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Office 2024 vs Office 2021: Complete Comparison

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Choosing between Microsoft Office 2024 and Office 2021 can seem like a complicated decision, especially when both versions offer the most widely used productivity tools in the world. In this comprehensive guide, we will analyze in depth the differences, advantages, and disadvantages of each version to help you make the best decision based on your specific needs.

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Microsoft Office remains the industry standard for working with documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and email. With the release of Office 2024, many users wonder if it's worth upgrading from Office 2021 or if the previous version remains a viable option. Throughout this article, we will answer these questions with a detailed and objective analysis.

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Whether you're a professional looking to maximize productivity, a company needing to equip your team, or a home user wanting the best tools for daily tasks, this comparison will provide you with all the necessary information to make an informed decision.

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Unlike Microsoft 365, which operates on a monthly or annual subscription model, both Office 2024 and Office 2021 offer perpetual licenses. This means you pay once and can use the software indefinitely, without worrying about renewals or recurring payments. For many users and businesses, this model represents a significant advantage in terms of cost control and administrative simplicity.

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In this analysis, we will cover all relevant aspects: from differences in user interface and performance, to specific features of each application, including security considerations, compatibility, price, and technical support. By the end of this guide, you will have a clear vision of which version best suits your particular situation.

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Introduction to Microsoft Office 2024 and Office 2021

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Before diving into the specific differences, it's important to understand the context of each version and its position in the Microsoft ecosystem.

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What is Microsoft Office 2021

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Microsoft Office 2021 was released in October 2021 as the most recent one-time purchase version before Office 2024. This version represents a significant upgrade from Office 2019, incorporating many of the features that had been gradually introduced in Microsoft 365 during the previous years.

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Office 2021 was designed with both home users and professionals in mind who prefer a perpetual license model instead of a subscription. It includes the classic applications: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and depending on the edition, also OneNote, Publisher, and Access.

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What is Microsoft Office 2024

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Microsoft Office 2024, released in October 2024, is the most recent iteration of the productivity suite with a perpetual license. This version incorporates three additional years of development and improvements, including artificial intelligence functionalities, better performance, and a more modern interface.

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Office 2024 continues the tradition of offering a one-time payment alternative to the Microsoft 365 subscription model, making it an attractive option for those who prefer to avoid recurring payments.

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Main Differences Between Office 2024 and Office 2021

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Let's analyze the most significant differences between both versions so you can evaluate which one best suits your needs.

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User Interface and Design

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Office 2024 presents a renewed interface that reflects Microsoft's Fluent Design language. The most notable changes include:

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• Rounded corners: All interface elements adopt the visual style of Windows 11 with softened corners.
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• New color palette: More vibrant colors and better contrast to reduce eye strain.
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• Simplified toolbar: Redesigned icons and more intuitive organization of functions.
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• Improved dark mode: A more consistent and pleasant dark mode for the eyes.
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Office 2021, although functional, maintains the design introduced in previous versions with some minor refinements. The interface is perfectly usable but feels less modern in direct comparison.

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Performance and Optimization

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Performance is an area where Office 2024 shows significant improvements:

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• Faster startup: Office 2024 applications start 15-20% faster thanks to code optimizations.
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• Better memory management: More efficient use of RAM, especially noticeable when working with large files.
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• Modern processor compatibility: Specific optimizations for 12th generation Intel processors and later, and AMD Ryzen 7000 series.
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• Improved ARM support: Better native performance on devices with ARM processors like Surface Pro X.
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Office 2021 offers solid performance but lacks these specific optimizations for more recent hardware.

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Comparison of Main Applications

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Let's see how individual applications compare between both versions.

