Office Lifetime Keys Compared: 2024, 2021, 2019 and 2016

A lifetime Office key is a one-time licence for one Windows PC. You install Office from Microsoft, enter the key, and keep the apps with no monthly fee. If you want Office on several devices with OneDrive storage, a Microsoft 365 plan fits better; see which Microsoft 365 listing to buy.

Pick the newest edition you can

• Office 2024 Professional Plus ($8.99): Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access and OneNote, the LTSC volume edition.
• Office 2024 Home & Business ($26.99): Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and OneNote, the retail edition.
• Office 2021 Professional Plus ($3.99): adds Publisher and Access to the core apps.
• Older editions for older PCs: 2019 Pro Plus, 2019 Home & Business, 2016 Pro Plus and 2016 Home & Business.

Pro Plus or Home & Business

Pro Plus includes Access (and Publisher up to 2021), which matter for databases and print layouts. Home & Business covers everyday documents, spreadsheets, slides and Outlook. Both are for one PC.

Many PCs at once

The Office 2021 LTSC volume key ($64.99) activates up to 100 PCs and suits offices and labs deploying with Microsoft's Office Deployment Tool.

Windows to go with it

For a fresh PC, Windows 10/11 Home ($13.99) is the everyday edition; Pro adds BitLocker and Remote Desktop hosting, covered in Windows 11 Pro retail vs OEM keys.

How activation works

Each key comes with a phone activation guide. Online activation usually works; when Microsoft refuses it, the phone route finishes the job. Check the key as soon as it arrives.

Frequently asked questions

Can I move the key to a new PC?

Retail Home & Business keys can usually be reactivated after a hardware change, sometimes by phone. Volume keys stay with the organisation's PCs.

Do I get updates?

Security updates, yes, for as long as Microsoft supports that edition. New features arrive only in Microsoft 365.