Office 2021 or Office 2024: which to buy in 2026?
Quick answer
Choose Office 2024: Microsoft supports it until 9 October 2029, whereas Office 2021 has had no security updates since 13 October 2026. Office 2021 is mainly justified for an offline machine or software that requires that version.
The two versions side by side
| Office 2021 Professional Plus | Office 2024 Professional Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft end of support | 13 October 2026 (ended) | 9 October 2029 |
| Security updates | No, since 13/10/2026 | Yes, until 9/10/2029 |
| System | Windows 10 or 11 | Windows 10 or 11 |
| Purchase type | One-off, 1 PC | One-off, 1 PC |
| Licenciel price (incl. VAT) | €24.90 | €29.90 |
What changes
- Security: this is the real difference. Without updates, new vulnerabilities are no longer fixed in Office 2021.
- Features: according to Microsoft, Office 2024 includes the new features added to Microsoft 365 since 2021. A one-off version does not receive new features after release.
- Files: documents created with one open in the other.
Who it is for
- Office 2024: any PC connected to the Internet, daily or professional use.
- Office 2021: an offline machine, or business software that requires this version, with no sensitive data exposed.
To go further: the end of support for Office 2021, which Office version to choose, or the version picker.
Frequently asked questions
Does Office 2021 stop working?
No. It keeps opening and working, but has received no security updates since 13 October 2026.
Does Office 2024 get new features?
No: it receives security and quality updates, but no features added after its release.
Can I move from Office 2021 to Office 2024?
You need an Office 2024 licence: installation is done like a new installation, and your documents stay compatible.