Common Features of Office 2021 and 2024

Both Office 2021 and the newer Microsoft Office 2024 are office software suites offered with a perpetual license. This means that once purchased, the applications can be used for any length of time without the need to renew a subscription. The programs are installed on the computer's hard drive, so they can be used conveniently, but from a single workstation.

In both cases, Microsoft offers different software editions. Thanks to this segmentation, both home and business users can easily find a version that meets their needs.

The main differences between Office editions concern the functionality of the individual programs. However, both versions will run on the same hardware. To run them, you need a PC running Windows 10 or 11 and the three latest versions of macOS. Additionally, editions marked LTSC (short for Long-term Service Channel) will also run on Windows Server. The required amount of RAM is 4 GB.

If you have an older operating system, such as Windows 7, 8 or 8.1, or older versions of Windows Server (2008, 2012, 2016), Microsoft Office 2016 may be a good choice. These are still the same programs, although with somewhat fewer capabilities. You can currently buy the Professional Plus edition for around PLN 350.

Learn about the most important features of the Office 2021 suite and Office 2024 and find a solution tailored to your needs.

What Is New in Office 2024?

Microsoft Office 2024 develops many ideas known from the previous edition and introduces updates to existing tools. Publisher is no longer included, but the classic versions of applications known from Office 2021 have received new solutions.

Home users have the Home edition with four basic programs, similarly to the Home&Student edition of Office 2021. Small organizations will appreciate the capabilities of Home&Business. More demanding users will appreciate the Standard LTSC or Professional Plus LTSC editions.

The refreshed design is visible above all. The new applications are based on Fluent Design principles. Improved accessibility features make it possible to quickly reach the most frequently used tools. ODF 1.4 format support has been added, along with, among other things:

  • placing tables in shapes,

  • filtering by color,

  • starting lists from the value “0”,

  • inserting decorative objects.

Many improvements have also appeared in specific programs. For example, Excel received automatic real-time chart updates (dynamic charts with dynamic arrays). New enhanced functions include, among other things, extracting and splitting text strings, resizing arrays, and combining and changing shapes.

In PowerPoint, you can export a presentation as a video file and create a Live broadcast (the Cameo feature). New features include closed captions and the ability to add subtitles in different languages. There are many, many more of these improved tools. In Outlook mail, for example, there is Focused mode, while Word supports the aforementioned ODF 1.4.

Discover the Key New Features of Office 2021

As for Office 2021, the simplest edition of the well-known application series is Home&Student. It includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote. You can get it for just under PLN 500. For people who need advanced tools, Microsoft Office 2021 LTSC Professional Plus will be a better solution. For around PLN 950, you also get Outlook, Access database software and Publisher software for creating marketing materials.

Compared with its predecessor, Office 2019, the 2021 version received many improvements. These include:

  • access to media from the Office Premium Creative Content collection,

  • new tools such as the point eraser, ruler and lasso,

  • access to new Excel functions (XLOOKUP and LET),

  • co-authoring presentations,

  • a translator function in Outlook.

Office 2021 Technical Support Period

For individual and business users, choosing the right office software should not be solely a matter of price, but also of security. According to Microsoft's product lifecycle policy, Office 2021 will lose official support on October 13, 2026. After that date, neither security updates nor other updates will be published. If you want to be sure that you will be able to work safely in the coming years, the latest software will be a better choice.

Buy Microsoft Office Software Legally at a Good Price

Looking for office applications at a good price? Check out the Soft360 store offer. You will find both somewhat older and the latest editions of Microsoft Office. Buy trusted programs legally and with unbeatable promotions. With every purchase, you will receive a certificate of authenticity confirming that the programs can be used without violating the license terms.