Personal Microsoft 365

Microsoft 365 Personal already includes the full installable desktop versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote, so one person can use it on both a desktop and a laptop.

Devices covered

With Microsoft 365 Personal, one subscriber can:

• Install the Microsoft 365 applications on all their compatible devices.
• Use them on Windows PCs, Macs, tablets, and phones.
• Remain signed in and use Office on up to five devices simultaneously, in any combination—for example, a Windows desktop, Windows laptop, phone, tablet, and Mac. [^1^](https://support.microsoft.com/accounts-billing/subscriptions/[Subscription ID] "Office for home")

Therefore, your desktop and laptop can both be activated and used at the same time with the same Microsoft account.

Desktop applications versus Basic

Microsoft’s comparison confirms that Personal includes desktop applications for PC and Mac, while Basic provides web versions only. ^2^

Which plan to purchase

• Choose Microsoft 365 Personal if the desktop and laptop are used by the same person. No higher personal plan is required merely to cover both computers.
• Choose Microsoft 365 Family if different people need their own accounts and files. It can be shared with up to five additional people, and each person receives their own device sign-in allowance. ^2^

After purchasing Personal, install Microsoft 365 on each computer and sign in to Word or Excel using the Microsoft account that purchased the subscription. Stay signed in to keep the applications activated; signing out deactivates editing until that account signs in again. [^1^](https://support.microsoft.com/accounts-billing/subscriptions/[Subscription ID] "Office for home")

References

1. [Office for home](https://support.microsoft.com/accounts-billing/subscriptions/[Subscription ID])
2. What's the difference between a paid Microsoft 365 subscription and the free web apps? | Microsoft Support