Catalog

Microsoft Office Versions by Year–The Most Comprehensive List

August 9, 2023 1.5K views

Microsoft Office, developed by Microsoft Corporation, is a widely used suite of productivity software available for both Windows and macOS. If you're curious about the various Microsoft Office versions and what they offer, this article will provide all the information you need.

Part 1.Microsoft Office Introduce

#1.What is Microsoft Office?

Microsoft Office is a renowned suite of productivity software developed by Microsoft Corporation. It has become one of the most widely used office suites worldwide, empowering individuals and businesses to streamline their work processes and enhance productivity. The suite offers a comprehensive set of applications, each tailored to serve specific purposes.

Microsoft Office was first invented and introduced in 1989. This marked a significant milestone in the evolution of Office processing software, as it brought the popular Office processor to the growing Windows platform. The introduction of Microsoft Office for Windows revolutionized the way people created, edited, and managed their documents, contributing to its widespread adoption and popularity.

#2.What does Microsoft Office Include?

At its core, Microsoft Office includes essential applications such as:

1. Microsoft Word: A powerful word processing program used to create and edit documents, reports, and letters.

2. Microsoft Excel: An advanced spreadsheet software enabling users to manage and analyze data efficiently.

3. Microsoft PowerPoint: A dynamic presentation tool for designing captivating slideshows and presentations.

4. Microsoft OneNote: A digital notebook that facilitates note-taking, organizing ideas, and collaborating with others.

5. Microsoft Outlook: A feature-rich email client for managing emails, calendars, and contacts.

6. Microsoft Publisher: A desktop publishing application used to design and create professional documents, flyers, and brochures.

7. Microsoft Access: A database management system for creating and managing databases.

These applications are designed to seamlessly work together, providing users with a comprehensive office suite that caters to various needs, from simple document creation to complex data analysis and presentations.

Part 2.Microsoft Office versions by Years for Different System 

In this section, we will explore the evolution of Microsoft Office versions for different systems. We'll take a closer look at the special versions designed specifically for macOS and Windows 10. Discover how Microsoft has tailored its Office suite to cater to the unique needs of each operating system, ensuring compatibility and optimal performance.

#1.Microsoft Office versions for mac

Microsoft Office has a long and rich history of versions designed specifically for macOS users. Let's explore some of the special versions of Microsoft Office for Mac, along with images/videos to understand their unique features and improvements.

Office for Mac 2011: Introduced a modernized user interface and improved collaboration features.

Office for Mac 2016: Brought the ribbon interface and enhanced cloud integration.

Office for Mac 2019: Added Dark Mode support, Morph transitions in PowerPoint, and more functions in Excel.

Office for Mac 2021 (Latest Version): Offers advanced features and seamless integration with macOS.

#2.Microsoft Office versions for window 10

Microsoft Office has adapted to Windows 10, ensuring compatibility and optimal performance for users on this operating system. Let's explore some notable versions of Microsoft Office for Windows 10:

Office 2013: Modernized interface and improved features for Windows 10 users.

Office 2016: Enhanced compatibility with Windows 10, introducing features like Tell Me and Smart Lookup.

Office 2019: Further refined integration with Windows 10, with improved inking and new chart types in Excel.

Office 2023 (Latest Version): Optimized for Windows 10 with advanced functionalities and performance improvements.

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Part 3: How to Edit Microsoft Office Word,Excel,Powerpoint for Free?

Looking for a free alternative to edit Microsoft Office files? WPS Office is your solution! It's a powerful office suite that allows you to open, create, edit, and save Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files without any cost. Plus, it's fully compatible with both Windows and Mac systems, providing a seamless experience for users.

Here are the key features of WPS Office in a simple list:

  • Word Processing (WPS Writer)

  • Spreadsheet Management (WPS Spreadsheets)

  • Presentation Creation (WPS Presentation)

  • Cloud Support and Sync

  • PDF Editing and Conversion

  • Cross-platform Compatibility

  • Collaboration and Sharing

  • Free Version with No Subscription Fees

  • User-friendly Interface

  • Extensive File Format Support

Steps to Edit Word/Excel/PowerPoint in WPS Office:

Step 1. Download and Install WPS Office for your system.

Step 2. Open WPS Office and create a new document or open an existing Microsoft Office file.

Step 3. Edit the document using WPS Office's intuitive tools.

Step 4. Save your changes in the desired format (e.g., .docx, .xlsx, .pptx).

Step 5. Export or share the edited document easily.

FAQs

1. Is Your Microsoft Office Still Getting Security Updates?

Yes, Microsoft Office is still getting security updates. Microsoft provides security updates for Office for a minimum of 10 years after the product is released. This means that Office 2016 will still receive security updates until October 2025.

In addition to security updates, Microsoft also provides non-security updates for Office. These updates can include new features, bug fixes, and performance improvements. Non-security updates are typically released on a monthly basis

2. How to upgrade from office 2016 to 2019 or 2021?

Sure, here's a simple guide to upgrading from Office 2016 to Office 2019 or 2021:

Step 1. Purchase the New Version: Decide whether you want Office 2019 or Office 2021 and buy the new version from Microsoft's website or an authorized retailer.

Step 2. Uninstall Office 2016: Go to "Control Panel" > "Programs" > "Uninstall a program" (or "Add or Remove Programs" on older Windows versions), find Microsoft Office 2016, and uninstall it.

Step 3. Install the New Version: Insert the installation media or download the installer for Office 2019 or 2021. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the new Office suite on your computer.

Step 4. Activate the New Version: Launch any Office application, sign in with your Microsoft account, or enter the product key to activate the new version.

That's it! You have successfully upgraded from Office 2016 to the newer version of your choice.

Summary

In this comprehensive article, we explored the evolution of Microsoft Office versions by year, its included applications, and compatibility with different systems. For those seeking a free alternative, we introduced WPS Office, a powerful suite compatible with Windows and Mac. Harness the full potential of your documents, spreadsheets, and presentations with WPS Office's user-friendly features and functionalities.

15 years of office industry experience, tech lover and copywriter. Follow me for product reviews, comparisons, and recommendations for new apps and software.