Microsoft has unveiled Office 2024, catering to small businesses and consumers who prefer a standalone suite over a Microsoft 365 subscription. This latest iteration brings updated versions of familiar applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Outlook, designed for both Windows and macOS environments.
New Features and Accessibility
To access Office 2024, users will need a Microsoft account and an internet connection, primarily for installation and updates. The software is compatible with Windows 10, Windows 11, and the three most recent versions of macOS. Starting this Tuesday, two editions of Office 2024 are available for purchase through Microsoft.com and various retailers globally.
- Office Home 2024: Priced at 9.99, this edition includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote for a single PC or Mac.
- Office Home & Business 2024: Available for 9.99, this package encompasses all features of Office Home 2024, plus Outlook and commercial use rights.
Office 2024 introduces several enhancements and user interface modifications compared to its predecessor, Office 2021. A standout feature is the new default theme, which employs Fluent Design principles, ensuring a seamless and intuitive experience across all applications.
Additional highlights include:
- Support for OpenDocument format (ODF) 1.4.
- Enhanced performance in Excel, resulting in quicker workbook operations.
- Closed captioning for embedded video and audio in presentations.
- Improved search functionality for emails, calendars, and contacts.
- Document recovery features that auto-save open documents, allowing users to resume work seamlessly after unexpected crashes.
In a significant security enhancement, Microsoft has decided to disable ActiveX controls by default in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Visio. This decision is likely a response to the security vulnerabilities associated with ActiveX, which have been exploited by various threat actors, including North Korean hackers.
Last month, Microsoft also launched Office LTSC (Long Term Servicing Channel) 2024, a volume-licensed version of Office intended for commercial and government customers. Bryan Rognier, Microsoft 365 Consumer VP, clarified that organizations already utilizing Microsoft 365 or Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise do not require Office 2024 or Office LTSC 2024, as their subscriptions encompass all features of the new offerings, along with additional functionalities.
Microsoft first announced Office 2024 and Office LTSC 2024 in March, followed by a commercial preview for Windows and macOS users in April 2024.
