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Microsoft 365 Business Basic vs. Business Premium for Desktop Apps
Question details
Understanding the differences between Microsoft 365 Business Basic and Business Premium regarding access to full desktop applications and security features.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Deciding which Microsoft 365 subscription plan to choose for a team based on their need for offline desktop applications and enhanced data security.
- Observed behavior
- Business Basic only offers web and mobile versions of Office apps, requiring an upgrade to Business Premium to access local desktop apps and advanced device management.
Evaluate whether your team heavily relies on offline editing, complex spreadsheet macros, or advanced document formatting, as these features often require the desktop versions of Office applications.
Upgrade to Microsoft 365 Business Premium
Select this plan if your organization requires full, installable desktop applications alongside enterprise-grade security and identity management.
Microsoft 365 Business Premium includes fully installable desktop versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook for Windows and Mac. It provides improved compatibility for opening and editing complex externally supplied files offline.
In addition to desktop apps, this tier includes Microsoft Entra ID Premium P1, advanced cyber threat protection, and Microsoft Intune for comprehensive device management.
Navigate to the Microsoft 365 Admin Center at admin.microsoft.com using an account with billing or global administrator privileges.
Click on 'Billing' in the left-hand navigation menu, then select 'Your products' to view your current active licenses.
Select your existing Microsoft 365 Business Basic subscription, click the 'Upgrade' option, and choose 'Microsoft 365 Business Premium' from the list of available plans to complete the checkout.
Utilize Microsoft 365 Business Basic
Stick with Business Basic if your team only needs cloud-based document editing and basic online collaboration.
Get Free Desktop Office Apps with WPS Office
Don't want to pay expensive recurring subscription fees just to get desktop applications? WPS Office provides a lightweight, fully-featured desktop suite that allows you to work offline without the premium enterprise price tag.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free desktop application for Windows, Mac, or Linux.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the lightweight setup file to quickly install the office suite on your local device.
- 3. Open Your Files Offline: Launch WPS Office and open your existing Microsoft Office documents to edit them seamlessly without an internet connection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Microsoft 365 Business Basic offline?
No. Because Microsoft 365 Business Basic only includes web and mobile versions of the Office applications, you must have an active internet connection to create, edit, and save your documents.
What is Microsoft Entra ID Premium P1 included in Business Premium?
Microsoft Entra ID Premium P1 (formerly Azure AD Premium P1) is an advanced identity and access management tool. It provides enterprise-level security features like conditional access policies, self-service password reset, and advanced multi-factor authentication.
Can I mix Business Basic and Business Premium licenses in one organization?
Yes, Microsoft allows you to mix and match different subscription plans within the same tenant. You can assign Business Premium licenses to users who need full desktop apps and advanced security, while keeping other workers on Business Basic to optimize costs.
Do both Business Basic and Premium plans include custom business email?
Yes, both Business Basic and Business Premium include Exchange Online, which provides a 50 GB mailbox per user and allows you to use a custom domain name for your company's email addresses.
