Microsoft is continuing to expand the reach of its software by teaming up with a number of hardware makers, Digital Spy reports.

Samsung and ten other OEMs will pre-install Microsoft apps on their Android-based devices as part of the partnership.

The move means that Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, OneDrive and Skype apps will be available on the home screen when people buy some devices made by participating manufacturers.

Dell is one of 11 companies to join Samsung on board the partnership, as well as regional OEMs TrekStor of Germany, JP Sa Couto of Portugal, Datamatic of Italy, DEXP of Russia, Hipstreet of Canada, QMobile of Pakistan, Tecno of Africa, and Casper of Turkey.

Since Satya Nadella took over as Microsoft's chief executive, the goal has been to grow the number of software customers, even if that means making apps available on rival platforms and for free.

The cross-platform and cross-device services strategy also saw Office apps launch on iPad for the first time last March.

"We've proven that we're not afraid to look outside ourselves to reinvent ourselves," executive vice president Peggy Johnson said in a blog post.

"For OEMs, these deals will increase the value of and enrich people's experiences on Android devices."

Microsoft's apps will start appearing on Android devices later this year.