License & Subscription Issues

Should You Buy Microsoft Office 2021 or Wait for Office 2024?

WPS Editor Sep 28, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user is deciding whether to purchase an Office Home and Student 2021 perpetual license now or wait for the release of Office 2024, while considering temporary Microsoft 365 subscriptions and bundled laptop licenses.

Should You Buy Microsoft Office 2021 or Wait for Office 2024?

Product: Microsoft Office
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Deciding which Microsoft Office version or subscription model to invest in for long-term use and understanding upgrade limitations.
Observed behavior: Seeking clarity on whether Office 2021 upgrades to 2024 automatically, how bundled licenses work, and how to bridge the gap with a temporary subscription.

Before you start

Verify if your current computer already includes a bundled Microsoft Office license before purchasing any new subscriptions or standalone software.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Microsoft 365 Temporarily Until Office 2024 is Released

This is the most flexible approach if you need Office tools immediately but want to ultimately own the Office 2024 perpetual license.

Since perpetual licenses do not automatically upgrade to newer editions, buying Office 2021 now means you will be stuck with older features. Bridging the gap with a monthly subscription ensures you have access to the latest tools right now, and you can switch to a one-time purchase once Office 2024 hits the market.

Subscribe to Microsoft 365

Purchase a monthly Microsoft 365 subscription via the official Microsoft website. Avoid the annual plan to ensure you aren't locked in past the Office 2024 release date.

Cancel Microsoft 365 when ready

Navigate to the Services & Subscriptions page in your Microsoft account. Select 'Manage' next to your Microsoft 365 subscription and choose 'Cancel subscription' right before purchasing Office 2024.

Purchase Office 2024

Once Office 2024 is officially released, buy the standalone perpetual license and bind it to your existing Microsoft account.

Use Microsoft 365 Temporarily Until Office 2024 is Released

Seamless Transition: Since both the subscription and the standalone purchase are linked to the same Microsoft account, your files on OneDrive will remain secure and accessible during the transition.

Solution 2

Understand Office 2021 Perpetual and Bundled Licenses

Use this information if you are purchasing a new computer that comes with Office, or if you prefer to buy Office 2021 right now.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Will Office Home and Student 2021 upgrade to Office 2024 automatically?

No. Office Home and Student 2021 is a perpetual (one-time purchase) license. It receives security updates but does not receive major version upgrades. To get Office 2024, you must purchase it separately.

How do bundled laptop Office licenses work?

If your new laptop comes with a bundled version of Office 2021, the license is determined by the manufacturer. Once you launch an Office application and sign in, the license becomes permanently linked to that specific Microsoft account.

Can I easily switch from Microsoft 365 to Office 2024?

Yes. You can subscribe to Microsoft 365 on a monthly basis, cancel it from your Microsoft account dashboard when you no longer need it, and then purchase the one-time Office 2024 license.

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