Microsoft Launches Office 2024 That Won’t Be Taken Away If You Don’t Subscribe

Image via Microsoft

Microsoft is hittting ‘backspace’ on its ambitious subscription plans with the release of Office 2024, which allows users to purchase its productivity suite outright.

Priced at US$149.99 for the Home edition and US$249.99 for Home & Business, Office 2024 offers access to updated versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Outlook for life—no subscription necessary. This release caters to those who prefer a one-time purchase over ongoing fees.

Compatible with both Windows and macOS, Office 2024 supports the latest operating systems, including Windows 10, Windows 11, and macOS Ventura, Sonoma, and Sequoia. While it includes many modern features that have been added to Microsoft’s apps in recent years, it does come with a trade-off—real-time collaboration and the AI-powered Copilot integration are absent from this version.

Image via Microsoft

The suite introduces a fresh default theme that incorporates Fluent Design principles, aiming to create a more intuitive and consistent experience across all applications. This visual update is particularly optimized for Windows 11 users but also enhances the experience on Windows 10.

Each application in the suite has received specific enhancements. Excel 2024, for instance, now supports dynamic arrays in charts, allowing for more flexible visualization of datasets. PowerPoint introduces a new cameo feature, enabling users to embed live camera feeds directly into their slides.

Meanwhile, accessibility improvements across the suite help make documents, presentations, and emails more inclusive and easier to navigate for all users. The Accessibility Ribbon in Word and other tools helps users ensure their content is accessible to all. Furthermore, the suite now supports OpenDocument Format (ODF) 1.4, expanding its compatibility with other office software.

Microsoft acknowledges that while many users prefer the subscription model, there’s still significant demand for a traditional, one-time purchase option. The company notes, “Microsoft 365 is the best way to access the latest versions of the productivity apps that millions of people use every day to bring their ideas to life and power through tasks. But we know some of our customers still prefer a non-subscription way to access our familiar apps, which is why we’re releasing Office 2024 on October 1 for consumers and small businesses.”

[via Ars Technica, PCMag, TechSpot, CNET, images via Microsoft]