Microsoft Office 2021 Review: Pros, How to Use, Alternatives

When it comes to office software suites, Microsoft Office is the gold standard. However, with different versions available, it can be confusing to decide which one is right for you. In this article, we'll cut through the noise and explain why Microsoft Office 2021 is the smart choice for anyone looking for a reliable, powerful, and customizable productivity suite.

Comparison between Microsoft Office 2021 VS Microsoft 365

A table comparing  Microsoft Office 2021 and Microsoft 365

Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you don't need the latest features or cloud storage and prefer to pay a higher upfront cost, Microsoft Office 2021 may be the right choice. However, if you need access to the latest features and want the added convenience of cloud storage, Microsoft 365 may be the way to go.

The 3 Reasons that You Should Buy Microsoft Office 2021

1. One-time purchase, lifetime use licensing

   One of the biggest advantages of Microsoft Office 2021 is that it is a one-time purchase with a lifetime license. This means that you can buy it once and use it as long as you want, without any ongoing subscription fees. For those who prefer to make a one-time investment in their software, Microsoft Office 2021 is the perfect choice.

2. Microsoft Office 2021 is probably the last one of one-time purchase series

   Microsoft has been shifting its focus towards the subscription-based Microsoft 365 in recent years, which means that Microsoft Office 2021 is likely the last of the one-time purchase series. If you prefer the traditional licensing model and don't want to be forced into a subscription-based service, now is the time to buy Microsoft Office 2021.

3. Microsoft Office 2021 has covered almost all your daily needs

   Microsoft Office 2021 includes all the essential applications you need for your daily work, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Outlook. These applications are widely used and trusted by individuals and organizations around the world, making Microsoft Office 2021 a reliable and versatile choice for all your office needs.

Microsoft Office 2021 is a great option for those who prefer a one-time purchase with lifetime use licensing, don't want to be forced into a subscription-based service, and need reliable and versatile office applications for their daily work. Consider buying Microsoft Office 2021 today to take advantage of these benefits and streamline your office workflow.

Comparison of Three Versions of Microsoft Office 2021: Which One to Choose

Microsoft Office 2021 offers three different versions: Home & Student, Home & Business, and Professional. Each version is designed to meet different needs and comes with varying features and pricing.

A table comparing the three versions of Microsoft Office 2021

As you can see, the Home & Student version is the most affordable option and is suitable for home users and students who need the basic Office applications. The Home & Business version is slightly more expensive but includes Outlook, making it a better fit for home-based businesses.

Finally, the Professional version includes all the applications from the Home & Business version as well as Publisher and Access, making it suitable for small businesses and advanced users who need those additional programs.

It's important to note that these prices are for a one-time purchase of the software, which means you'll receive lifetime use licensing.

What’s new for Microsoft Office 2021?

Microsoft Office 2021 has introduced several new features and enhancements to the popular productivity suite. Some of the key updates include:

1. Improved collaboration and communication tools, such as real-time co-authoring and mentions in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

2. New data analysis features in Excel, including dynamic arrays, XLOOKUP, and Power Query enhancements.

3. Enhanced performance and accessibility across the entire suite of applications.

4. New design and customization options, including modernized ribbons and Dark Mode support.

Overall, these updates make Microsoft Office 2021 a powerful and efficient tool for productivity and collaboration.

How to Download Microsoft Office 2021 for PC and Mac

Download Microsoft Office for PC and Mac

Here are the steps to download Microsoft Office for PC and Mac:

1. Go to the official Microsoft website.

2. Select "Office" from the top menu.

3. Choose "Products" and select the version of Office you want to download.

4. Click on "Buy now" or "Try for free" depending on whether you want to purchase it or try it out first.

5. Follow the prompts to create an account or sign in to an existing one.

6. Provide the necessary payment information or select the free trial.You can try Microsoft office 2021 professional plus trial download

7. Click "Download" and choose the appropriate version for your system (PC or Mac).

8. Wait for the download to complete.

Install and Activate Microsoft Office 2021 for PC and Mac

Installing and activating Microsoft Office 2021 on your PC or Mac is a straightforward process. Here are the steps you need to follow:

1. Run the installer: Open the file you just downloaded and run the installer. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation process.

2. Activate your copy of Microsoft Office 2021: After the installation is complete, open any Office application (Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and you will be prompted to activate your copy of Microsoft Office. Enter the product key that came with your purchase, and click "Activate".

3. Sign in to your Microsoft account: If you purchased a subscription to Microsoft Office 2021, you will need to sign in to your Microsoft account to activate your subscription. Enter your login credentials, and follow the on-screen prompts to activate your subscription.

Congratulations! You have now successfully installed and activated Microsoft Office 2021 on your PC or Mac.

Why can't I install Microsoft Office 2021?

