Microsoft will release Office 2021, the next consumer version of its productivity suite, on October 5the. As Microsoft’s new fixed-price version of its Office productivity software arrives on October 5the -2021, the same day that Windows 11 begins to roll out, according to the company’s blog post on Thursday.
Don’t want to sign up for Microsoft 365? Don’t worry: Consumers and small businesses will be able to purchase Office 2021 as a one-time purchase this fall, around the same time Windows 11 is released. This upcoming perpetual version of Office will be available to both business and government customers. This is what you need to know.
The future of work is predicted to be based on and powered by the cloud. The Microsoft company is focused on innovations that enable its consumers around the world to work more collaboratively, efficiently and securely.
“As we move into a world where hybrid working is the new normal, the cloud offers limitless potential for teams to connect and create immersive experiences that drive connection and progress. Investing in this type of cloud-based solutions will continue to be our priority”, says the Microsoft company.
Microsoft has previously emphasized that while its primary focus remains on its subscription offering, Microsoft 365. Nonetheless, after careful consideration, Microsoft will launch Office 2021 one-time purchase for those not ready to move to the cloud.
What’s new in Office 2021
Office 2021 comes in two versions: one for business users, called Office LTSC (which stands for Long Term Servicing Channel), and one for personal use. Office LTSC is now generally available and includes improved accessibility features, performance improvements in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and visual enhancements such as dark mode support in all applications.
In Office 2021, you’ll also find new inking tools, data types, features, translation and editing tools, motion graphics, easy-to-use features, and more.
It is intended for special situations, as opposed to an entire organization, such as process control devices on the manufacturing floor that are not connected to the Internet. “To meet this need, Office LTSC will provide a time-locked version of familiar productivity tools.” On top of that, Office 2021 for personal use will arrive on October 5, although Microsoft has yet to announce pricing information.
Both versions of Office will be available for Windows and macOS, and will ship with the OneNote app. 32-bit and 64-bit versions will also ship. From the previous announcement, we know that Microsoft will support the software for five years and said that it does not plan to change the price at launch.
Previously, in April 2020, Microsoft transitioned Office 365 to Microsoft 365, a subscription service that added more features to the suite of software tools, but required a monthly payment of $7 for an individual plan or $10 for a family of up to six people (that price will increase in March 2022).
The company’s main focus will continue to be on the cloud, but it understands that not everyone is ready to take that step. While you can use Microsoft 365 apps like Word, PowerPoint, and Excel online for free with limited functionality, you’ll need a perpetual version or subscription to take full advantage of its capabilities.
Bottom line
Some people have been wondering if Office 2019 would be the last perpetual version of the software, ever since Microsoft 365 came along. But then Microsoft announced its plan for a perpetual release of Office in a September blog post.
Microsoft promised to share more details about Office 2021 soon. It won’t be the last perpetual release either, they will continue to make investments that make it even easier for customers to adopt Microsoft 365.