Explore Microsoft 365 Family for free

Office 2024 is sold as a one-time purchase, which means you pay a single, up-front cost to get Office apps for one computer. One-time purchases are available for both PCs and Macs. However, there are no upgrade options, which means if you plan to upgrade to the next major release, you'll have to buy it at full price.

Microsoft 365 Personal, Microsoft 365 Family, and Microsoft 365 Premium are subscriptions that include powerful productivity apps and creativity tools with AI-powered features. In addition to desktop versions of popular Microsoft 365 apps like Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook with Microsoft Copilot, you also get spacious cloud storage, advanced security, and cloud-connected features that let you collaborate on files in real time. With a subscription, you'll always have the latest features, fixes, and security updates along with ongoing tech support at no extra cost. You can choose to pay for your subscription on a monthly or yearly basis, and use your apps on multiple PCs, Macs, tablets, and phones. Additionally, the Microsoft 365 Family plan lets you share your subscription with up to five more people. Everyone gets their own apps and storage. And with Microsoft 365 Premium, you also get extensive usage on advanced AI experiences and access to Copilot features currently exclusive to Premium subscribers. (AI features only available to subscription owner and cannot be shared; AI usage limits apply; minimum age limits may apply to subscription activation and use of AI features. Learn more.)

Internet access is required to install and activate all the latest releases of apps and services included in all Microsoft 365 subscription plans. Note that if you are an existing subscriber, you do not need to reinstall or purchase another subscription.

For Microsoft 365 plans, internetaccess is also needed to manage your subscription account, for example to install Office apps on other PCs or to change billing options. Internet access is also required to access documents stored on OneDrive, unless you install the OneDrive desktop app.

You should also connect to the internetregularly to keep your version of Microsoft 365 up to date and to benefit from automatic upgrades. If you do not connect to the internetat least every 31 days, your apps will go into reduced functionality mode, which means that you can view or print your documents but cannot edit the documents or create new ones. To reactivate your apps, simply reconnect to the internet.

You do not need to be connected to the internetto use the Office apps, such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, because the apps are fully installed on your computer.

Your Microsoft account is the combination of an email address and password that you use to sign in to services like OneDrive, Xbox LIVE, and Outlook.com. If you use any of these services, you already have a Microsoft account that you can use or you can create a new account. Learn more about a Microsoft account.

As part of signing up for a trial or purchasing Microsoft 365, you will be prompted to sign in with a Microsoft account. You must be signed in with this account to install and manage your Microsoft 365 subscription, or to use some subscription benefits, including cloudstorage.

If you have an active Microsoft 365 Family or Microsoft 365 Premium subscription, you can share it with up to five other people. Each person you share your subscription with can install Microsoft 365 on all their devices and sign in to five devices at the same time.

To add someone to your subscription, visit your Microsoft Account and follow the on-screen instructions to add a user. Each person you add will receive an email with the steps they need to follow. Once they have accepted and completed the steps, their information, including the installs they are using, will appear on their My Account page. You can stop sharing your subscription with someone or remove a device they are using by going to your Microsoft Account.

Microsoft Defender is a new cross-device app that helps people and families stay safer online. Microsoft Defender adds new features and a simplified, user interface. Microsoft Defender also brings valuable device protection to iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac, with malware protection, web protection, real-time security notifications, and security tips. Microsoft Defender is available in the Apple, Google, and Microsoft app stores and requires a Microsoft 365 Personal or Family subscription to use.

Windows Security, formerly known as Windows Defender Security Center, is built-in security on Windows PCs to protect your device and data. Windows Security is pre-installed and automatically enabled. Windows Security includes Microsoft Defender Antivirus software that protects your Windows device and data against viruses, ransomware, trojans, and other malware unless non-Microsoft Antivirus software is active.