With the release of Microsoft Office LTSC 2024, many organizations in government and commercial circles have eyed its long-term service capabilities. Office LTSC 2024 provides a secure, disconnected solution with a five-year license, catering to businesses that have specialized needs, including those that require working in environments where sensitive data should never be taken online. But how does one download, install, and then activate it? In this article, I will be sharing my experience in guiding you through each step.
Office LTSC 2024 Overview
On September 7, 2022, Microsoft officially announced the availability of Office LTSC 2024, targeting organizations that rely on stable software without frequent updating. While Office LTSC is for long-term, feature-stable solutions, its twin, Microsoft 365-offers constant updates. Office LTSC 2024 ensures that government and commercial customers enjoy better performance, security, and accessibility during the five-year license term.
Key New Features in Office LTSC 2024
Feature |
Highlights |
|---|---|
Dynamic Arrays in Excel |
Do more calculations in a single formula cell, calculating a host of results with fewer errors and less time. |
Text & Array Functions |
New functions that help work with data in even newer ways. |
Enhanced Outlook Features |
Smarter meeting creation and advanced search. |
Performance Improvements |
Speedier processing and reduced lag keep users moving. |
Security Upgrades |
New ways of securing sensitive data and files. |
Accessibility Enhancements |
Stronger ways of enabling inclusivity for all users. |
The bottom line is that these updates enhance usability, place a premium on user security, and further enhance Microsoft's commitment to accessibility in Office LTSC 2024. Ideal for organizations that require a long life with fewer disruptions, this solution provides all that.
Download, Install, and Activate Office LTSC 2024
The installation process for Office LTSC 2024 is relatively straightforward, though it varies slightly between Preview and perpetual versions. For organizations transitioning from older systems like download office 2016 (64 bit) or office 2019 professional plus, a clean installation is recommended to prevent potential conflicts.
Step 1: Prepare Your System
Navigate to Control Panel > Programs and Features > Locate your current Office version (e.g., office 2019 professional plus) > Select "Uninstall" and follow the prompts
Step 2: Buy a License
Once you have purchased a license for Office LTSC 2024 from a Microsoft-authorized reseller, you can install and activate the full version. If you want the perpetual license, make sure to select that option.
Step 3: Download the Office Deployment Tool
Obtain the Office Deployment Tool from the official Microsoft Office website. The Office Deployment Tool will be very helpful in configuring and managing the installation process.
Step 4: Create a Configuration File
With the Office Deployment Tool, you can now create a configuration file by following the guide from Microsoft or using one of the provided templates. The configuration file will define which Office components are to be installed.
Scroll down to Example Configuration XML section.
Note: Several have reported that Microsoft pulled the configuration.xml file from its site, we will provide the file here to download.
Copy the below sample XML code and paste it into Notepad.
Remove any portion of the code that is not needed for your install
Under KMS Activation, copy the product key there.
Open Notepad and paste the copied product key in the PID Key area of the XML code.
Save the file as configuration.xml in the Office 2024 folder.
Step 5: Install Office LTSC 2024
Now, execute the installation using a deployment tool.
Open Command Prompt on your computer.
Copy the path of the Office 2024 folder
Go to the Office 2024 folder using the following command:
cd [path of the Office 2024 folder]
Run the following command to begin the installation
setup /configure configuration.xml
After this, the installation process will get automated. Please wait until it gets completed.
Step 6: Office Activation
After installation, a prompt will appear to enter a product key linked to the purchased license. The perpetual version will fully activate your software.
The Preview version will have a time limitation for activation and will prompt you to shift to a paid version once the preview expires.
Best Alternative to Office 2024: WPS Office to Optimize Your Workflow
While Office LTSC 2024 is a powerful suite of applications, WPS Office remains the most effective and budget-friendly solution for both individual and professional use. In the case of WPS Office, the user gets a highly feature-rich, integrated office suite with functionality similar to Microsoft Office but with a lightweight design and user interface. WPS Office provides a smooth experience in both offline and online modes, enabling greater productivity with a strong emphasis on security.
One advantage of using WPS Office is the ability to work offline, with files stored locally and under your full control, especially when handling sensitive information. WPS Office offers robust document encryption features, ensuring your documents remain secure and inaccessible to unauthorized individuals. WPS Office would be a suitable choice for organizations or individuals where data security is a major concern.
Salient Features of WPS Office
1. Offline Usage: Just like the usage pattern of Office LTSC 2024, WPS Office will enable offline working wherein all the files are stored locally in a safe and secure way, hence maintaining privacy and data security.
2. Compatibility with Microsoft Office: WPS Office maintains flawless compatibility with documents from legacy versions like office 2007 through modern microsoft office 2021 formats,meaning that opening, editing, and saving of documents, spreadsheets, and presentations is quite seamless.
