Microsoft Office 2021 Review

Microsoft Office is a software package for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, databases and e-mail applications. It is developed by Microsoft and was first released in 1990.

The latest version, Office 2021, was released on 5 October 2021 and is of course available on our website. Find out more about the benefits of purchasing Office 2021 below:

Microsoft Office 2021: Prices, features and everything you need to know

Microsoft is known for innovation in the workplace, and the new suite is no exception.

What has changed since the first version? Is there more Office software now? What about support for Office applications on mobile devices? If you're looking for answers to these questions, you've come to the right place.

The new Office package has been available for some time now and people are still excited about it. In this article you will learn more about all aspects of buying Office 2021.

Let's now take a look together at some of the highlights of each programme in the Office suite and what the latest Office can offer you and your business.

What is Microsoft Office 2021?

Microsoft Office 2021 is the latest version of Microsoft's popular productivity software that focuses on efficient and effective collaboration. It includes everything you need to work more productively, including the new 2021 versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and many other Office applications.

You need a perpetual licence or subscription to take full advantage of Microsoft 365 applications such as Word, PowerPoint and Excel. Some wondered if Office 2019 would be the last perpetual edition of the software after the launch of Microsoft 365. But Office 2021 is here, and it's ready to go.

The suite can be used for a wide range of tasks. From creating presentations and spreadsheets to controlling databases and transactions, you have it all under control! Compared to previous versions, it offers several significant improvements that will make your workflow smoother than ever.

In the five months that we have been using the latest Office applications here at Licendi, we have found that the latest version of Office has been created to simplify your life. Thanks to the new features, updated user interface and optimisations (especially in combination with Windows 11), it is much easier to work productively.

Applications

Office 2021 is the latest suite from Microsoft. The suite includes popular programmes such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. Although competition with Google's Workspace remains fierce, Microsoft's Office applications remain the most effective productivity apps.

Whether you're a PC or Mac user, you have multiple versions of Office at your fingertips. All apps meet industry standards and offer features and capabilities that help the brightest minds produce content, share projects and collaborate effectively.

The new look and new features of version 2021 make it easier than ever to manage your personal and work life. Whether you need a feature to help you create a business plan for the next quarter or a feature to help you create a research paper for an exam, Microsoft is here to help.

Now you can take advantage of the new suite and work successfully with the latest office suite.

Microsoft Office 2021 editions, versions and licences

Office comes in many different versions and editions, each tailored to your needs and budget. Microsoft has maintained this practice over the years, and the 2021 edition is no exception.

In fact, there are now even more versions and options to choose from than before. Microsoft has made version 2021 as comprehensive and available as possible.

With Office 2021 suites, you can purchase a wide range of variants and editions, from the low-cost version for schools to the complete communications and networking suite for your business.

Office 2021 issues

Businesses looking for long-term support can also look forward to the launch of Office 2021 LTSC. This is a standalone edition for professionals looking for reliable applications that provide a solid foundation for their business at an affordable price.

Currently, these are the versions available for Office 2021:

• Microsoft Office Home & Student 2021 (PC and Mac)
• Microsoft Office Home & Business 2021 (PC and Mac)
• Microsoft Office Professional 2021
• Microsoft Office LTSC 2021

The last of the versions of Office mentioned is a good way to get to know Microsoft's new software, and it offers some unique features that the competition cannot. However, it is not suitable for everyone.

If you need updates, advanced security features and real-time co-authoring, Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365) subscriptions are the only way to get these features.
The perpetual version is more suitable for students and small businesses than for corporate needs. A perpetual licence is a licence that never expires. It is a one-time purchase rather than a recurring fee, which makes it ideal for people on a budget.

Office 2021 Prices and Availability

Office 2021 is now available worldwide. You can visit the Microsoft website to check availability for your region. The price for a single licence starts at €59.99 and may vary depending on the edition you choose.

Note that Microsoft 365 offers different subscription plans that may be more convenient for your needs.

What's new in Office 2021?

Office 2021 includes new features that make it easier to collaboratively author documents and share files, as well as improvements in ink recording, presenter video recording, modern commenting and more. It offers a number of improvements and features that were not previously available.

All applications in the suite have received performance improvements as well as a significant stylistic overhaul. Key changes include support for the OpenDocument Format (ODF), new Excel tools such as the XMATCH function, new presentation recording, laser pointer recording, integration with Microsoft Teams, improved search and improved Outlook translation functions.

Users will also benefit from a new intelligent search box from Microsoft in Office programmes, which is designed to make searching easier.

