Computer Purchases: Do They Include Microsoft Office?

Do computers come with Microsoft Office?

When purchase a new computer, one of the near common questions buyers ask is whether Microsoft Office comes include. The short answer is: it depends on the manufacturer, model, and specific purchase arrangement. Most new computers do not come with a full, permanent version of Microsoft Office pre-install.

Source: techcult.com

What really come pre install on new computers

Most new Windows computers and laptops come with:

• Windows operating system
• Basic utility software
• A trial version of Microsoft Office (typically 30 days )
• Various manufacturer specific programs

Apple computers (macs )come with their own productivity suite call iwworkwhich include pages, numbers, and keynote — apple’s equivalents to word, excel, and powPowerPoint

Types of Microsoft Office installations on new computers

Trial versions

The virtually common scenario is that new computers come with a trial version of Microsoft Office. This typically will last 30 days, after which you will need to will purchase a subscription or standalone license to will continue will use the software. These trials commonly include the full suite of applications but with limited functionality or time restrictions.

Microsoft Office home & student

Some higher end computers or special promotional bundles may include Microsoft Office home & student edition. This typically include basic versions of word, excel, and PowerPoint but not outlook, publisher, or access. It’s a one time purchase kinda than a subscription.

Microsoft 365 (eeastoOffice 365)

Certain computer packages might include a subscription to Microsoft 365, which provide access to the full suite of office applications plus cloud storage and regular updates. These subscriptions typically last for 6 12 months before require renewal.

How to check if your computer include Microsoft Office

If you’ve latterly purchased a computer and aren’t sure whether it includeMicrosoft Officee, here are ways to check:

1. Look for Microsoft Office icons in the start menu or applications folder
2. Open any office application (like word )to see if it rerequiresctivation
3. Check the documentation that come with your computer
4. Look for product key cards or digital license information in the packaging
5. Contact the retailer or manufacturer now

Common misconceptions about pre install office

” aAllwWindowscomputers come with office ”

Many consumers assume that because Microsoft make both windows and office, all Windows computers mechanically include office. This isn’t true. Windows is an operate system, while office is a separate productivity suite that require an additional purchase in most cases.

” pPreiinstallmeans permanent”

Find office applications already on your new computer doesn’t inevitably mean you own them. Many manufacturers pre-install trial versions that will finally will require payment to will continue will use.

” oOfficeis part of windows ”

Microsoft Office is not part of the windows operating system. Windows does include some basic applications like notepad and paint, but not full of the moon feature productivity software like word or excel.

Microsoft Office alternatives that may come pre install

Alternatively of Microsoft Office, many computers come with alternative productivity software:

• 
  LibreOffice or OpenOffice:
  
  Free, open source office suites compatible with Microsoft Office formats
• 
  WordPad:
  
  A basic word processor include with windows
• 
  Google Workspace shortcut:
  
  Links to google’s web base productivity tools
• 
  WPS Office:
  
  A freemium office suite compatible with Microsoft Office formats
• 
  Work:
  
  Apple’s productivity suite for Mac computers

How computer manufacturers handle office

Dell

Dell offer various configurations, with some premium models include Microsoft Office home & student. Most dell computers come with a trial version of Microsoft 365. Dell to offer the option to add mMicrosoft Officeduring the purchase process for an additional fee.

Hp

Hp typically pre-install a trial version of Microsoft Office. They oftentimes provide special offers for Microsoft 365 subscriptions during the computer setup process. Some educational or business bundle deals may include office licenses.

Lenovo

Lenovo computers commonly come with a trial version of Microsoft Office. Lenovo to offer mMicrosoft Officeas an aadd-onduring purchase. Their business orient tThinkPadlines sometimes include special office deals for commercial customers.

Apple

Apple does not pre-install Microsoft Office on macs. Alternatively, they provide their own work suite ((ages, numbers, keynote ))ree of charge. MicMicrosoft Officer mac is available as a separate purchase.

