Microsoft has officially launched Office LTSC (Long Term Servicing Channel) 2024, catering specifically to commercial and government clients with a need for a stable, volume-licensed version of Office for both Windows and macOS platforms.
Key Features and Enhancements
Office LTSC 2024 is tailored for organizations operating in environments where internet connectivity is limited or non-existent, such as specialized systems used in the medical field. This version, while offering fewer features than the comprehensive Microsoft 365 Apps suite, refines and builds upon functionalities introduced in earlier editions.
- Performance and Security: Enhanced performance and security measures are integrated throughout the platform.
- Accessibility Improvements: Increased accessibility options ensure that all users can benefit from the tools.
- Outlook Enhancements: Expanded meeting creation capabilities and improved search functions in Outlook streamline communication.
- Excel Innovations: A host of new features in Excel, including Dynamic Charts and Arrays, offer users advanced data visualization and manipulation tools.
In a notable shift, the Microsoft Teams app is now available as a standalone download, while Microsoft Publisher has been omitted from this release, with plans for its retirement set for October 2026.
According to Microsoft, “Office LTSC 2024 offers a locked-in-time version of familiar productivity tools, updated with a subset of the features that have been added to Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise over the last three years.” This version will receive support for five years under the Fixed Lifecycle Policy, and it can be deployed alongside Microsoft 365 Apps, utilizing a common set of management tools to facilitate hybrid environments.
The suite includes access to essential applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneDrive, OneNote, and the classic desktop version of Microsoft Access (available for Windows only), all installed on a single device running either Windows or macOS.
Office LTSC 2024 is designed to receive only security updates, operates on a device-based licensing model, and does not necessitate an internet connection for activation or license validation.
Currently, Office LTSC 2024 is accessible to existing commercial and government volume-licensed customers, alongside new on-premises versions of Project and Visio. General availability for all customers is set for October 1, with further details regarding Office 2024 for consumers expected in the coming weeks.
Microsoft initially unveiled Office LTSC 2024 in March, followed by a commercial preview for Windows and macOS users in April 2024.