Microsoft Office Overview

Microsoft Office is a popular software suite. Many people want to download Microsoft Office and are curious about information relating to purchasing and different versions. The question is, how do people find information about Microsoft Office in one place to simplify the purchasing process? This article will introduce Microsoft Office and its features, purchase prices, and versions.

What is the Microsoft Office 2023 Version?

Microsoft Office 2021

The latest Microsoft Office 2023 version is Microsoft Office 2021. It is the latest standalone version of the Microsoft Office productivity suite. It includes popular applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Microsoft Office is a suite of programs that allows users to create, edit, and share documents, presentations, spreadsheets, and emails. It has been widely used by individuals and businesses for many years.

However, Microsoft has shifted its focus to a subscription-based service called Microsoft 365, which has gradually begun to replace Microsoft Office. Microsoft 365 has all the Office features but includes benefits such as cloud storage, ongoing updates, and access to new features as they are released.

Microsoft Office 2021 offers a lifetime license. However, Microsoft 365 provides a more comprehensive and flexible solution for users.

Microsoft Office 2021 pricing varies depending on the edition and the number of licenses purchased. The Home & Student edition is designed for non-commercial use. The Home & Business edition is suitable for small businesses. Finally, the Professional edition includes advanced features for business use.

The prices are as follows:

• Home & Student edition - $149.99

• Home & Business edition - $249.99

• Professional edition - $439.99

Microsoft Office 365

Microsoft 365 is a subscription-based service offered by Microsoft. It provides access to various applications and services for both individuals and businesses. This includes popular programs like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and cloud services like OneDrive for storing and sharing files.

With a Microsoft 365 subscription, users get the latest software version and can enjoy regular updates and new features. The subscription offers flexibility in terms of pricing options. Business plans are also available at different price points to cater to the needs of organizations.

The pricing is as follows:

• Personal plan - $6.99

• Family plan - $9.99

Subscribing to Microsoft 365 allows users to access their apps and files from anywhere, collaborate with others in real time, and benefit from additional services. These services include Outlook email and Teams for communication and collaboration.

For the latest Microsoft Office 2023 package, Microsoft Office 2021 and Microsoft 365 have advantages. However, it is important to consider your specific needs and budget when choosing the right version for you or your business.

What are the differences between Office 365 and Office 2021?

     Microsoft Office 2021/ Microsoft 365

What are the System Requirements for Downloading Microsoft Office in 2023?

Microsoft Office 2021

A Microsoft Office 2023 download of Office 2021 has the following system requirements:

System Requirements for Windows:

• Windows 10, Windows Server 2019, or later

• 1.1 GHz or faster, 2-core

• 4 GB RAM

• Graphics hardware acceleration requires DirectX 9 or later, with WDDM 2.0 or higher for Windows 10 (or WDDM 1.3 or higher for Windows 10 Fall Creators Update).

• 4 GB of free hard disk space

• 1280 x 768 screen resolution? (64-bit Office required for 4K and higher)

System Requirements for MacOS:

• Intel or Apple Silicon (As supported by the three most recent versions of macOS.)

• Office for Mac is supported on the three most recent versions. As new major macOS versions are made generally available, Microsoft will stop support for the oldest version and support the newest and previous two versions of macOS. Product functionality and feature availability may vary on older systems. For the best experience, use the latest version of any operating system specified above.

• 4 GB RAM

• No graphics requirements

• 10 GB of free hard disk space

• 1280 x 768 screen resolution

Microsoft 365

A Microsoft Office 2023 download of Microsoft 365 has the following system requirements:

iOS: iOS 13

Windows: Windows 10 build 14393

Android: Android OS 7.0

Web: Latest version of Safari, Chrome, Edge, or Firefox

Mac: MacOS 10.14

Computer and processor:

• Windows: 1.6 gigahertz (GHz) or faster, 2-core. 2.0 GHz or greater is recommended for Skype for Business.

• macOS: Intel processor.

Memory:

• Windows: 4GB RAM; 2 GB RAM (32-bit).

• macOS: 4 GB RAM.

Hard disk:

• Windows: 4.0 GB of available disk space.

• macOS: 10 GB of available disk space. HFS+ hard disk format (also known as macOS Extended) or APFS.

Display:

• Windows: 1280 x 768 screen resolution (32-bit requires hardware acceleration for 4K and higher).

• macOS: 1280 x 800 screen resolution.

Graphics:

• Windows: Graphics hardware acceleration requires DirectX 9 or later, with WDDM 2.0 or higher for Windows 10 (or WDDM 1.3 or higher for Windows 10 Fall Creators Update). Skype for Business requires DirectX 9 or later, 128 MB graphics memory, and 32 bits per pixel-capable format.

• macOS: No graphics requirements.

Operating system:

• Windows: Windows 10 SAC, Windows 10 LTSB 2016, Windows 10 LTSB 2015, Windows 8.1, Windows 7 Service Pack 1, Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2012, or Windows Server 2008 R2. Please note Office 365 ProPlus will not be supported on Windows 10 LTSC 2019 at release. Office 365 ProPlus will not be supported on any Windows 10 LTSC/LTSB version or Windows Server 2012 R2 or older after January 2020. Office 365 ProPlus will be supported on Windows Server 2016 through October 2025.

