In today's digital world, Microsoft Office is a crucial tool for many tasks at home and work. But, can you make it work without needing a Microsoft account? Some folks wonder about this due to privacy or personal reasons. In this article, we'll answer that question and show you other ways to set up MS Office 2021.
Part 1: What is Microsoft Office 2021?
Microsoft Office 2021 is a suite of productivity software that includes applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, and more. It allows users to create, edit, share, and collaborate on various types of documents, spreadsheets, presentations, emails, notes, and other files.
Microsoft Office 2021 is available for Windows and Mac computers, as well as for mobile devices running iOS and Android.
Features
Here are some of the specific features of each of the Office 2021 applications:
Word : Create pro docs with Insights for web research and Design Ideas for design tips.
Excel : Analyze data effortlessly with XLOOKUP and Dynamic Arrays for data arrays.
PowerPoint : Craft sleek presentations with Morph for animations and Zoom for slide zooming.
Outlook : Organize email, calendar, and tasks with Focused Inbox and Calendar Insights for trends.
OneNote : Take notes, collaborate with Ink Replay for note review and Shared Notebooks for teamwork.
Here are some notable features and improvements in Microsoft Office 2021:
Co-author documents
Collaborate in real-time on the same document, eliminating the need for extra communication when changes are made.
Modern comments
Enhance collaboration with a consistent commenting experience in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Visual refresh
Enjoy a modernized Start experience and updated ribbon tabs for a cleaner and more intuitive interface.
Dynamic arrays
Accelerate calculations and insights in Excel with new functions like FILTER, SORT, and UNIQUE.
LET and XMATCH functions
Assign names to calculation results and search for specified items with XMATCH in Excel.
Sheet views
Create customized views in an Excel worksheet without disturbing others.
Accessibility ribbon
Access tools to create accessible content conveniently in Excel.
Record Slide Show enhancements
Record presenter video, ink, and laser pointer in PowerPoint presentations.
Ink Replay
Apply Replay or Rewind animation to ink objects in PowerPoint.
Link to a slide
Easily direct colleagues to specific slides in PowerPoint presentations.
Outlook Translator Add-In
Translate emails into over 70 languages within Outlook and annotate email images.
Dark Mode in Word
Experience a dark canvas in Word documents for reduced eye strain.
Line Focus
Navigate Word documents line by line for improved comprehension.
Microsoft 365 Premium Creative Content
Access a library of rich media content in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Visio.
Microsoft Search
Quickly find what you need across Microsoft 365 apps on Windows.
Accessibility Checker
Monitor document accessibility and receive alerts in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Performance improvements
Enjoy enhanced speed and stability in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Updated Draw tab
Access and customize inking tools more efficiently in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Auto-save to OneDrive
Automatically save file updates to OneDrive, OneDrive for Business, or SharePoint Online.
Support for OpenDocument format (ODF) 1.3
Added support for the ODF 1.3 specification in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Linked Table Manager
Manage data sources and linked tables in Access more effectively.
Date/Time Extended data type in Access
Implement the SQL DateTime2 data type for improved accuracy.
Tab management in Access
Easily organize and navigate database objects in Access.
New Azure stencils and shapes in Visio
Expanded options for creating Azure diagrams in Visio.
New AWS stencils and shapes in Visio
Access infrastructure shapes from Amazon Web Services (AWS) for diagram creation.
Social distancing planning in the workplace
Utilize Visio templates and stencils for workplace re-planning to adhere to social distancing guidelines.
Sketched style outline
Add a casual, hand-drawn look to shapes in presentations in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Hex color input
Enter Hex color values directly in the Colors dialog for improved color selection in various Office apps.
Pricing
Office 2021 is a one-time purchase and Microsoft Office 2021 offers two options:
Office Home and Student 2021: Priced at $149.99/£119.99, this budget-friendly package includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Microsoft Teams, catering to both PC and Mac users.
Office Home and Business 2021: At $249.99/£249.99, this package offers the same apps as the Home and Student version, with the valuable additions of Outlook for email management and the flexibility for commercial usage.
Part 2: What are the Pros and Cons of Microsoft Office 2021?
Pros:
One-time Purchase: Pay once, use forever, no subscription fees.
Powerful Suite: Offers robust tools for various tasks.
Web and Mobile Access: Use Office apps on different devices.
Offline Work: All features function without an internet connection.
Familiar Interface: No new learning curve for existing users.
Cross-Platform: Compatible with Windows 10, 11, and macOS.
Cons:
Word Automation Challenges: Some find Word's automation intrusive.
Outlook Complexity: Outlook can be overwhelming due to its many features.
Hidden Features: Certain functions are hard to find in menus.
No Customer Support: Lacks dedicated support.
Limited Collaboration: Not suitable for real-time collaboration.
Part 3: Can I activate Microsoft Office 2021 without a Microsoft account?
For those seeking to activate Microsoft Office 2021 without a Microsoft account, please be aware that there doesn't seem to be an official or supported method to do so. Microsoft typically requires a Microsoft account for activation. Beware of unofficial or third-party methods, as they may pose security risks and may not be legal.
To ensure a secure and legitimate activation, it's best to follow Microsoft's official procedures, which involve a valid product key and a Microsoft account. This approach ensures compliance with licensing agreements and provides access to updates and support from Microsoft.
