Last updated on September 20th, 2024 at 10:28 am
Microsoft recently announced the release of a new version of its renowned office suite, Office 2024. This news is generating significant interest among professionals and businesses, as the updated Office promises numerous improvements and new features. Let’s explore what to expect from Microsoft Office 2024 and whether this update is worth considering.
Key Facts About Office 2024
What do we know for certain? The preview version of Office 2024 will be available in April 2024, with the full release scheduled for later in the year. The update will be released for both Windows and Mac platforms.
Microsoft will offer a perpetual license for Office 2024 under the Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) model. Unlike the Microsoft 365 subscription, this means you won’t need to make regular payments — a one-time purchase is sufficient.
Note: Publisher will not be included in Office 2024. If this tool is essential for your work, you may need to consider alternative options.
What’s New in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook?
The main question is what new features we’ll see in the key Office applications. Here’s a brief list of the primary improvements:
Word
The first noteworthy aspect is the improved performance and security of Word in Office 2024. Microsoft promises that working in the text editor will be smoother and more stable, as well as less vulnerable to various threats.
Additionally, deeper integration with the Copilot assistant is expected. This intelligent tool can provide suggestions for text formatting and style and understand voice commands. You’ll be able to dictate a document, and the Copilot will accurately transcribe your words onto the screen.
Excel
Excel enthusiasts won’t be disappointed. Office 2024 will introduce a range of useful new functions. Among the most interesting are TEXTSPLIT (for splitting text into parts), TEXTBEFORE/AFTER (for extracting fragments before and after a specific character), VSTACK/HSTACK (for vertical and horizontal range merging), and several others.
Moreover, Copilot will assist in creating complex formulas. You’ll no longer need to spend hours studying syntax and deciphering intricate functions — simply describe the task in plain language, and the intelligent assistant will generate the necessary formula for you.
Outlook
The Outlook email client will see numerous welcome improvements. First, there are new options to simplify online meeting scheduling. The search function will become smarter: it will display results from multiple accounts and show more than 1.000 results.
PowerPoint
One of the most noticeable innovations is the rearrangement of some elements on the ribbon. Specifically, the “Screen Recording” and “Review” buttons will switch places to make access more logical and quick.
Another important new feature is the introduction of add-in support in PowerPoint. You’ll now be able to expand the functionality of the presentation editor using third-party plugins, which will open up many new possibilities for data visualization and slide design.
Office 2024 LTSC vs. Microsoft 365: Which to Choose?
When deciding between the perpetual license of Office 2024 LTSC and a Microsoft 365 subscription, consider the pros and cons.
Advantages of LTSC:
- there is no need for regular payments;
- ability to work completely offline;
- high compatibility with other systems.
Disadvantages of LTSC:
- fewer cloud features;
- no mobile applications.
In general, Office 2024 LTSC is suitable for those who value stability and are accustomed to working on a computer without an internet connection. Microsoft 365 is the optimal choice if you require advanced cloud tools and cross-platform access.
System Requirements
Regarding compatibility, Office 2024 will support Windows 11⁄10 (both 32-bit and 64-bit versions), as well as the three most recent versions of macOS at the time of release.
During installation, you’ll be able to choose between 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Office. Keep in mind that the 64-bit version is better optimized for working with large volumes of data and complex calculations.
Visual Improvements
Microsoft Office 2024 will also feature an updated interface. Visually, it will become more similar to the applications in the Microsoft 365 subscription — smoother and more intuitive.
Notable visual changes include:
- support for various themes, including dark gray, black, white, and colored;
- smoother, rounded element shapes;
- different placement of add-ins on the ribbon.
In conclusion, Office 2024 will undoubtedly be a quality update with numerous improvements to enhance work productivity. Many professionals will find the “smart” features particularly useful, such as Copilot integration and advanced analytics in Excel.
When picking between the perpetual license of Office 2024 LTSC and a Microsoft 365 subscription, base your decision on your needs. LTSC is a suitable option for those who want to make a one-time payment for a set of familiar office applications. However, if advanced cloud tools and cross-platform access are important to you, Microsoft 365 might be a better fit.
To stay informed about the latest news on Office 2024, including the consumer version of the suite, subscribe to our updates. We’ll keep you informed!
Naveen Khanna is the CEO of eBizneeds, a company renowned for its bespoke web and mobile app development. By delivering high-end modern solutions all over the globe, Naveen takes pleasure in sharing his rich experiences and views on emerging technological trends. He has worked in many domains, from education, entertainment, banking, manufacturing, healthcare, and real estate, sharing rich experience in delivering innovative solutions.
