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The Best Choice for Small Business [Microsoft 365 Business Basic]

August 2, 2023 2.3K views

Are you looking for the best choice when it comes to finding the right software for your business? Microsoft 365 Business Basic is an excellent choice for small business owners. It's easy to use and has many helpful features that make running your business easier.

It has everything you need to keep your business running smoothly. You can use word processing and collaboration tools for email, calendars, and file storage. Plus, it's highly secure, so your business data is safe and secure.

We'll explore why Microsoft 365 Business Basic is the best choice for small businesses and what other options are available.

Let's get started!

What is Microsoft 365 Business Basic?

Microsoft 365 Business Basic is a special software made by Microsoft to help small businesses with their work.

It is like having an office right on your computer! This software has many useful tools to help with things like making documents, sending emails, and even having video meetings.

Microsoft 365 Business Basic can greatly help you as a small business owner. It is easy to use and can save you a lot of time and effort. Plus, it is affordable and won't cost you too much money!

Some people might wonder if Microsoft 365 Business Basic is available for free. Unfortunately, it is not.

But don't worry!

There are other versions of Microsoft 365 available, like Microsoft 365 Business Standard, that you might be interested in.

You can download it online and start using it right away.

Microsoft 365 Basic

Microsoft 365 Basic is a helpful software you can use on your computer. It has many cool features like email, calendars, and online storage. You can either subscribe for a year or try it out for free before making a purchase.

Functions

  • Features

Microsoft 365 Business Basic has many features, including:

  1. Microsoft Teams

  2. Exchange

  3. OneDrive for Business

  • Number of Users

You can have up to 300 users on this plan.

  • Cloud Services

Also, it includes cloud services, like online storage and collaboration tools.

  • Web and Software

Plus, you can use it on both the web and software.

Compatibility

Microsoft 365 Business works with Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices. So no matter what device you and your employees have, you can all use this program.

Prices

The price is only $6.00 per user per month! That's a great deal for all the features and services you can access.

Pros and Cons

Of course, no software is perfect. There are some pros and cons to consider before making your final decision.

Pros

  • Familiarity

Many people are already familiar with Microsoft Office products, making the transition to this platform smoother.

  • Integration

Microsoft 365 Business offers seamless integration with other Microsoft products and services.

  • Security

Microsoft has top-notch security measures in place to protect your data.

Cons

  • Limited Features

Compared to other Microsoft 365 plans, Business Basic has fewer features and capabilities.

  • Cost

While affordable, Microsoft 365 Business still comes with a monthly cost.

System Requirements

To use Microsoft 365 Business Basic, you must ensure your computer or device meets specific requirements.

Here are the things you need to check:

  • Processor

Your device should have a 1 to 1.6 GHz or faster processor. This is like the brain of your computer or device.

  • Operating System

You need a supported operating system like Windows 10, Windows Server 2019, or macOS. Your computer or device should also be updated with the latest updates.

  • Memory

Microsoft 365 Business needs at least 2 GB of RAM. RAM is like your device's short-term memory.

  • Hard Disk Space

You need at least 3 GB of free space on your hard disk. This is where you store your files and programs.

  • Display

Use a monitor with 1024 x 768 resolution for optimal viewing. This is like the window into your computer.

  • Additional Requirements

Some Microsoft 365 Business Basic features require an internet connection. You may also need an Exchange Online Plan 1 to use specific email features.

To get Microsoft 365 Business Basic, you can download it for Mac and Windows. In addition, you can try it for free with a free microsoft 365 business basic trial.

The yearly subscription price for Microsoft 365 Business is $6 per user per month. In addition, you can check out Microsoft 365 Business Standard or Microsoft 365 Business Premium if you need more features.

Comparison of Basic, Standard, and Premium: Which one to choose?

Microsoft 365 Plans

Here's a comparison table between Microsoft 365 Business Basic, Standard, and Premium:

Plan

Functions and Features

Number of Users

Cloud Services

Web and Software

Price

Business Basic

Web and mobile versions of Office apps, email and calendaring, video conferencing, file storage and sharing, basic security features

Up to 300

OneDrive, Exchange, SharePoint, Teams, Skype

Web and mobile versions of Office apps

$6 per user per month

Business Standard

All features of Business Basic plus desktop versions of Office apps, advanced security features, device management

Up to 300

OneDrive, Exchange, SharePoint, Teams, Skype

Web, mobile, and desktop versions of Office apps

$12.50 per user per month

Business Premium

All features of Business Standard plus advanced compliance tools, phone system and audio conferencing, business intelligence

Up to 300

OneDrive, Exchange, SharePoint, Teams, Skype, Yammer

Web, mobile, and desktop versions of Office apps

$22 per user per month

Which One to Choose

Here's a table summarizing the major differences between the three Microsoft 365 Business plans:

Plan

Suitable For

Major Features

Business Basic

Small businesses with basic needs

Web and mobile versions of Office apps, email and calendaring, video conferencing, file storage and sharing, basic security features

Business Standard

Businesses requiring more advanced features

All features of Business Basic plus desktop versions of Office apps, advanced security features, device management

Business Premium

Larger businesses requiring advanced compliance tools, phone systems, audio conferencing, and business intelligence

All features of Business Standard plus advanced compliance tools, phone system and audio conferencing, business intelligence

Discounts that You May Need

When you're running a small business, every penny counts. That's why it's crucial to take advantage of discounts and promotions that can save you money.

Here are a few that you may find helpful:

1. One-month Free Trial

If you need clarification on whether the Microsoft 365 Business Basic plan is correct, consider signing up for the free trial. This will allow you to try the service before committing to a subscription.

2. The Microsoft Workplace Discount Program

If you work for a company with a Microsoft partnership, you may be eligible for discounts on Microsoft 365 Business and other products. Check with your employer to see if this is an option for you.

