Office 2024: A Fresh Take for Perpetual License Users

On October 1st, Microsoft released Office 2024 for consumers, marking the latest version of the long-standing productivity suite available for those who prefer a perpetual license over a subscription-based model like Microsoft 365. For users of the Home and Home & Business editions, this update brings several key improvements to the familiar Office experience without the need for ongoing subscription fees.

While the changes from Office 2021 may seem incremental, Office 2024 offers some valuable new features and performance enhancements. Below are some highlights:

What’s New in Office 2024:

1. New Default Theme

Office 2024 debuts with a fresh look, offering a modernised and cohesive visual theme across all apps. This subtle change improves clarity and aesthetics, making the interface more pleasant to work with.

2. Improved Accessibility

Accessibility has been at the forefront of Microsoft’s recent updates. Office 2024 includes new and improved tools to support users of all abilities, ensuring that everyone can use Office effectively.

3. Support for OpenDocument 1.4 Files

With the introduction of OpenDocument 1.4 support, Office 2024 ensures compatibility with the latest document formats, especially in environments where open-source tools are used alongside Microsoft Office.

4. Improved Search in Outlook

Searching in Outlook is now faster and more accurate, making it easier to locate important emails in large inboxes. This enhancement streamlines productivity, particularly for users with extensive correspondence.

5. Enhanced Performance in Excel

Excel in Office 2024 benefits from faster calculation speeds, making it ideal for users who handle large datasets and complex formulas. Improved performance ensures smoother and more efficient data analysis.

6. PowerPoint’s “Present with Cameo”

A standout feature in PowerPoint 2024 is “Present with Cameo,” allowing users to integrate a live camera feed directly into presentations. This feature adds a dynamic, personal touch to presentations, enhancing audience engagement.

7. OneNote’s Enhanced Inking and Focused View

OneNote has seen further refinements with enhanced inking capabilities, providing a more intuitive writing experience, particularly on touch-enabled devices. Additionally, the full-screen focused view helps users concentrate by eliminating distractions during note-taking.

8 Trackpad Customisation for Mac Users

Mac users will appreciate the ability to customise swipe left and right gestures when using a multi-touch trackpad or magic mouse. This feature allows greater control and personalisation of how users navigate through their documents.

Office 2024 caters to those who prefer a perpetual license rather than a subscription. Unlike Microsoft 365, which receives regular updates and new features, Office 2024 comes with a “locked-in-time” license, meaning users can own the software outright and retain access to the current features without ongoing payments.

This version is ideal for individuals and small businesses who want to purchase the software once and use it for the long term without worrying about monthly or yearly fees. It provides peace of mind with a reliable set of tools that won’t change or introduce new subscription-based models mid-cycle.

For more details or assistance with any Microsoft product or service, feel free to reach out to us at Mark One Consultants. We're here to support your business's IT needs, from software upgrades to ongoing IT support, ensuring you have the tools you need to succeed.