3. Free to Download and Use: While Office LTSC has to be paid for, WPS Office is free to download and contains a host of tools common in offices.
4. Integrated Office Suite: WPS Office integrates word processing (Writer), spreadsheet (Spreadsheets), presentation (Presentation), and PDF applications into one easy application, diminishing the need to have many apps.
5. 4-in-1 Windows: This cool feature of a 4-in-1 window will help you open several documents, spreadsheets, or presentations in one tabbed window for better multitasking and flow at work.
6. Clean, Intuitive Interface: Thanks to a clear and intuitive interface, WPS Office guarantees ease of work and enables you to find tools and features in a snap.
7. Cross-platform Availability: It is available on Windows, macOS, and Linux and will give you flexibility regarding working on any device.
8. Encrypt Document: Advanced encryption tools to keep your sensitive information safe and your files secure online and offline.
WPS Office has grown popularly as a trustworthy substitute for MS Office, especially with its offline and online versions, both of which boast great features for users who wish to look for an office suite at a cheap cost without giving up a couple of its functionality features.
How to Download WPS Office
WPS Office is easily downloaded and across many platforms. Here is a quick guide on how to get started with it.
On PC
Go to the website of WPS Office.
Click on WPS Office Download Page Choose your platform - Windows, macOS, or Linux-then click on Download.
Mobile Devices
Apple Store If you have an iPhone or iPad, you can download WPS Office from the Apple Store. Search for "WPS Office"."
Google Play Store: Search for and install the application from the Google Play Store by typing "WPS Office."
Once installed, WPS Office opens into a familiar interface -you can get started right away without any learning curve.
Why WPS Office?
WPS Office is an excellent alternative for Office LTSC 2024 because it offers all the expected features, combined with maximum access, compatibility, and-most of all-thriftiness. With WPS Office, those users who need flexibility and powerful security in their office suite will find it just the right tool for working offline, securely managing files, and smoothly interacting with Microsoft Office formats.
Switch to WPS Office today and see how it can optimize your workflow while saving you both time and money.
FAQs
1. Office LTSC 2024: One-time purchase or subscription-based?
Office LTSC 2024 is a one-time purchase; thus, it is a perpetual license for 5 years. This does not require any subscription as Microsoft 365 does.
2. How do Office LTSC 2024, Microsoft 365 (Office 365), and Office 2024 differ in features, updates, and cloud integration?
Office LTSC 2024 includes only a subset of features included in Microsoft 365 but isn't connected to the cloud. Because of this, users don't get feature updates as they're rolled out. While it does include core tools, Microsoft 365 offers feature updates and cloud integration, providing a richer set of experiences and additional collaboration services.
Office LTSC 2024: Includes a subset of features compared to Microsoft 365, with no cloud connectivity or ongoing feature updates. It’s a one-time purchase with security patches but no major upgrades.
Office 365 download: Subscription-based with continuous updates, cloud integration (OneDrive, Teams, AI features), and access to the full suite of collaboration tools.
Office 2024 (if applicable): Likely a perpetual license (like Office 2021), with a fixed feature set at release and no cloud-dependent features. May receive security updates but no new functionality after launch.
3. Can I work with WPS Office at the same time as with Microsoft Office?
Indeed, WPS Office fully supports Microsoft Office file formats, so one can easily create and edit documents, spreadsheets, and presentations in either environment without problems.
4. Why should our organization upgrade to Office LTSC 2024 from older versions?
Moving to office ltsc 2024 delivers critical advantages over legacy systems:
Security: Outdated versions like office 2010 no longer receive security patches, exposing networks to vulnerabilities; LTSC 2024 includes modern threat protection missing in [office 2013] and earlier
Compatibility: Documents from microsoft office 2016 onward maintain full fidelity; Older files (pre-office 2007) may require conversion for optimal functionality
Support: Microsoft ended extended support for office 2013 in April 2023; LTSC provides 5 years of guaranteed updates
Note: If encountering "Office 2017" in your systems, this likely refers to office 2016 deployments with custom naming conventions.
5. Can I use Office LTSC 2024 on Mac or mobile devices?
Office LTSC is primarily for Windows PCs. For other devices:
Mac: Requires separate volume licensing (not the same as standard office for mac)
Mobile: Only browser-based editing via Office Web Apps (no native android office or office for ipad apps)
Linux: Requires alternatives like WPS Office (fully compatible with LTSC file formats)
Summary
In this post, Office LTSC 2024 was considered, which will have new features that consist of Dynamic Charts, improved search in Outlook, enhanced security, and a step-by-step installation and activation guide. Free Office Suite WPS Office: Highly capable, very affordable, and free, this integrated office suite is fully compatible with Microsoft Office, supports offline work, stores data locally, and encrypts documents. In the end, WPS Office is perfectly suited for personal and professional needs, as it is available on Windows, macOS, and even Linux. Download and make the most of it to simplify your work.