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Microsoft Word: Word Processing

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New in Office 2024:

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• Writing assistant with improved style suggestions
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• New professional and modern templates
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• Better PDF support including basic editing
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• Improved voice dictation with greater accuracy
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• Integrated translation in more than 70 languages
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• Smart search with contextual results
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Features in Office 2021:

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• Complete editor with all essential tools
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• Co-authoring in shared documents
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• OpenDocument format support
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• Review and comment tools
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• Varied templates although less updated
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Microsoft Excel: Spreadsheets

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New in Office 2024:

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• 14 new spreadsheet functions including TEXTSPLIT, VSTACK, and HSTACK
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• Significant improvements in Power Query for data analysis
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• Dynamic charts with more customization options
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• Improved performance with large data sets (over 1 million rows)
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• New connected data types
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• Improved dynamic array formulas
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Features in Office 2021:

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• XLOOKUP, XMATCH, and LET functions
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• Dynamic arrays
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• Real-time co-authoring
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• Funnel and map charts
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• Basic Power Query
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If you work intensively with data and analysis, the improvements in Excel 2024 represent a significant upgrade. For users with basic or intermediate needs, Excel 2021 remains perfectly capable.

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Microsoft PowerPoint: Presentations

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New in Office 2024:

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• Presentation recording with integrated presenter video
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• New transitions and visual effects
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• Designer with smarter layout suggestions
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• 4K video export
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• Real-time automatic subtitles during presentations
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• Expanded 3D icon library
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Features in Office 2021:

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• Morph and Zoom for dynamic presentations
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• Basic presentation recording
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• Designer with automatic suggestions
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• HD video export
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• 3D icons and graphics
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Microsoft Outlook: Email and Calendar

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New in Office 2024:

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• Inbox with improved intelligent prioritization
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• Faster and more accurate search
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• Improved integration with Microsoft Teams
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• New interface customization options
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• Better attachment management with preview
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• Automatic reply suggestions
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Features in Office 2021:

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• Focused inbox
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• Integrated calendar with reminders
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• Improved search
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• Support for multiple accounts
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• Advanced rules and filters
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System Requirements

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Technical requirements are an important factor to consider, especially if your equipment is not the latest generation.

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Office 2024 Requirements

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• Operating system: Windows 10 version 2004 or later, Windows 11
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• Processor: 1.1 GHz or faster, dual-core
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• RAM: 4 GB minimum
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• Disk space: 4 GB available
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• Display: 1280 x 768 resolution
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• Graphics: DirectX 9 or later with WDDM 2.0
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Office 2021 Requirements

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• Operating system: Windows 10, Windows 11
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• Processor: 1.1 GHz or faster, dual-core
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• RAM: 4 GB minimum
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• Disk space: 4 GB available
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• Display: 1280 x 768 resolution
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• Graphics: DirectX 9 or later with WDDM 2.0
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The requirements are very similar, although Office 2024 is officially not compatible with older versions of Windows 10. If you have an updated operating system, both versions will work without problems.

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Licensing and Price

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The licensing model is identical for both versions, which facilitates price comparison.

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Available License Types

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Both Office 2024 and Office 2021 are available in the following editions:

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• Home and Student: Includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint. Ideal for home use and students.
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• Home and Business: Adds Outlook to the basic applications. Suitable for small businesses and freelancers.
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• Professional Plus: The most complete edition with all applications including Access and Publisher.
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Advantages of Perpetual License

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Both versions offer perpetual license, which means:

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• One-time payment: No monthly or annual fees.
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• Indefinite use: The license doesn't expire as long as the operating system is compatible.
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• No internet dependency: Works completely offline after activation.
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• Security updates: You receive security patches during the product's lifecycle.
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At Licendi, we offer both versions at very competitive prices. You can purchase your Office 2024 Professional Plus license or if you prefer the previous version, we also have Office 2021 Professional Plus at an excellent price.

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Support and Updates

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The support cycle is a crucial consideration for business environments and users who need long-term stability. Microsoft clearly defines the support periods for each version, allowing you to plan ahead.

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It's important to understand the difference between mainstream support and extended support. During mainstream support, Microsoft provides security updates, bug fixes, and occasionally minor new features. During extended support, only critical security updates are provided, without functional improvements.