Visual renewal

In keeping with Windows 11, Office's new, simple visual elements provide a cohesive user experience. Each application works well with softer window corners and integrates the neutral colour palette of Windows 11.

New, redesigned tabs and updated graphics help you keep track of meetings and agendas. Experience a minimalist design with monolithic iconography, a neutral colour scheme and softer window corners.

These updates communicate what's happening and include features with easy-to-understand graphics. Whether you are a student, home worker or entrepreneur, the latest version is perfect for you.

Improved real-time co-authoring

Collaboration is enhanced by real-time co-authoring, which means you can work on the same document with other people at the same time. As all participants are notified when a file is updated, there is no need to send additional notes or emails.

When working together on a document, co-authors can use the new, consistent comment function to send comments between individual participants. This allows your team to collaborate better in applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.

Please note that real-time co-authoring is not possible in Office LTSC. You may also need a Microsoft account to use this feature in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote and other applications. You can find more co-authoring features in Microsoft 365.

Track and organise effortlessly

Use smaller, more robust formulas to quickly create spreadsheets that update as information changes. Get more accurate information using advanced navigation features or search tools.

Create documents with confidence

Create attractive documents with state-of-the-art graphic design and quickly access the information you need with a wide range of advanced features.

Integration with Microsoft Teams

With the release of Windows 11, Office includes components for Microsoft Teams. You can communicate directly with Teams, share an Office file from your computer with your company and much more.

If your business relies on video calls, direct messaging and quick access to files, you'll love the new integration with Microsoft Teams. Office Home, Business, Office LTSC and Microsoft 365 are expected to benefit from the integration.

Which applications are included in Office 2021?

Office 2021 applications

The open-ended version line includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote and more. Some of them are also known as classic Office applications. All versions include three of the most popular Office applications as well as a variety of additional programmes, depending on the edition purchased. Find out what is included in the suite you want to buy before you buy.

Office is one of those software packages that are useful for everyone, whether they are a business or a private customer. Let's go through in detail the individual applications you get when you buy your Office package.

Microsoft 365 includes a wider range of programmes, but comes with a subscription fee.

Word 2021

This powerful and versatile tool is for writers, professionals in any industry and anyone who wants their documents to look good. It has features like an advanced grammar checker that helps you find even the smallest errors, extensive formatting functions and much more.

The new Microsoft Word is a powerful word processor that can be used for everything from blogging to scientific research. With a complete redesign, the application is more intuitive than ever to make it easier for users to navigate through the menus.

New functions of Word 2021:

• Improved dark mode
• Natural sounding text-to-speech voices
• Modern comments
• Creating a website from the document

After using Word a bit internally, we recommend the new Word to anyone who wants to get work done efficiently. It's easy to get things done, whether you need to write a document for school, work or a personal project. We also particularly like the new icons and elements that are included in the software, which give each file a special visual impact.

Excel 2021

Microsoft Excel is a tool that allows you to manage your daily work, your finances and your data. It allows you to create and edit tables divided into different categories such as finances or addresses. It also allows you to create and display charts with incredible detail.

Excel is a complex product, and we know that. But we can recommend the new Excel 2021 to anyone who needs to analyse data. The user interface has been updated and is now much more intuitive and easier to use, so that even beginners can work with the new Excel formulas. Calculate, visualise and organise all kinds of data, both small and large.

New functions in Excel 2021:

• Many new functions
• Stability improvements
• Best digital colouring

As one of the classic applications, Excel 2021 is included in all versions of the current Office. With support for up to millions of rows and columns, you'll never run into complications when storing and analysing data. With the new update, Excel includes even more commands and functions to help you with your tasks.

PowerPoint 2021

PowerPoint is a user-friendly tool for creative professionals, students and business people. It allows you to create presentations, slideshows and other creative works. It includes hundreds of templates, visual elements, SVG icons and built-in animations to bring your ideas to life.

It is used in many fields, such as education to foster creativity in students and marketing communication to help companies raise their profile. Lobbyists can also use the software when they need professional presentations with graphics, transitions and other visual elements.

New features of PowerPoint 2021:

• More templates
• New transitions and tools
• Extended Office library for scalable vectors, 3D models and more
• Improvements to the pen body and ink functions

With the new PowerPoint, we were able to bring boring and dense presentations to life. The lively animations, the professional elements and especially the included templates make this application the perfect addition to your toolbox.

Outlook 2021

Microsoft Outlook 2021 is almost a stand-alone suite of communication and collaboration tools. It helps you manage your work life (and perhaps your personal life) with comprehensive features. It includes scheduling features, contact details management and task completion records for each conversation - all in one place.

