Difference Between Microsoft Office and Microsoft 365

While Microsoft Office and Microsoft 365 might seem similar, they are different in several key ways. Here's what you need to know:

  1. Purchase Model: Microsoft Office is a one-time purchase, where you pay upfront and own the software forever. On the other hand, Microsoft 365 is a subscription-based service where you pay a monthly or annual fee.

  2. Software Updates: With Microsoft Office, you only get security updates. You don't receive new features or functionality updates unless you buy the latest version. In contrast, a Microsoft 365 subscription includes frequent updates with new features and improvements at no additional cost.

  3. Applications: Microsoft Office includes applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Microsoft 365 also includes these applications, but offers additional ones like Outlook, Publisher, and Access on PC. Plus, it comes with extra services like OneDrive cloud storage and Skype minutes.

  4. Device Installation: When you purchase Microsoft Office, you can only install it on one device. But with a Microsoft 365 subscription, you can install the applications on multiple devices like your computer, tablet, and smartphone.

  5. Cloud Features: Microsoft 365 comes with cloud features that are not available in the standalone version of Microsoft Office. These include anywhere access to your documents, extra cloud storage on OneDrive, and the ability to collaborate on documents in real time.

In summary, Microsoft 365 offers more features, flexibility, and updates compared to the standalone Microsoft Office. However, which one is right for you depends on your specific needs and circumstances.

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