License & Subscription Issues

Office Professional Plus 2021 vs Microsoft 365: License Differences

Maira Mehtab Sep 27, 2026 870 views

Question details

Users often experience confusion when Office Professional Plus 2021 appears alongside Microsoft 365, making it unclear whether they are operating on a perpetual one-time license or an ongoing subscription.

Product: Microsoft Office
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Understanding software licensing structures, upgrade paths, and update mechanisms for Microsoft Office products.
Observed behavior: Users are uncertain if receiving standard updates on Office Professional Plus 2021 indicates an automatic conversion to a Microsoft 365 subscription.

Before you start

Check your system's installed programs list or your Office Account settings to verify exactly which version of Microsoft Office is currently active on your computer.

Solution 1Recommended

Understanding the Differences Between Office 2021 and Microsoft 365

Clarify the distinct license types and update policies to resolve confusion between the perpetual standalone edition and the subscription model.

Office Professional Plus 2021 is a perpetual, standalone edition. This means you pay a one-time fee to own the software indefinitely. In contrast, Microsoft 365 is a subscription-based service requiring ongoing payments.

While Office 2021 receives regular security patches and quality updates to keep your system safe, it will never receive new feature upgrades. Receiving these standard security updates does not mean your perpetual license has been converted into a Microsoft 365 subscription.

Verify your current license type

Open any Office application like Word or Excel, click on the 'File' tab in the top left corner, and select 'Account' from the bottom left menu. Under 'Product Information', you can clearly see whether you are using Office LTSC Professional Plus 2021 or a Microsoft 365 Apps subscription.

Review your installed updates

On the same Account page, click the 'Update Options' button and select 'View Updates'. This will open a browser window detailing the security patches applied to your standalone Office 2021 version, which are separate from Microsoft 365 feature rollouts.

Coexistence of Licenses: If you see both Office 2021 and Microsoft 365 installed on your computer, they function as independent programs. The standard background updates applied to Office 2021 will not alter its perpetual license status.

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Switch to WPS Office to Avoid Licensing Confusion

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1. Download the installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button.
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microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my Office Professional Plus 2021 license ever expire?

No. Office Professional Plus 2021 is a perpetual license. Once purchased, you own that specific version of the software permanently. It does not require renewal and will not expire, unlike Microsoft 365.

Will I get new features in Office 2021 over time?

No. Office 2021 only receives security patches and quality updates to ensure the software remains secure and stable. Major new features, AI tools, and design overhauls are exclusively reserved for Microsoft 365 subscribers.

Can I have both Office 2021 and Microsoft 365 installed on the same computer?

Yes, it is technically possible for both versions to coexist on a single machine. However, it is generally not recommended as it can cause default application conflicts, duplicate file associations, and licensing confusion.

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