It's easy to see why so many people are switching from other email clients like Gmail or Yahoo! Mail, and after trying it out, we do too.
New functions in Outlook 2021:

• General improvements in implementation
• New Microsoft search function
• Newly designed interface

The future of email is now. In today's fast-paced world, many people rely on Outlook to keep in touch with friends and family, colleagues and clients, and Microsoft has released version 2021, which takes this functionality to the next level. With the release of Outlook 2021, users can do much more than ever before.

Project 2021

What is the big idea? It's a long-term plan for success that starts now. Microsoft Project 2021 was launched to help you stay on top of your game with tools that give every manager in your organisation the best chance to turn ideas into reality.

Microsoft Project 2021 is a project planning software that allows you to plan your work in advance. Companies of all sizes and industries can use this tool. From large construction companies with tight schedules to small businesses without a clearly defined project management process.

Determine accurate time estimates based on previous data. Use the power of artificial intelligence to make predictions and track tasks. Track progress towards your goals. Project offers everything you need for your management.

Please note that Microsoft Project 2021 is only available for PCs and is not included in Office Home.

Access 2021

Microsoft Access allows you to create and manage databases. It is designed for people who need to work with large amounts of data, especially in the business world where accurate records are essential.

It can be used, for example, to keep inventories, customer lists or even to record employee attendance times.

With the new version, many companies are switching to Access 2021 because it offers much more flexibility than other software on the market. Especially considering how easy it is to upgrade and get instant access to the latest technology, even if your projects are running on an older version of Access.

Please note that Microsoft Access 2021 is only available for PCs and is not included in Office Home.

Advantages and disadvantages of Office 2021

Microsoft's Office suite is the world's most popular suite of applications, but that doesn't mean it can do everything. Like any other product or service in life, it has some pros and cons - here are the top five to think about before using Microsoft's latest products!

Advantages:

• Once purchased, it can be used indefinitely.
• The most stable and powerful version of Office
• Clean interface with a less steep learning curve
• Complete and seamless experience
• All functions are available offline

Disadvantages:

• Some automation functions are annoying
• No access to function extensions without purchasing a new suite
• Some functions are difficult to find in the menus.
• Limited availability of supplements
• No real-time cooperation

Microsoft Office 2021: Success or Failure? (Explained)

Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions about the current Office suite.

Has Microsoft Office 2021 already been released?: The successor to Office 2019 was announced at the end of October along with Windows 11, Office 2021 is available now.

Is Microsoft Office 2021 free?: No. The price for Office 2021 starts at €579.00 if you buy it directly from Microsoft, or you can get it at a reduced price if you are a student. If you want to buy it cheap, check out the Licendi Shop, where we sell Office 2021 at a reduced price, among other things.

Do I need a subscription for Office 2021?: Office 2021 is available without a subscription. Microsoft 365 requires a subscription starting at €54.99.

Is Office 2021 available for Mac?: Yes, Office 2021 is available for Mac. For more information, see the Microsoft Office for Mac page.

What are the system requirements for Microsoft Office 2021?: The system requirements for Microsoft Office 2021 are as follows:

• CPU: 1 GHz dual core processor
• GPU: DirectX 9 or higher with WDDM 2.0 or higher
• Memory: 4 GB RAM
• Storage space: 4 GB available storage space
• Display: Screen resolution 1280×768
• Browser: Current version of Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, Safari, Chrome or Firefox
• .NET version: Some functions require .NET 4.6 or higher.
• Other: Some Outlook features require Microsoft Edge WebView2 and some features may require a Microsoft account.

Is it worth upgrading to Office 2021?

Office 2021 might be the best application suite for those who need applications such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint. The downside is that the upfront costs are likely to be high, as the one-off purchase is a fairly high price. The same-day delivery and the fact that there are no additional costs make it an attractive proposition if you have a limited budget but want long-term solutions.

Can I buy a standalone version of Excel 2021?

Yes, you can buy standalone versions of all Office applications for Windows and Mac. Search for the application in the Microsoft Store or browse our Licendi catalogue. Please note that Access, Visio and Project are only available for Windows.

Final considerations

Office is an impressive software package that can support your business in many ways. We hope you found this article useful and informative. When you are ready to buy, visit the Licendi Shop where you can get the latest version of Office at great prices.

If you have any questions or need help with Office 2021, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are happy to answer any questions you may have. Please contact us by email, live chat and phone any day of the week.

Get the best price on all the products we offer at Licendi. Want to learn more about new products? Visit our blog page for more regularly updated technical articles.

Do you have any questions?

Our support team will help you 24/7.

Write us a comment or give us a call.

Greetings,

Your Licendi team.