NOTIVICATION ON OFFICE 2021

M Ridwan 0 Reputation points
2026-11-04T02:02:25.4933333+00:00

Good morning, I received a notification regarding the end of updates for Microsoft 2021. Can I upgrade to Microsoft 2024 without paying for a new license?

Microsoft 365 and Office | Install, redeem, activate | For home | Windows
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  1. AI answer

    2026-11-04T02:03:20.37+00:00

    A standalone Office 2021 license does not include a free upgrade to Office 2024, but if you already have a qualifying Microsoft 365 subscription, you can install the latest Office desktop apps without an additional purchase.^1^

    Check which license you have

    1. Open Word or Excel.
    2. Select File → Account.
    3. Look under Product Information:
      • Office Home & Student 2021, Office Home & Business 2021, or Office Professional 2021 means you have a one-time-purchase license.
      • Microsoft 365 means you have a subscription entitlement. This is also the documented location for checking the installed Office version.^2^

    If it shows Office 2021

    You have these options:

    • Continue using Office 2021: Support ended on October 13, 2026. The applications may continue working, but they no longer receive software updates, security fixes, bug fixes, or Microsoft technical support.^3^
    • Buy Office 2024: This is another one-time purchase. Office 2021 and Office 2024 are separate perpetual licenses, so the 2021 license cannot be converted into a 2024 license for free. Major-version upgrades are not included with one-time purchases.^4^
    • Buy Microsoft 365: This is a recurring subscription that includes the latest desktop applications and ongoing feature and security updates.^1^

    Office Home 2024 includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote. If you need classic Outlook, Office Home & Business 2024 includes it.^5^

    If it shows Microsoft 365

    No Office 2024 license purchase is necessary. On Windows, select:

    File → Account → Update Options → Update Now

    If the subscription comes from an employer or school and updating is restricted, contact that organization’s IT help desk. Microsoft notes that administrators may control when work or school installations receive updates.^1^

    References

    1. How do I upgrade Office?
    2. Office 2021 and Office LTSC for Windows and Mac FAQ | Microsoft Support
    3. End of support for Office 2021
    4. What's the difference between Microsoft 365 and Office 2024?
    5. Office 2024 and Office LTSC 2024 FAQ
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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  2. Estrella721 47,570 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-11-04T02:37:07.9+00:00

    Unfortunately, no. If you have a Microsoft Office 2021 license, you cannot upgrade to Office 2024 for free. Office 2024 is a separate version that requires purchasing a new license.

    For the meantime, you can continue using Office 2021 on your Windows computer. However, since support ended on October 13, 2026, you will no longer receive security updates, bug fixes, or technical support from Microsoft.

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