11/16/23, 12:34 PM What's the difference between Microsoft 365 and Office 2021?
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11/16/23, 12:34 PM What's the difference between Microsoft 365 and Office 2021? - Microsoft Support
Microsoft 365 is a subscription service that makes sure you always have the most up-to-
date modern productivity tools from Microsoft. There are Microsoft 365 plans for home and
personal use, as well as for small and midsized businesses, large enterprises, schools, and
non-profits.
Microsoft 365 plans for home or business include the robust Microsoft 365 desktop apps
that you’re familiar with, like Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. You also get extra 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
perennial tech support at no extra cost. You can choose to pay for your subscription on a
monthly or yearly basis. The Microsoft 365 Family plan also lets you share these
subscription benefits with up to five additional people.
Note: Microsoft 365 Basic is a new subscription that includes 100GB of cloud storage, secure
ad-free email, and Microsoft support. See the Microsoft 365 Basic FAQ for more information.
Most of the Microsoft 365 plans for business, schools, and non-profits include the fully
installed desktop apps, but Microsoft also offers basic plans with the online versions of
Microsoft 365, file storage, and email. You decide what works best for you: Small business,
Enterprise, School, or Non-profit.
Office 2021 is sold as a one-time purchase, which means you pay a single, up-front cost to
get Microsoft 365 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 for the web is a free version of Microsoft 365 that you can use in a web
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browser. All you need is to sign up for a Microsoft account with a new or existing email
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address. Use Word, Excel, PowerPoint and more for free on the web.
Tip: If you're a small business owner looking for more information on how to get Microsoft
365 set up, visit Small business help & learning.
Not sure what you have now? See What version of Office am I using?
Ready to install Microsoft 365 apps? See Install Office on your PC or Mac.
Looking for product details and prices?
Buy or try Microsoft 365
Compare Microsoft 365 subscription with Office
2021 (one-time purchase)
One-time Microsoft 365 subscription
purchase (Example: (Example: Microsoft 365
Office Home & Family or Microsoft 365
Business 2021) Personal)
Cost Pay a single, one- Pay a small monthly fee, or save
time cost. by paying for a full year.
Microsoft 365 Get Microsoft 365 Get the fully installed and latest
applications apps like Excel, versions of Excel, Word,
Word, PowerPoint and Outlook, and
and PowerPoint. OneNote for Windows or Mac.
You'll always get the latest
features, new tools, security
updates, and bug fixes. (PC users
also get Access and Publisher.)
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11/16/23, 12:34 PM What's the difference between Microsoft 365 and Office 2021? - Microsoft Support
Feature Security updates Your apps will always be
updates are included, but improving. You'll get all the
you won’t get any latest features and updates, as
new features. well as security updates and bug
Upgrades to major fixes.
releases aren't
included.
Install One-time purchases You can install Microsoft
Microsoft 365 can be installed 365 Family or Personal, on all
on more than once on either a PC your devices and sign in to five
one computer or Mac. at the same time―that means
(Mac or PC) you can use the Microsoft
365 apps no matter where you
are or what device you’re on.
This includes PCs, Macs, tablets,
and phones. With Microsoft 365
Family you can also share your
subscription with up to five
other people.
Advanced Install the mobile Install the mobile apps for free
features on apps for free and and get extra features when you
tablets and get basic editing sign in to Microsoft 365 apps on
phones features on tablets your device.
or phones under
10.1 inches.
Extra online Not included. Securely store your files in the
storage cloud and access them from
anywhere. Get 1 TB of cloud
storage. With Microsoft 365
Family you get 1 TB per user,
and anyone you're sharing with
will also get their own 1 TB of
cloud storage.
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11/16/23, 12:34 PM What's the difference between Microsoft 365 and Office 2021? - Microsoft Support
Technical Initial technical Contact us throughout your
support is support is included subscription at no extra cost for
included for installing only. help with technical issues, or for
subscription and billing support.
Need help choosing a Microsoft 365 for business
plan?
Deciding on a plan can depend on your specific business needs. The Microsoft 365 plan
chooser is designed to help you with this. The chooser will make recommendations based
on your answers to questions such as the size of your business, your field of work, the
devices you use, and what kind of features, IT support, and security you're looking for. See
Help me find the right plan for my business.
FAQ
What's the cost?
Can I buy just one app, like PowerPoint? What about Project or Visio?
I have a Mac. What should I buy?
Do I need to be connected to the internet to use Microsoft 365?
Do I need to be connected to the internet to use Office 2021?
Do I have to store my files in the cloud?
I have more questions. Is there someone I can talk to?
See Also
Find out which Office is right for you
What's new inWas
Microsoft 365
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