Microsoft Surface

Interestingly, yet Microsoft’s own surface devices typically do not come with Microsoft Office include permanently. They commonly include a trial version, except certain education bundles or special promotions.

Options for get Microsoft Office

Microsoft 365 subscription

The near popular option today is subscribed toMicrosoftt 365( east Office 365). This pprovidesaccess to all office applications, 1 tb of OneDrive storage, and regular updates. Pricing typically ranges from$699.99 to $99.99 per year for personal and family plans.

One time purchase

Microsoft stock still offers traditional one time purchase options like office home & student 2021( approximately $149.99 )or office home & business 2021 ( (proximately $ 2$249 ). )ese don’t include upgrades to future versions.

Educational discounts

Students and educators can much get Microsoft 365 for free or at a substantial discount through their educational institutions. This typically require a valid school email address.

Microsoft Office online

Basic versions of word, excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote are available free through any web browser at office.com. These online versions have limited functionality compare to the desktop applications.

Cost considerations

When budget for a new computer, it’s important to factor in the cost of productivity software:

• Microsoft 365 personal: ~$70 / year
• Microsoft 365 family (up to 6 users ) ~$100 / year
• Office home & student 2021 (one time ) ~$150
• Office home & business 2021 (one time ) ~$250

For many users, the subscription model work out more economically when consider the additional cloud storage and automatic updates.

How to tell if office is a trial or permanent version

To determine whether the office on your new computer is a trial or permanent version:

1. Open any office application like word or excel
2. Click on” account ” n the menu
3. Look for” product information ” o see subscription status or license type
4. Check for message about” trial period ” r “” tivation require ”
   ”
5. Look for an expiration date

If you see messages about activation or limited time remain, you have a trial version.

Make an informed purchasing decision

Questions to ask before buying

When shop for a new computer, ask these specific questions about Microsoft Office:

• ” dDoesthis computer include a full, permanent version of mMicrosoft Office ”
• ” iIsthis a trial version, and if therefore, how yearn does it last? ”
• ” wWhichoffice applications are iincluded ”
• ” iIsthis a subscription or perpetual license? ”
• ” cCaniItransfer the office license if iIreplace this computer? ”

Read the fine print

Computer advertisements oft use phrases like” office include ” r “” me with office ” ” hout specify whether it’s a full version or trial. Invariably read the detailed specifications or ask for clarification before make assumptions.

Free alternatives to Microsoft Office

If you’re not ready to purchase Microsoft Office, consider these free alternatives:

• 
  Google Docs, sheets, and slides:
  
  Web base tools with good compatibility and real time collaboration
• 
  LibreOffice:
  
  Comprehensive open source office suite with desktop applications
• 
  OpenOffice:
  
  Another open source alternative with good Microsoft Office format compatibility
• 
  WPS Office free:
  
  Offer a familiar interface with good compatibility
• 
  Apple work:
  
  Free for mac and iOS users

Special cases: business and education purchases

Business computers

Businesses typically have different arrangements for Microsoft Office. Many use volume licensing or Microsoft 365 business plans. Business orient computers seldom come with office pre install permanently, as organizations commonly have their own deployment methods.

Education sector

Educational institutions oftentimes have campus wide Microsoft agreements that allow students and faculty to install office on their personal devices. Some computer manufacturers offer special education bundles that include office licenses specifically for students.

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Make the most of your office options

Irrespective of how you obtain Microsoft Office, here are tips for maximize value:

• Compare the cost of bundle offers versus purchase individually
• Will consider how yearn you’ll keep your computer when will decide between subscription and one time purchase
• Take advantage of free trials to test before buy
• Check if your employer or school offer free or discount access
• For occasional use, consider the free online versions at office.com

Conclusion

Most new computers do not come with a permanent, full version of Microsoft Office include in the purchase price. While trial versions are common, consumers should be prepared to either purchase a subscription, buy a perpetual license, or explore free alternatives. When shop for a new computer, ever clarify just what software is included to avoid surprises belated. By understand your options, you can make the virtuallycost-effectivee decision base on your specific productivity needs.