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For business environments, using software without active support can represent a significant security risk and, in some regulated sectors, may even violate regulatory compliance requirements. Therefore, the support cycle should be an important factor in your decision.

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Support for Office 2024

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Microsoft has confirmed the following support cycle for Office 2024:

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• Mainstream support: Until October 2029 (5 years)
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• Extended support: Until October 2034 (5 additional years)
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• Security updates: Throughout the support period
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• Feature updates: Only during mainstream support
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Support for Office 2021

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The support cycle for Office 2021 is as follows:

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• Mainstream support: Until October 2026
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• Extended support: Until October 2026 (Microsoft didn't offer extended support)
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• Security updates: Until end of support
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This is a significant difference. Office 2021 has a shorter support cycle, meaning it will stop receiving security updates several years before Office 2024. For business users or those planning to use the software long-term, this can be a decisive factor.

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Collaboration Features

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In the modern work environment, the ability to collaborate efficiently is fundamental.

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Collaboration in Office 2024

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• Improved real-time co-authoring with lower latency
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• Comments and mentions with notifications
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• Accessible version history
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• Optimized integration with OneDrive and SharePoint
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• Share files directly from applications
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• Real-time presence showing who is editing
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Collaboration in Office 2021

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• Basic co-authoring when files are in the cloud
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• Comments and track changes
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• Sharing via OneDrive
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• Limited version history
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Both versions allow collaboration, but Office 2024 offers a smoother experience with more options, especially when working with distributed teams.

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Security and Privacy

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Document and data security is a priority in any professional environment.

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Security Features in Office 2024

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• Improved encryption: Updated encryption algorithms for protected documents
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• Protection against malicious macros: Automatic blocking of macros from untrusted sources
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• Improved Protected View: More robust sandbox for downloaded files
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• Information Rights Management: Granular control over who can view, edit, or print documents
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• Data Loss Prevention: Tools to identify and protect sensitive information
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Security Features in Office 2021

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• Password document encryption
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• Protected View for external files
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• Macro settings by trust levels
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• Basic Information Rights Management
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Office 2024 incorporates security improvements developed in response to more recent threats, making it more robust against modern attacks. This is especially important for companies handling sensitive information or operating in sectors with high security requirements such as finance, healthcare, or government.

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Additionally, Office 2024 includes improvements in phishing detection in Outlook, with smarter filters that identify suspicious emails before they reach your main inbox. Protection against malicious links has also been strengthened, verifying links in real-time when you click on them.

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Another important aspect is the management of digital certificates and electronic signatures. Office 2024 supports the latest digital signature standards, facilitating compliance with regulations like eIDAS in Europe or similar requirements in other jurisdictions.

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File Compatibility

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Compatibility between versions and with other formats is essential for collaborative work.

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Supported Formats

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Both versions support the same main formats:

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• Native formats: DOCX, XLSX, PPTX, etc.
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• Legacy formats: DOC, XLS, PPT (Office 97-2003)
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• OpenDocument: ODT, ODS, ODP
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• PDF: Export and viewing (basic editing only in 2024)
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• Others: RTF, TXT, CSV, HTML
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Compatibility Between Versions

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Files created in Office 2024 are fully compatible with Office 2021 and vice versa. However, some specific features of 2024 may not display correctly in 2021:

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• New chart types may convert to static versions
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• Some Excel functions may show compatibility errors
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• Advanced visual effects may be simplified
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For most standard business documents, compatibility is complete and transparent.

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Office 2024 vs Office 2021: Which One to Choose

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Based on all the analysis above, here are our recommendations according to different user profiles.