There could be several reasons why you might not be able to install Microsoft Office 2021. Here are some of the possible reasons and solutions:

1. Incompatible operating system:

   → Check the system requirements and make sure your device meets them.

2. Corrupted installation files:

   → Download a fresh copy of the installation file and try again.

3. Insufficient disk space:

   → Free up some space on your hard drive and try again.

4. Firewall or antivirus software:

   → Temporarily disable them and try again.

5. Conflicting versions of Office:

   → Uninstall the older version and try again.

6. Improper administrative rights:

   → Contact your system administrator to get administrative rights

If you are unable to install Office 2021, there are several free alternatives to choose from, such as Google Drive and WPSOffice. These options offer similar functionality to Office and are compatible with a range of devices and operating systems.

Best Alternatives to Microsoft Office 2021

WPS Office

• Introduction: If you are looking for a free alternative to Microsoft Office 2021, then WPS Office could be an excellent choice. WPS Office is a popular office suite that offers a variety of functions and features, and it is compatible with various platforms.

• Functions: WPS Office includes a word processor, a spreadsheet program, and a presentation maker. The word processor, called Writer, is similar to Microsoft Word, while the spreadsheet program, called Spreadsheets, is similar to Microsoft Excel. The presentation maker, called Presentation, is similar to Microsoft PowerPoint. WPS Office also provides additional features such as PDF support, templates, and cloud integration.

• Compatibility: WPS Office is compatible with all Windows versions, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux, making it a versatile choice for users who work on different devices.

• Price: WPS Office is free for basic functions, but payment is required for advanced functions such as cloud storage, PDF converter, and OCR recognition. The payment is a one-time fee and is relatively affordable compared to other office suite software.

• Pros: WPS Office provides free online use on the official website and a 7-day free trial for advanced functions. The interface of WPS Office is similar to Microsoft Office, making it easy for users to learn how to use it. Additionally, WPS Office is available in over 40 languages, making it accessible to users around the world.

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• Use Word, Excel, and PPT for FREE, No Ads.

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• Microsoft-like interface. Easy to learn. 100% Compatibility.

• Boost your productivity with WPS's abundant free Word, Excel, PPT, and CV templates.

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Google Drive

• Introduction: Google Drive is a cloud-based service offered by Google that provides users with a suite of productivity tools, including word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and more. It is a popular alternative to Microsoft Office 2021, especially for those who need to collaborate with others remotely.

• Functions: Google Drive includes a word processor (Google Docs), a spreadsheet application (Google Sheets), a presentation tool (Google Slides), and various other productivity tools such as forms, drawings, and more. It also allows for real-time collaboration, commenting, and version history.

• Compatibility: Google Drive is compatible with all major web browsers and can be accessed on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS devices. It requires an internet connection to use.

• Price: Google Drive is free to use for individuals with a Google account, with limited storage space. For larger storage space, Google offers various pricing plans, including a monthly subscription for individuals or businesses.

• Pros: One of the biggest advantages of Google Drive is its collaboration features, making it easy to work with others in real-time, even from remote locations. It is also free to use for individuals with basic features and has affordable pricing plans for larger storage space. Additionally, it is easy to access from any device with an internet connection and has a user-friendly interface.

FAQs about Microsoft Office 2021

Can I use Microsoft Office 2021 on my mobile device?

Yes, you can use Microsoft Office 2021 on your mobile device. Microsoft has versions of its Office apps available for both iOS and Android devices.

What are the security features in Microsoft Office 2021?

Microsoft Office 2021 includes various security features such as Data Loss Prevention (DLP) tools, Information Rights Management (IRM), and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) options to help protect your data and documents.

Is Microsoft Office 2021 64 bit free download?

It is a one-time purchase software with different pricing options for different versions. There is no Microsoft office 2021 free download, neither 64 nor 32 bit version.

Why did I fail to upgrade Office 2021 to Microsoft 365?

There could be several reasons why you failed to upgrade Office 2021 to Microsoft 365, such as network connection issues, insufficient storage space, or an incompatible operating system. You can check the system requirements for Microsoft 365 and make sure your device meets them before attempting to upgrade.

Final Thought on 3 Reasons to Choose Microsoft Office 2021

In conclusion, Microsoft Office 2021 is a great option for those who are looking for a one-time purchase with lifetime use. It has covered almost all daily needs, making it a convenient and reliable choice. Additionally, with its new features and updates, it can help improve productivity and efficiency.

However, for those who are looking for a free alternative, WPS Office is also a great option. It offers basic functions for free and advanced functions for a reasonable price. Its compatibility with various operating systems makes it an accessible and versatile option.

Ultimately, the decision of which office software suite to choose depends on individual needs and preferences. Whether it is Microsoft Office 2021 or WPS Office, they both have their unique strengths and benefits.