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How to Switch from Office Home 2021 to Microsoft 365 or Office 2024 on Mac
Question details
The user wants to know how to transition from an apparently expired Office Home 2021 setup to either Microsoft 365 or Office 2024, including how documents are transferred and handled.
- Product
- Microsoft Office for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS Ventura
- Scenario
- Upgrading from a perpetual Office 2021 license to a newer version or a subscription model on a Mac.
- Observed behavior
- Office Home 2021 lacks upgrade paths to newer features, requiring the user to choose between a new perpetual purchase (Office 2024) or a Microsoft 365 subscription to continue receiving updates.
Verify your Microsoft account credentials and ensure your Mac meets the system requirements for Microsoft 365 or Office 2024 before starting the transition process.
Understand the Upgrade Paths and License Differences
Determine whether Microsoft 365 or Office 2024 is the correct choice to replace your Office 2021 installation.
Office Home 2021 is a perpetual license. This means it is a one-time purchase that does not receive feature upgrades to newer versions like Office 2024. While security updates may be provided for a period, you will not get new tools.
To acquire new features, you must choose a new licensing path. You can either purchase another one-time license for Office 2024 or transition to a Microsoft 365 subscription.
Opt for this subscription if you want continuous feature updates, 1TB of OneDrive cloud storage, and the ability to install Office on multiple devices simultaneously.
Choose this option if you prefer a traditional, one-time purchase. It provides classic apps for a single Mac but will not receive future major feature upgrades.
Safely Transition Files and Install the New Office Version
Steps to remove your old Office software and install the new version while keeping your documents safe.
Switch to WPS Office for Mac – A Free Alternative to Costly Upgrades
If your Office 2021 license feels outdated but you want to avoid purchasing a new perpetual license or committing to a recurring Microsoft 365 subscription, WPS Office provides a powerful, highly compatible, and free alternative.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the Mac installation package.
- 2. Install on Mac: Open the downloaded file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
- 3. Open Existing Files: Double-click your existing Office documents to open and edit them seamlessly in WPS Office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I lose my Word and Excel documents if I uninstall Office 2021?
No. Your personal documents are stored independently from the application files. Uninstalling Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint from your Applications folder will not delete your files stored on your Mac's hard drive or in OneDrive.
Do I get a free upgrade from Office 2021 to Office 2024?
No. Office Home 2021 is a perpetual (one-time purchase) license. It does not include upgrade rights to future major versions. You will need to purchase Office 2024 or a Microsoft 365 subscription.
How do I transfer my files to Microsoft 365 on a Mac?
There is no manual transfer process needed. Because Microsoft 365 uses the same file formats (.docx, .xlsx, etc.), you just need to install the new software and open the files exactly where they are currently saved on your device.
Can I leave Office 2021 installed when installing Microsoft 365?
While it is technically possible in some scenarios, Microsoft highly recommends uninstalling older versions of Office before installing a new one to prevent software conflicts, license confusion, and performance issues.