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Choose Office 2024 if:

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• You need long-term support (until 2034)
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• You work with large files and need the best performance
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• You value the latest Excel features for data analysis
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• You want the most modern and updated interface
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• Advanced security is a priority for your organization
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• You plan to use the software for many years
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• Your hardware is relatively recent
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Choose Office 2021 if:

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• You have a tighter budget
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• You don't need the latest features and the current version covers your needs
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• Your software renewal cycle is 3-4 years
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• You seek proven stability over novelties
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• Your team is already familiar with the 2021 interface
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• You don't work with extremely large data sets
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Consider Microsoft 365 if:

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• You always need the most updated version
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• You require included cloud storage (1TB in OneDrive)
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• You use multiple devices and need simultaneous installations
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• You value the most advanced AI features like Copilot
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• The subscription model fits your monthly budget
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Installation and Activation Process

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Both Office 2024 and Office 2021 follow a similar installation process:

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1. Download: Obtain the installer from the official site or through the product key
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2. Installation: Run the installer and follow the instructions
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3. Activation: Enter the product key to activate the license
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4. Configuration: Customize the initial options of each application
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The complete process takes approximately 15-30 minutes depending on your internet connection speed and your equipment's characteristics.

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Migration from Previous Versions

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If you're upgrading from a previous version of Office, consider these aspects:

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• Settings: Personalized preferences are generally preserved
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• Add-ins: Some third-party add-ins may require updating
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• Templates: Custom templates continue to work
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• Macros: Existing macros are compatible, although some may need adjustments
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• Outlook data files: PST and OST files migrate automatically
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We recommend backing up your important files before any software update.

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Alternatives to Consider

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Although Microsoft Office dominates the market, there are alternatives that may be suitable for some users:

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• LibreOffice: Free and open-source suite with good compatibility
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• Google Workspace: Cloud solution with integrated collaboration
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• WPS Office: Economical alternative with interface similar to Microsoft Office
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• Apple iWork: For users in the Apple ecosystem
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However, for professional environments where compatibility and advanced features are critical, Microsoft Office remains the most recommended option.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Can I install Office 2024 and Office 2021 on the same computer?

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Technically it's possible but not recommended. Microsoft warns that running multiple Office versions on the same computer can cause conflicts and unexpected behavior. If you need both versions, consider using virtual machines.

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Does Office 2024 include artificial intelligence features like Copilot?

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Office 2024 includes some AI-based improvements like writing suggestions and smart search functions. However, advanced Copilot features are reserved for Microsoft 365 subscribers with the Copilot add-on.

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Can I transfer my Office license to another computer?

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Yes, Office 2024 and 2021 licenses allow transferring the installation to another computer. You must uninstall Office from the original computer before installing it on the new one. The license is for one user on one computer at a time.

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What happens when Office 2021 support ends?

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When support ends in October 2026, Office 2021 will continue to work but will not receive security updates. This may expose your system to vulnerabilities. It's recommended to upgrade to a version with active support before that date.

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Does Office 2024 work on Mac?

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Yes, Microsoft offers Office 2024 for Mac with equivalent functionalities to the Windows version. Requirements include macOS Monterey or later.

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Real Use Scenarios

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To help you better visualize which version is more suitable, let's look at some concrete use scenarios.

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Scenario 1: Small business with 10 employees

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A small consulting firm needs to equip its 10 employees with productivity tools. The budget is limited and they prefer to avoid recurring expenses.

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Recommendation: Office 2021 Professional Plus may be the best option if budget is the main priority. However, if the company plans to use the software for more than 4-5 years, Office 2024 offers better long-term value due to extended support. The additional initial cost is amortized with the extra years of security updates.

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Scenario 2: Financial analyst

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A financial analyst works daily with complex spreadsheets containing hundreds of thousands of rows of data. They need the best possible performance and the most advanced analysis features.

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Recommendation: Office 2024 without a doubt. The new Excel functions like TEXTSPLIT, VSTACK, and HSTACK, along with performance improvements for large data sets, will provide a tangible improvement in daily productivity. The optimizations for modern processors will also make a noticeable difference.

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Scenario 3: University student

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A university student needs Word for writing academic papers, Excel for statistics projects, and PowerPoint for presentations. The budget is very limited.