Part 4: How to activate Microsoft Office 2021 in other methods?
Method 1: Using Product Key
Step 1: Begin by visiting office.com/setup and sign in using your Microsoft account credentials.
Step 2: Input the 25-character product key that came with your purchase.
Step 3: Choose your country and preferred language, then proceed by clicking "Next."
Step 4: You will be directed to the Microsoft Services and Subscriptions Page.
Step 5: On this page, locate the product you have just activated and click on "Install" to initiate the setup download.
Step 6: Execute the setup file to install Office on your computer.
Step 7: When prompted, log in using the same Microsoft account.
This is the official and supported way to activate Microsoft Office 2021. If you have a product key, this is the method that I recommend.
Method 2: Using Office Activation Wizard
When a copy of Office expires or is not activated, the Activation Wizard will prompt you. If you've changed hardware, this wizard can help resolve activation issues.
Follow the prompts in the Activation Wizard. You can choose to activate over the internet or contact Microsoft Support for phone activation.
The Office Activation Wizard is a tool that Microsoft provides to help you activate your Office installation. This method is also official and supported by Microsoft.
Method 3: Using KMS Activators
Step 1: Commence by downloading the KMSPico tool from a reputable source you trust.
Step 2: Unzip the downloaded file and run the KMSPico.exe application with administrator privileges.
Step 3: Patiently wait as the user interface loads, and then click on the "Active Office" option to initiate the activation process.
Step 4: Allow the activation to conclude. You should eventually see a confirmation message reading "Successfully Activated."
KMS activators are third-party tools that can be used to activate Microsoft Office (including Office 2010-Office 2016, Office 2019-Office 2021) without a product key. However, these tools are often not reliable and can be risky to use. There is a risk that they may contain malware or viruses. Additionally, Microsoft may eventually block these tools, making them unusable.
Part 5: Best Alternatives to Microsoft Office 2021 - WPS Office
WPS Office is a free office suite that allows you to open, create, edit, and save Microsoft Office files, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. It is fully compatible with Windows and Mac operating systems, and it also has a powerful PDF toolkit that lets you convert, compress, split, merge, and sign PDF files.
Pros
Free and Compatible: WPS Office offers free access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint and PDF alternatives. It's compatible with Microsoft Office files for seamless work.
Template Variety: WPS Office provides a diverse template store for various document types, saving time on document creation.
Rich Features: It boasts an array of features such as grammar checking, thesaurus, and drawing tools for versatile document editing.
Lightweight: WPS Office is resource-efficient, making it suitable for older or low-spec computers.
Online Document Support: You can access your documents online from anywhere with an internet connection, facilitating work across devices.
Safe and Stable: Independently tested and proven free of malware and viruses, WPS Office offers a secure and reliable office suite.
Here's a comparison of WPS Office and Microsoft Office 2021:
Feature | WPS Office | Microsoft Office 2021 |
Cost | Free with powerful features | One-time purchase or subscription |
Compatibility | Opens and saves Microsoft Office files | Native Microsoft Office formats |
PDF Toolkit | Robust PDF toolkit for editing and more | Limited PDF capabilities |
Rich Templates | Extensive template store | Templates available but fewer |
Online Access | Supports online documents | No built-in online access |
Resource Efficiency | Lightweight, suitable for older devices | Resource-intensive, may require more |
Security | Generally secure, ad-supported in free version | Ad-free, well-established security |
WPS Office is a good option for users who are looking for a free or affordable alternative to Microsoft Office. It is also a good option for users who need to work on documents in multiple languages. WPS Office is not as feature-rich as Microsoft Office, but it has the essential tools that most users need.
Here are some of the people who may find WPS Office to be a good fit:
Individuals: WPS Office is a good option for individuals who need to create basic documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.
Small businesses: WPS Office is a good option for small businesses that are looking for a cost-effective productivity suite.
Students: WPS Office is a good option for students who are looking for a free or affordable alternative to Microsoft Office.
People who need to work in multiple languages: WPS Office is a good option for people who need to work on documents in multiple languages.
How to free download the WPS Office?
To free download WPS Office, you can follow these steps:
Step 1Go to the WPS Office website
Step 2 Click on the "Free Download" button.
Step 3 WPS Office will be automatically downloaded in your device
Step 4 Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the download.
FAQs
Do I need to purchase a product key to activate Office 2021?
Yes, you must obtain a legitimate product key to activate Office 2021 properly. It's important to steer clear of any unauthorized or pirated activation methods to ensure the security and functionality of your software.
Can I use Office 2021 without an internet connection after activation?
Absolutely! Once you've successfully activated Office 2021, you can confidently work offline without any connectivity requirements. This provides you with the flexibility and convenience to use the software wherever you are, even in offline environments.
Summary
In conclusion, while the digital landscape continues to evolve, Microsoft Office 2021 remains a powerful tool for productivity. However, the article sheds light on the fact that activating MS Office 2021 without a Microsoft account is not officially supported. Users are urged to exercise caution and refrain from using unauthorized or potentially risky activation methods.
Additionally, WPS Office, a free alternative, is introduced. It offers compatibility with Microsoft Office files, a rich template store, and resource efficiency, making it suitable for various users, including individuals, small businesses, students, and multilingual users.
