Microsoft Office 2024 released: Key features, pricing, and compatibility

Microsoft officially released Office 2024 on October 1, 2024, providing consumers and small businesses with a non-subscription option to their favorite productivity applications.

For the first time, this version comes preloaded with classic versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Outlook for all PC and Mac users. Here’s a sneak peek at some of these key features and enhancements of Office 2024.

Enhanced performance and speed

Office 2024 brings the applications in Outlook and Excel to execute faster. Users will love faster search results in Outlook, meaning they have a better match for their e-mail, files, and events.

For Excel, users will find more speed even when multiple workbooks open, thus streamlining workflow. On Mac, users get the chance of customizing swipe gestures in Outlook for an even greater intuitive experience.

Streamlined content creation

Office 2024 offers easier ways of creating great content. Outlook will automatically detect problems in emails sent using an accessibility checker. The new “Cameo” gives PowerPoint users the ability to add live feeds from cameras directly into presentations.

The new recording studio has narration, animations, transitions, and inking which very smoothly capture the actions in a presentation while making the presentations. OneNote is also made easier with full view, which makes writing much more accessible.

Improved data analysis capabilities

Data analysis has developed to become easier through introduced new functions. One can paste images directly into worksheets or use the IMAGE function without losing any formatting.

The dynamic arrays help users create charts to visualize data in such a way that an update of their values happens automatically, thereby simplifying analysis and presentation of the information.

Office 2024 availability and pricing

Office 2024 is available in two editions: Office Home 2024 and Office Home & Business 2024.

• Office Home 2024: Priced at $149.99 USD, it includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote for one PC or Mac.
• Office Home & Business 2024: Available for $249.99 USD, this edition includes all the applications from Office Home 2024, plus Outlook and the rights for commercial use.

Both editions can be purchased from retailers worldwide and via Microsoft.com.

For businesses with five or more users, Microsoft offers Office Long Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) 2024, which allows for seamless deployment alongside Microsoft 365.

System requirements

Office 2024 is compatible with Windows 10 and 11, as well as the three most recent versions of macOS. A Microsoft account and an internet connection are required to install and activate Office 2024.