 2013 or earlier, InfoPath is still present. You can find it in the Start menu under Microsoft Office folder. Here is how to locate it:
- Click the Start button or press the Windows key.
- Type “InfoPath” in the search bar.
- Look for “Microsoft InfoPath Designer 2013” or “Microsoft InfoPath Filler 2013”.
- Click the app to open it.
In Office 2010 and 2007, the process is similar. InfoPath appears as a separate application in the Office suite. If you cannot find it, you may need to repair your Office installation or check if it was included in your specific license.
Office 2016 And Office 2019
In Office 2016 and Office 2019, InfoPath is not installed by default. However, some volume-licensed versions (like Professional Plus) might still have it available as an optional component. To check:
- Open Control Panel and go to Programs and Features.
- Find your Microsoft Office installation and click “Change”.
- Select “Add or Remove Features”.
- Look for “Microsoft InfoPath” in the list. If it is there, you can install it.
But for most users, especially those with Home or Student editions, InfoPath will not be listed at all. Microsoft stopped including it in these versions to streamline the suite and focus on newer form solutions.
Microsoft 365 (Formerly Office 365)
Microsoft 365 subscriptions do not include InfoPath. The app is not available for download from the Office portal. If you have a Microsoft 365 Business or Enterprise plan, you might still have access to InfoPath through legacy deployment options, but this is rare.
Microsoft recommends using Power Apps, SharePoint lists, or Microsoft Forms instead. These tools offer modern form capabilities and integrate better with cloud services.
Why Was InfoPath Removed
Microsoft removed InfoPath because it was outdated and had limited adoption. The technology relied on older frameworks like ActiveX and was not well-suited for mobile or web-based workflows. Instead, Microsoft invested in Power Apps and Microsoft Forms, which are more flexible and easier to use.
Additionally, InfoPath forms often required complex configuration and were difficult to maintain. Many organizations moved to SharePoint-based forms or custom web solutions. Microsoft decided to end support for InfoPath in 2014, though it remained available in Office 2013 for compatibility.
End Of Support Timeline
- InfoPath 2013: Mainstream support ended in 2018, extended support ended in 2023.
- InfoPath 2010: Support ended in 2020.
- InfoPath 2007: Support ended in 2017.
This means that even if you have an older version, you are no longer receiving security updates or bug fixes. Using InfoPath today poses a security risk, especially if you handle sensitive data.
How To Access InfoPath If You Still Need It
If you absolutely must use InfoPath, here are a few ways to access it:
Option 1: Use An Older Office Installation
If you have a valid license for Office 2013 or earlier, you can install it on a compatible Windows machine. InfoPath works on Windows 7, 8, and 10, but may have issues on Windows 11. Make sure to run it in compatibility mode if needed.
Option 2: Volume Licensing
Some organizations have volume licensing agreements that include InfoPath. Check with your IT department. They might have access to InfoPath 2013 through the Microsoft Volume Licensing Service Center.
Option 3: Third-Party Tools
There are third-party applications that can open and edit InfoPath forms. For example, some SharePoint migration tools can convert InfoPath forms to HTML or Power Apps. However, these tools are not free and may not preserve all functionality.
Option 4: Virtual Machine
You can set up a virtual machine with an older Windows version and Office 2013. This is a workaround for occasional use, but it is not ideal for daily work.
Alternatives To InfoPath
Since InfoPath is no longer available, you need to consider modern alternatives. Here are the best options:
Microsoft Forms
Microsoft Forms is a free tool included with Microsoft 365 subscriptions. It allows you to create simple surveys, quizzes, and forms. It is easy to use and integrates with Excel for data collection. However, it lacks advanced features like complex workflows or conditional formatting.
Power Apps
Power Apps is Microsoft’s flagship form and app builder. It is more powerful than InfoPath and supports mobile devices, custom logic, and integration with hundreds of data sources. You can build forms that look professional and work offline. Power Apps requires a license, but many Microsoft 365 plans include basic access.
SharePoint Lists
If you use SharePoint, you can create custom list forms. SharePoint lists allow you to collect data with built-in validation, attachments, and version history. You can customize forms using Power Apps or SharePoint Designer.
Nintex Or Other Third-Party Tools
For enterprise needs, tools like Nintex, K2, or Formstack offer advanced form capabilities. These are paid solutions but provide features like e-signatures, automated workflows, and analytics.
How To Migrate From InfoPath
If you have existing InfoPath forms, you need to migrate them to a modern platform. Here is a step-by-step process:
- Audit your existing InfoPath forms. List all forms, their complexity, and data sources.
- Choose a target platform. For simple forms, use Microsoft Forms. For complex forms, use Power Apps.
- Export form data. InfoPath forms can be exported to Excel or XML.
- Rebuild the form in the new platform. You may need to recreate logic and validation manually.
- Test thoroughly. Ensure data collection works as expected.
- Deploy and train users. Provide documentation and support.
Microsoft provides a migration guide for InfoPath to Power Apps. You can find it on the Microsoft Docs website. Note that some InfoPath features, like digital signatures, may not have direct equivalents.
Common Questions About InfoPath
Here are answers to frequent queries:
Can I still download InfoPath?
No, Microsoft no longer offers InfoPath for download. Only existing license holders can install it from their Office media or volume licensing portal.
Does InfoPath work on Mac?
No, InfoPath was only available for Windows. There is no Mac version.
Is InfoPath free?
InfoPath was never free. It was part of paid Office suites. Now, it is not available for purchase.
Can I open InfoPath forms in SharePoint Online?
SharePoint Online does not support InfoPath forms natively. You need to convert them to Power Apps or use a third-party tool.
Final Thoughts
To summarize, Where Is Infopath In Ms Office is a question with a simple answer: it is not there in modern versions. Microsoft removed it after Office 2013, and you should not rely on it for new projects. Instead, adopt Microsoft Forms, Power Apps, or SharePoint lists for your form needs.
If you still have legacy InfoPath forms, plan a migration as soon as possible. Using unsupported software puts your data at risk and limits your ability to integrate with newer tools. The transition may take time, but it is necessary for long-term productivity.
We hope this article helped you understand the current status of InfoPath and what to do next. If you have more questions, check the FAQ section below or consult Microsoft’s official documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Is Infopath In Ms Office 365?
InfoPath is not included in Microsoft 365. You cannot find it in the Office apps list. Use Microsoft Forms or Power Apps instead.
Can I Get InfoPath For Free?
No, InfoPath is not available for free. Even if you have an old license, you cannot download it from Microsoft’s website anymore.
Is There A Replacement For InfoPath?
Yes, Microsoft recommends Power Apps as the primary replacement. Microsoft Forms is a simpler alternative for basic forms.
How Do I Open An InfoPath File Without InfoPath?
You can use a third-party tool like InfoPath Viewer or convert the file to PDF or Excel. However, editing may not be possible without the original software.
Does InfoPath Work On Windows 11?
InfoPath 2013 may work on Windows 11 with compatibility settings, but it is not officially supported. Expect potential issues.
Thank you for reading. We hope this guide cleared up your confusion about Where Is Infopath In Ms Office. Remember to move to modern tools for better security and features.