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Recommendation: Office 2021 Home and Student is probably the best option. It provides all the necessary features for academic work at a more accessible price. By the time support ends in 2026, the student will probably have completed their studies or can evaluate other options.

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Scenario 4: Company with compliance requirements

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A company in the financial or healthcare sector has strict security and regulatory compliance requirements. They need to ensure their software receives security updates for the maximum time possible.

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Recommendation: Office 2024 is the only viable option. Extended support until 2034 guarantees that the company will meet security requirements for a full decade. The built-in security improvements also provide additional protection against modern threats.

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Scenario 5: Casual home user

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A home user who occasionally writes letters, manages a family budget in Excel, and creates presentations for family events. They don't need advanced features.

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Recommendation: Either version will be more than sufficient. The decision can be based solely on the price available at the time of purchase. Even Office 2021 will exceed this user profile's needs.

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Summary Comparison Table

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Below we present a table summarizing the main differences between both versions:

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Feature	Office 2024	Office 2021
End of support	October 2034	October 2026
Modern interface	Yes (Fluent Design)	Partial
New Excel functions	14 new functions	2021 functions
Modern hardware optimization	Yes	No
Advanced security	Enhanced	Standard
Perpetual license	Yes	Yes
4K video export	Yes	HD maximum

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Tips for the Purchase Decision

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Before making your purchase, consider these practical tips:

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Evaluate your current hardware

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If your equipment is more than 5 years old, you may not be able to take full advantage of Office 2024's optimizations for modern hardware. In that case, Office 2021 will work just as well and you could save for a future equipment upgrade.

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Consider your time horizon

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Ask yourself how long you plan to use this software. If your renewal cycle is 2-3 years, Office 2021 may be sufficient. If you prefer to buy once and forget about it for many years, Office 2024 is the best investment.

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Analyze your team's needs

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If you work in a team, make sure everyone uses compatible versions. Mixing Office 2024 and 2021 in a team can cause small inconsistencies in formats and features, although general compatibility is good.

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Take advantage of offers

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License prices can vary significantly between distributors. Buying through authorized resellers like Licendi can mean considerable savings compared to Microsoft's official prices.

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Don't forget support

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Make sure you buy from a distributor that offers post-sale support. If you have problems with installation or activation, having help in your language is invaluable.

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The Future of Microsoft Office

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Microsoft has demonstrated its continued commitment to perpetual license versions, releasing a new version approximately every three years. This means we will probably see Office 2027 in the future, following the same pattern.

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However, it's evident that Microsoft is investing more resources in Microsoft 365, especially with the integration of artificial intelligence features like Copilot. Users of perpetual versions receive a subset of these features, generally the most stable and proven ones.

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For users who don't need to always be on the latest version and prefer stability and predictability in their costs, perpetual versions like Office 2024 and 2021 remain excellent options that Microsoft will continue to support.

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Conclusion

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The choice between Office 2024 and Office 2021 fundamentally depends on your specific needs, budget, and usage time horizon. Office 2024 offers the latest features, better performance, a more modern interface, and a significantly longer support cycle. On the other hand, Office 2021 remains a fully functional suite that can meet the needs of many users at a potentially lower price.

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For business users and those planning to use the software for many years, Office 2024 represents the best long-term investment due to its extended support until 2034. For home users with basic needs or those with a limited budget, Office 2021 remains a viable option for the coming years.

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Regardless of your choice, both versions will provide you with the productivity tools you need to create professional documents, analyze data, design impactful presentations, and manage your email efficiently. Microsoft Office has proven for decades to be the most complete and reliable productivity suite on the market, and both Office 2024 and Office 2021 maintain that legacy of excellence.

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Remember that the decision doesn't have to be permanent. Many users start with Office 2021 and upgrade to Office 2024 when their needs evolve or when they find a good offer. The important thing is to choose a tool that allows you to work efficiently today, while considering your future needs.

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For more information about technical specifications and detailed requirements, you can consult the official Microsoft documentation on system requirements.

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