3. Keep Tracking of Occasional Discounts

Keep an eye out for occasional discounts that Microsoft may offer throughout the year. These can be a great way to save money on your subscription.

When choosing between Microsoft 365 Business Basic vs Standard, it's essential to consider your business's specific needs. While the Basic plan may be sufficient for some businesses, others may require the additional features offered by the Standard plan.

In addition, you can make the best choice for your business without breaking the bank by taking advantage of discounts and promotions.

Download, Install, and Activate Microsoft 365 Business

So, you've decided that Microsoft 365 Business is the best choice for your small business. Great! But how do you download, install and activate it?

Here are some easy-to-follow steps!

1. First, ensure you have a computer or laptop that runs either Windows or Mac operating systems.

2. Search your web browser for "Microsoft 365 Business Basic download".

Search Microsoft 365

3. Look for the official Microsoft website that offers the download. Once you find it, click on the "Download" button.

Open Relevant Website

4. The download may take a few minutes or longer, depending on your internet speed.

5. Once the download is complete, locate the downloaded file and double-click on it.

Open Downloads

6. This will open up the installation wizard. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Microsoft 365 Business on your computer.

Start Installing

7. Once the installation is complete, you will be prompted to activate your Microsoft 365 Business account.

8. To activate, follow the on-screen instructions and enter your product key when prompted.

And there you have it!

With just a few easy steps, you can download, install and activate Microsoft 365 business basic download for Mac and Windows.

Add and Remove Users with Admin Account

How to Add the New Employee as Microsoft 365 Business User?

If you have Microsoft 365 Business Basic, you can add and remove users easily!

Follow these simple steps:

1. Log in to your admin account. You used this account to sign up for Microsoft 365 Business Basic.

Login Admin Account

2. Click on the "Users" tab. This is where you can manage all of the users in your account.

Go to “Users“

3. Click the "Add a User" button to add a new user. You must enter their name and email address and assign them a license.

Click on Add User

Remember, each Microsoft 365 Business account user will need a license. The price of a yearly subscription for Microsoft 365 Business can vary.

Once you have added users to your account, they can download the Microsoft 365 Business Basic desktop apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. With Microsoft 365 Business Basic, you can collaborate with your team, share files, and get work done from anywhere!

How to Remove the User Account of a Former Employee?

If someone has left your small business, you must remove their user account from Microsoft 365 Business Basic.

Here are the easy steps:

1. Open Microsoft 365 Business on your computer or device.

Open Business 365

2. Go to the “Admin” section and click “Users.”

Go to Admin

3. Find the former employee's account and click on it.

Go to Former Employee Accounts

4. Click “Delete” to delete their account.

Delete Account

5. Confirm that you want to remove the account.

Click on “Delete

Now you have removed the former employee’s account.

But what happens if you have paid for a Microsoft 365 Business Basic yearly subscription for them?

Unfortunately, you cannot transfer their subscription to another employee. However, you can contact Microsoft customer support and explain your situation. They can give you a discount or prorate your subscription price.

Free Alternative of Microsoft 365 Business

Plenty of free alternatives exist if you want to avoid paying the Microsoft 365 Business Basic price. One of the most popular options is WPS Office, a free office suite with similar functions and features to Microsoft Office.

Here's a quick rundown of the basic information you need to know about WPS Office:

Functions and Features

  • WPS Office offers similar functions and features to Microsoft Office, including spreadsheet creation and presentation design.

  • It also boasts powerful online collaboration functions, allowing you to work with others on the same document in real-time.

Pros

  • Free Download and No Ads

You can download and use WPS Office for free without annoying ads.

  • Compatible with all Major Systems

You can use WPS Office using a Windows PC, a Mac, a Linux machine, or even an iPhone or iPad.

  • Supports Microsoft Office formats

If you need to work with files created in Microsoft Office, don't worry - WPS Office can save and open files in all Microsoft Office formats.

  • Similar Layout to Microsoft Office

If you're used to using Microsoft Office, you'll find that the WPS Office layout is very similar. This makes it easy to learn and use.

So why try WPS Office today and see how it stacks against Microsoft 365 Business? You might be surprised at how much you can accomplish with this free alternative.

Plus, you won't have to pay a penny to use it!

FAQs about Microsoft 365 Business Basic

Can I Use Microsoft 365 Business Basic on Multiple Devices?

Yes! You can use Microsoft 365 Business on multiple devices. You can use it on your computer, tablet, phone, and more.

What Is the Difference Between Microsoft 365 Business Basic and Office 365?

Microsoft 365 Business and Office 365 are the same. However, they have different names now.

Can I Use Microsoft 365 Business Basic Offline?

Yes! You can use Microsoft 365 Business offline! In addition, you can use programs like Word and Excel without an internet connection.

What Happens to My Data if I Cancel My Microsoft 365 Business Basic Subscription?

If you stop paying for Microsoft 365 Business Basic, your stuff will be kept for 3 months. Then, it will be gone forever.

Can I Upgrade My Microsoft 365 Business Basic Subscription to a Higher Plan?

Yes! You can change to better plans like Microsoft 365 Business Standard or Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise.

Final Thoughts about Microsoft 365 Business Basic

If you are a small business owner, Microsoft 365 Business Basic is a great option to help you with your daily tasks. You can use it on multiple devices, even offline.

But if you don't want to pay for an office suite, you can try WPS Office, a free alternative. It may have some features that Microsoft 365 Business offers, but it's a great option for small businesses just starting. You can learn more about Microsoft 365 Business on our blog.

So, choose the best option for you and your business needs.

15 years of office industry experience, tech lover and copywriter. Follow me for product reviews, comparisons, and recommendations for new apps and software.