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Can You Subscribe to Microsoft Excel 365 Separately?
Question details
The user wants to know if it is possible to purchase or subscribe to Microsoft Excel 365 as a standalone application without buying the entire Microsoft 365 suite.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel 365
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Evaluating software purchasing options to get Microsoft Excel without paying for Word, PowerPoint, and other bundled apps.
- Observed behavior
- Searching for a standalone monthly or yearly subscription specifically for Excel, but finding only suite bundles.
Before deciding on a purchase, determine if you need advanced features available only in the desktop app, or if a free web-based version or alternative software can meet your spreadsheet needs.
Purchase a One-Time Perpetual License for Excel
Microsoft does not offer standalone subscriptions for individual Office apps, but you can bypass the Microsoft 365 bundle by purchasing Excel outright.
While you cannot subscribe to just Excel on a monthly or yearly basis, Microsoft allows users to buy the desktop version of Excel as a one-time purchase. This is a perpetual license, meaning you pay once and own that specific version forever.
Open your web browser and navigate to the official Microsoft website. Search for the standalone 'Microsoft Excel' product page.
Choose the non-subscription version of Excel (such as Excel 2021). Make sure it specifically says 'one-time purchase' rather than 'Microsoft 365'.
Add the standalone software to your cart, sign in with your Microsoft account, and complete the payment to acquire your perpetual license.
Get Powerful Spreadsheet Features for Free with WPS Office
If you only need a spreadsheet application and want to avoid expensive Microsoft 365 bundles or pricey one-time purchases, WPS Office is an excellent free alternative. It offers a robust, highly compatible spreadsheet tool that operates just like Excel.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button for your operating system.
- 2. Install the software: Run the downloaded installation file and follow the simple on-screen instructions to set up WPS Office on your device.
- 3. Open WPS Spreadsheet: Launch the WPS Spreadsheet application to instantly create, edit, or view Excel files without needing any subscription.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Microsoft Excel online for free without a subscription?
Yes, Microsoft offers a free web version of Excel. You can access it via a web browser by logging in with a free Microsoft account at office.com. However, the web version lacks some of the advanced features found in the desktop application.
Will a standalone Excel purchase work on both Mac and PC?
Standalone licenses are typically sold separately for PC and Mac, or they bind to a single device type. Be sure to check the system requirements and select the correct operating system version when purchasing your perpetual license from the Microsoft Store.
Does the one-time purchase of Excel include cloud storage?
No, the one-time perpetual purchase of Excel does not include the 1TB of OneDrive cloud storage that comes with a premium Microsoft 365 subscription. You will only have access to the standard 5GB of free storage tied to your Microsoft account.
