Microsoft Introduces Office 2024 Without a Subscription Alongside of Welcomed Windows 11 24H2 Update

In an era where subscriptions dominate the software landscape, Microsoft has taken a refreshing approach with the launch of Office 2024, a no-subscription alternative to Microsoft 365. This latest release offers users a familiar productivity suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Outlook, at a one-time cost rather than requiring annual renewal fees. Office 2024 is now available for both Windows PCs and Macs, arriving just in time to accompany Microsoft’s latest Windows 11 update, 24H2.

Two Versions to Suit Your Needs

Microsoft has introduced two versions of Office 2024:

1. Office Home 2024 – Priced at $150, this version includes all the essential apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote).
2. Office Home & Business 2024 – Available at $250, this version adds Outlook to the mix and is licensed for commercial use.

These versions are “locked-in,” meaning they don’t require a subscription and offer a permanent license for one PC or Mac. However, unlike Microsoft 365, Office 2024 doesn’t include cloud storage or access to the apps on multiple devices, making it ideal for users who only need Office on one computer.

Major Office 2024 Upgrades: Performance and Practicality

For those who have been sticking with Office 2021, the Office 2024 update brings a host of new features and performance upgrades. Here are some key highlights:

• Excel: Enhanced performance for faster calculations and smoother handling of multiple workbooks. There’s also a new option to insert images without reformatting.
• Outlook: The search function has been revamped, with the addition of an accessibility checker.
• PowerPoint: Features now include the ability to embed live camera feeds, create video content, and add closed captioning to videos.
• Word: Auto-recovery now ensures you won’t lose unsaved documents if the app closes unexpectedly.
• New Design: A fresh default theme that embraces Microsoft’s fluent design principles.
• ODF Support: Added compatibility with the OpenDocument Format (ODF) 1.4.
• Enhanced Collaboration: The ability to “like” comments in shared documents adds a touch of interactivity, though the feature doesn’t yet allow for dislikes.

While these features may sound familiar to Microsoft 365 subscribers who’ve been enjoying regular updates, they represent significant improvements for users coming from Office 2021 or earlier versions.

Windows 11 Update 24H2: What’s New?

Alongside Office 2024, Microsoft has rolled out a notable update for Windows 11: version 24H2. This update introduces a range of features that further improve the user experience, especially for those who value accessibility, connectivity, and convenience. Highlights include:

• Wi-Fi 7 Support: Future-proofing your device with the latest in wireless technology.
• Phone Link Enhancements: More seamless integration between your phone and PC.
• File Explorer Visualizations: Offering clearer, more intuitive file navigation.
• Support for Advanced Hearing Aids: Improved accessibility features for users with hearing impairments.
• Energy Saver Mode: Reducing power consumption for a more eco-friendly computing experience.
• Copilot AI Features: Further leveraging AI to streamline tasks.
• Customization: Users now have the ability to reverse mouse scroll direction.
• Sudo for Developers: A new tool aimed at making life easier for developers.

However, the update also retires a few lesser-used apps, including WordPad and Windows Mixed Reality.

Choosing Between Office 2024 and Microsoft 365

For those on the fence about whether to stick with a one-time purchase like Office 2024 or opt for the subscription-based Microsoft 365, here are a few points to consider:

• Office 2024 offers a fixed, upfront cost and doesn’t rely on the cloud, making it ideal for users who prefer local storage and don’t need access to Office apps across multiple devices.
• Microsoft 365, on the other hand, supports up to five devices (or six for the Family edition) and includes 1TB of cloud storage. Its subscription-based model also ensures you’re always getting the latest features and updates without needing to purchase a new version every few years.

While Microsoft 365 Personal starts at $70 per year, and Microsoft 365 Family costs $100 annually, the long-term cost of these subscriptions can add up. Office 2024 provides an alternative for those who don’t want to worry about recurring payments.

Is Office 2024 the Right Choice for You?

Microsoft’s Office 2024 caters to users who prefer a more traditional, one-time purchase model while still offering many of the features found in Microsoft 365. Its release, coupled with the comprehensive Windows 11 24H2 update, underscores Microsoft’s commitment to giving users flexible, powerful tools to stay productive. Whether you choose Office 2024 or stick with Microsoft 365, the key is finding the right balance between convenience, cost, and the features you need.

With all these new upgrades, Microsoft continues to redefine productivity, and it seems there’s something for everyone.