Office 2024 is sold as a one-time purchase, which means you pay a single, up-front cost to get Office apps for one computer. One-time purchases are available for both PCs and Macs. However, there are no upgrade options, which means if you plan to upgrade to the next major release, you’ll have to buy it at full price.

Microsoft 365 Personal and Microsoft 365 Family are subscriptions that include powerful productivity apps and creativity tools with AI-powered features. In addition to premium desktop versions of popular Microsoft 365 apps like Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook, you also get spacious cloud storage and cloud-connected features that let you collaborate on files in real time. With a subscription, you’ll always have the latest features, fixes, and security updates along with ongoing tech support at no extra cost. You can choose to pay for your subscription on a monthly or yearly basis, and use your apps on multiple PCs, Macs, tablets, and phones. Additionally, the Microsoft 365 Family plan lets you share your subscription with up to five more people. Everyone gets their own apps and storage. (AI features only available to subscription owner and cannot be shared; AI usage limits apply; minimum age limits may apply to subscription activation and use of AI features. 

Microsoft 365 is compatible with PC, Mac, Android, and iOS. 

No. Microsoft 365’s applications are tailored for each platform and each operating system. The applications available for Mac users and the specific features included may be different from those available for PC users. With Microsoft 365, you can be flexible. With your account, you are not limited to exclusively Mac or exclusively PC, so you can transition across devices.

Yes. Documents that you have created belong fully to you. You can choose to store them online on OneDrive or locally on your PC or Mac.

Internet access is required to install and activate the latest versions of apps and services in all Microsoft 365 subscription plans. However, existing subscribers do not need to reinstall or purchase a new subscription.

For Microsoft 365 plans, internet access is also necessary for managing your subscription, such as installing Office apps on other devices or adjusting billing options. Additionally, accessing OneDrive-stored documents requires an internet connection unless you have the OneDrive desktop app installed.

Regular internet connectivity ensures your Microsoft 365 apps stay updated with the latest features and security enhancements. If you do not connect at least once every 31 days, your apps will enter reduced functionality mode, allowing you to view and print documents but not edit or create new ones. Reconnecting to the internet will restore full functionality.

While Office apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are fully installed on your computer, you do not need an internet connection to use them.

Your Microsoft account consists of an email address and password used to sign in to services like OneDrive, Xbox Live, and Outlook.com. If you already use any of these services, you have a Microsoft account, or you can create a new one.

When signing up for a Microsoft 365 trial or purchase, you’ll be prompted to sign in with a Microsoft account. This account is required to install and manage your Microsoft 365 subscription and access certain benefits, such as cloud storage.

Microsoft 365 Family can be shared with up to five others, supporting a total of six users, while Microsoft 365 Personal is for a single user.

With an active Microsoft 365 Family subscription, you can share access with up to five others. Each person can install Microsoft 365 on all their devices and be signed in on up to five devices simultaneously.

To add a user, sign in to your Microsoft account and follow the on-screen instructions. The person will receive an email with steps to join. Once they accept and complete the setup, their details, including active installs, will appear on their My Account page.

You can manage your subscription anytime, including stopping sharing or removing a user’s device, by signing into your Microsoft account.

Microsoft Defender is a multi-device security app designed to protect individuals and families by scanning the web for identity and personal data threats (US only). It also enhances online safety with malware protection, real-time security alerts, and expert security tips.

Microsoft Defender is a new cross-device security app designed to help individuals and families stay safer online. It features an intuitive interface with enhanced security tools, providing device protection across iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac. Key features include malware protection, web protection, real-time security alerts, and security tips. Available on the Apple, Google, and Microsoft app stores, Microsoft Defender requires a Microsoft 365 Personal or Family subscription.

Windows Security, formerly known as Windows Defender Security Center, is the built-in security solution for Windows PCs. Pre-installed and automatically enabled, it includes Microsoft Defender Antivirus, which safeguards your device and data from viruses, ransomware, trojans, and other malware—unless third-party antivirus software is active.

A free in-browser video editing platform designed to make video creation accessible for everyone.

AI features in Microsoft 365 Family plans are exclusive to the subscription owner and cannot be shared with other users.

To access Copilot in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Outlook, ensure you have the latest version of Microsoft 365 installed. If you’re signed in and updated but don’t see Copilot, try restarting your Microsoft 365 apps.

Microsoft 365 supports multiple languages, including Arabic, Simplified and Traditional Chinese, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Hebrew, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Thai, and Turkish. Some Designer features, such as inline editing, are currently available only in English. Additional languages will be added soon. Learn more about Copilot-supported languages here:t

In addition to the Microsoft Designer web and mobile app, select Designer features are built into popular Microsoft apps like Word and PowerPoint, providing creative support whenever needed. Windows users can also find Designer integrated into Microsoft Photos.

AI-powered features like Copilot and Designer have usage limits. With a Microsoft 365 Personal or Family subscription, you receive AI credits to access and interact with Copilot across Microsoft 365 apps and more.

Microsoft 365 Business Basic, Business Standard, and Business Premium are designed for businesses, providing professional email with a custom domain, admin controls for access and device management, and scalability to accommodate growth. These plans include advanced security, such as Exchange Online Protection against phishing and malware, while Business Premium enhances protection with Microsoft Defender for Business, offering ransomware defense and advanced threat management.

Businesses can also leverage collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams, featuring meeting recordings, transcription, and team workspaces. Additionally, apps like Microsoft Bookings streamline meeting and appointment scheduling. For enhanced productivity and creativity, Microsoft 365 Copilot, an AI-powered assistant, is available as an add-on.