Microsoft Office 2021: Release date, download, and everything we know so far
Microsoft’s world-renowned productivity app suite is getting a 2021 version.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Microsoft Office, Microsoft’s suite of productivity apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, has been immensely popular among both individuals and businesses for many,manyyears. The apps within Microsoft Office are some of thebest Windows 10 appsavailable for completing work and schoolwork, and because of that, Microsoft Office has become the global standard for productivity. Every once in a while, Microsoft releases a new version of Office and its apps that feature several enhancements and additions. These improvements make the already-great Office user experience even better, which naturally leads to increased work efficiency.
The latest version of Microsoft Office to releasewasthe 2019 variant, but Microsoft recently launched a new 2021 version of Office. Here’s everything you need to know about Microsoft Office 2021, including where you’ll be able to download it, what’s new with the new version of Office, and more.
Microsoft Office 2021 release date
Microsoft recently launched the consumer version of Microsoft Office 2021 alongsideWindows 11on Oct. 5, 2021. Additionally, a special version of Office called Office LTSC that has most of the upgrades from Office 2021 was released on Sept. 16.
Based on comments from Microsoft’s Corporate Vice President for Microsoft 365 Jared Spataro, Office LTSC is meant for specific business circumstances rather than individual customers. “We have built Office LTSC for a limited set of specific situations: regulated devices that cannot accept feature updates for years at a time, process control devices on the manufacturing floor that are not connected to the internet, and specialty systems that must stay locked in time and require a long-term servicing channel.”
For more information on how to get access to Office LTSC, check out Microsoft’sOverview of Office LTSC 2021andDeploy Office LTSC 2021pages.
Microsoft Office 2021 system requirements
There aren’t any publicly released system requirements for Microsoft Office 2021 yet. That being said, we don’t expect that the system requirements between Office 2019 and Office 2021 have changed much, if at all. Therefore, if you have a device that can support Office 2019, there’s averygood chance it will also be able to run Office 2021 without issues. Here’s a look at what Office 2019’s system requirements are:
What’s new with Microsoft Office 2021?
Compared to Microsoft Office 2019, Microsoft Office 2021 boasts several new improvements and enhancements. Here’s a breakdown of the additions you can expect from the full Microsoft Office 2021 app suite:
Get the Windows Central Newsletter
All the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards.
General
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Access
Microsoft Visio
Where to download Microsoft Office 2021
Like previous versions of Microsoft Office, we expect that you’ll be able to download Microsoft Office 2021 from Microsoft’s officialOffice websiteby logging into the site after purchasing Office 2021. A listing for Office 2021 hasn’t been spotted on Microsoft’s website yet, but it’s likely that it will go live soon. Note that you can also download Microsoft Office 2021 from purchases made on third-party storefronts like Amazon and Newegg.
For more information on how the Office download process currently works, viewMicrosoft’s download guide.
Can you upgrade from Office 2019?
Unfortunately, it’s not possible to upgrade from Office 2019 to Office 2021 without paying full price. With that said, you’re in luck if you useMicrosoft 365, which is Microsoft’s subscription-based alternative to one-time purchases of Microsoft Office. Microsoft has previously stated that all Office apps and services are automatically updated with the latest features and improvements through Microsoft 365, which implies that Microsoft 365 users will receive the benefits of Office 2021 through the service.
Microsoft Office 2021 price
Following the announcement of Office 2021, Microsoft’s Jared Spataro confirmed that the price of Office 2021 is the same as the cost of Office 2019. This means that versions of Office 2021 cost the following amounts:
Since Microsoft 365 gives subscribers access to the additions of Office 2021, you’ll also be able to enjoy the new-and-improved Office 2021 version of apps like Word and Excel through the service. Here are the prices of all available Microsoft 365 plans:
Get to work
The latest version of Microsoft Office is the most advanced one yet, featuring plenty of useful enhancements and improvements compared to Office 2019.
Productivity across work and life
The Microsoft 365 subscription for individuals and families leverages AI-powered features and benefits inside Microsoft Office, including Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel, as and also enhances Microsoft Edge, Teams, and Family Safety across Windows 10, Xbox, Android, and iOS.
Brendan Lowry is a Windows Central writer and Oakland University graduate with a burning passion for video games, of which he’s been an avid fan since childhood. He’s been writing for Team WC since the summer of 2017, and you’ll find him doing news, editorials, reviews, and general coverage on everything gaming, Xbox, and Windows PC. His favorite game of all time is probably NieR: Automata, though Elden Ring, Fallout: New Vegas, and Team Fortress 2 are in the running, too. When he’s not writing or gaming, there’s a good chance he’s either watching an interesting new movie or TV show or actually going outside for once.Follow him on X(Twitter).
