It has been three years since Microsoft unveiled the 2021 iteration of its ubiquitous Office apps suite, but the company has continued to innovate and adapt in the interim. The subscription-based model of Microsoft 365 has seen a steady stream of updates and enhancements, ensuring users have access to the latest features and improvements.
However, for those who prefer a traditional software purchase instead of a subscription model, Microsoft has some exciting news: the launch of Office 2024 for consumers. This new version includes the base package known as Office Home, a name that continues Microsoft’s trend of confusing branding. Priced at $150 for both PC and Mac users, this package features essential applications like Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote.
For users seeking commercial licensing, the Office Home & Business edition is available for $250. This version is particularly relevant for businesses with a structured HR department. If you require installations for five or more machines, Microsoft encourages contacting their sales team for bulk licensing options, but be prepared for aggressive upselling towards Microsoft 365.
A significant advantage of Office 2024 is that it allows users to make a one-time purchase for perpetual use—at least as long as Microsoft maintains its purchase validation servers. This release is particularly appealing for power users, as it brings enhanced performance, updated user interface elements, and advanced tools for data analysis and image embedding in Excel. Additionally, it now supports new features in the OpenDocument ODF 1.4 standard.
PowerPoint has introduced the Cameo feature, enabling users to embed a live camera feed directly into a slide. However, caution is advised; using this feature could be unnecessary, especially in typical presentation settings. It’s worth noting that Office 2024 is a fixed version, meaning it will not receive ongoing updates like its Microsoft 365 counterpart. Users who want to stay current with evolving features should consider the subscription service, which starts at $99.99 per year.
To validate your Office 2024 license, a Microsoft account and internet connection are required initially, but the software can function offline afterward. The suite is compatible with Windows 10 and 11, but those using older operating systems will find themselves unable to install it.
