Editorial summary: software features, plans, and system requirements change often. Use these overviews to compare the basics, then confirm current details on the publisher’s official website.
Microsoft
Productivity
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Microsoft / Productivity Software
Microsoft Office Home & Business 2024
One-time license for Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook — no subscription.
- Platforms
- Windows, macOS
- Billing model
- One-time license
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Overview
Office Home & Business 2024 is a one-time, perpetual license for a specific version of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, installed on a single PC or Mac with no recurring payment.
Perpetual licenses do not include future major-version upgrades — check Microsoft's own lifecycle documentation for how long security updates are provided for this version.
Key features
- Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook
- One-time purchase — no subscription or recurring billing
- Licensed for one PC or Mac
System requirements
- Windows 11 or current macOS (exact minimums set by Microsoft)
- Internet connection required for installation and initial activation
Check the publisher’s website for the current minimum requirements.
Choosing productivity software
Productivity software covers office suites and document tools — word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and in some plans, cloud storage and email. These licenses are typically sold as a one-time perpetual license for a specific version, or an ongoing subscription that includes updates, depending on the publisher's model.
- Check whether the license is a one-time purchase tied to a specific version, or a subscription that includes future upgrades — the publisher's product page will say which.
- Confirm the number of installs/devices and whether the license is for personal, home, or business use, since publishers often restrict use-case by plan.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a one-time license and a subscription for office software?
A one-time (perpetual) license is sold once for a specific version and does not require ongoing payment, though it may not include future major-version upgrades. A subscription bills on a recurring basis and typically includes ongoing updates for as long as it's active. The publisher's product page states which model applies.