• macOS: Office for Mac is supported on the three most recent versions. As new major macOS versions are made generally available, Microsoft will drop support for the oldest version and support the newest and previous two versions of macOS.

• Product functionality and feature availability may vary on older systems. For the best experience, use the latest version of any operating system specified above.

Browser The current version of Microsoft Edge, Internet Explorer, Safari, Chrome, or Firefox. Get more details.

• NET version Windows: Some features may require .NET 3.5 or 4.6 or higher to be installed.

Other Internet functionality requires an Internet connection.

WPS Office: Best Free Alternative to Microsoft Office 2023

WPS Office is an excellent productivity suite that offers a wide range of features to serve as a viable alternative to Microsoft Office. With its comprehensive set of applications, including Writer, Presentation, and Spreadsheets, WPS Office offers various tools to meet your needs.

The advantage that WPS Office has is that it is functional and cost-effective. It is available as a free download, making it an accessible choice for users who want to save on costs without compromising on quality.

One of the best benefits to users is its compatibility with Microsoft Office and various file formats. It supports the opening and editing of documents, presentations, and spreadsheets created with Microsoft Office. This ensures a seamless collaboration with colleagues and partners using different software.

Some of their core advantages that users can enjoy are:

• User-friendly interface with a layout similar to Microsoft Office, reducing the learning curve

• Features such as a built-in PDF converter and cloud storage integration

• Comprehensive suite of applications including Writer, Presentation, and Spreadsheets

• Suitable for personal, professional, and business use

• Enhanced productivity through seamless file sharing and cross-platform synchronization

Overall, WPS Office offers a compelling package of features, functionality, and affordability. Whether you are a student, professional, or small business owner, WPS Office is a highly recommended option for your productivity needs.

Its compatibility with Microsoft Office formats, user-friendly interface, and additional features make it a valuable tool that can significantly enhance your workflow. This can help you efficiently create and manage documents, presentations, and spreadsheets.

FAQs

1. Can I only buy one app in Microsoft Office?

Yes. You can buy standalone Word, Excel, and PowerPoint versions for Mac or PC. Go to the Microsoft Store and search for the app you want. Then, simply complete your purchase.

2. Can Microsoft Office 2021 be used on iOS and Android systems?

No, it can’t. Only Microsoft 365 can be used on iOS and Android. For Microsoft 365 to work properly, you must have iOS 13 or Android OS 7.0.

3. Can I cancel the plan for Office 365?

Yes. Simply follow the steps below:

Step 1: Go to the Manage subscription page and if prompted, sign in with the same Microsoft account you used to purchase your Microsoft 365 subscription.

Step 2: Select “Cancel subscription” (it might say Upgrade or cancel).

Notes:

• If you don't see an option to Cancel but instead see a link that says Turn on recurring billing, your subscription is already set to expire on the date shown, and you won't be automatically charged after this date.

• There's nothing further to do now, and you can continue using the product until your Microsoft 365 subscription expires.

Step 3: See the “Please review” section at the top of the cancel page. This information indicates what benefits you're currently using with your subscription and what you'll lose when you cancel.

Important: If, for example, you cancel a Microsoft 365 Basic, Personal, or Family subscription, your storage allowance will revert to 5GB of cloud storage, which includes your OneDrive and Outlook.com attachments and 15GB of Outlook.com storage. If you cancel Microsoft 365 Family, all the people you shared your subscription with will also have their storage allowances reduced.

If you, or people you shared a subscription with, have used more than the free allowance:

• you won’t be able to upload, edit, or sync new files (such as Camera Roll) to your OneDrive,

• you won't be able to send or receive an email in Outlook.com.

• after 12 months, we may delete your OneDrive and all files.

• Read the "What happens if you exceed your quota?" section in How Microsoft storage works for more information.

Step 4: Review the additional information on the page, and at the bottom, select “I want to keep my benefits” if you decide to keep your subscription or “I don't want my subscription” if you choose to go ahead and cancel.

Note: In the following countries, you can cancel your subscription, and depending on the subscription length, you may be entitled to a prorated refund. See Countries with prorated refunds for Microsoft subscriptions for more information.

Any subscription length - Canada, Israel, Korea, and Turkey

Subscriptions longer than 1 month and renewed - Denmark, Finland, Germany (purchases on or after March 1, 2022), Netherlands, Poland, and Portugal

Summary

It should be noted that Microsoft Office is probably the most well-known productivity tool. The pricing may be cost-effective to some but not others. This can be a barrier when acquiring a productivity tool to enhance your workflow.

Luckily, WPS Office offers a free alternative for users to enjoy. They provide users with the same tools to fulfill their needs at significantly less cost. Users can enjoy the various tools that WPS Office offers for free to achieve their personal and professional goals without the hassle of learning new software.