Buy a Cheaper Microsoft Office License: The Complete Guide 2024

Are you looking to acquire Microsoft Office without breaking the bank? You are not alone. Millions of home and business users look for ways to obtain genuine Microsoft licenses at reasonable prices every year. In this comprehensive guide, we explain everything you need to know about Microsoft Office licenses, the different options available and how to save significantly on your purchase.

Why Are Microsoft Office Licenses So Important?

Microsoft Office remains the most used office suite in the world. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook — these tools have become essential in professional and personal life. According to the latest statistics, more than 1.2 billion people use Microsoft Office worldwide, making it by far the most popular office suite.

However, their price can represent a significant obstacle, especially when you have to equip several workstations or you are a freelancer or an SME with a tight budget. The official price of Office 2021 from Microsoft easily exceeds €400 for the full version – a significant sum for many.

The good news: There are completely legal ways to obtain genuine Microsoft Office licenses at prices much lower than official Microsoft prices.

The Different Types of Microsoft Office Licenses

Before purchasing, it is essential to understand the differences between the types of licenses available:

1. Microsoft 365 (Subscription)

Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365) is Microsoft's subscription model. You pay monthly or annually and always access the latest software versions. The subscription also includes 1TB of OneDrive storage.

• Microsoft 365 Personal: around €69/year for 1 user
• Microsoft 365 Family: around €99/year for up to 6 users
• Microsoft 365 Business: from 6€/month per user

The advantage: you always benefit from the most recent updates. The downside: you pay indefinitely, and if you stop the subscription, you lose access to the full features.

2. Office 2021 (Perpetual License)

It's the classic one-time purchase. You pay once and use the software for as long as you want on the same machine. The versions available are:

• Family and Student Office 2021: 149€ (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Office Family and Small Business 2021: 299€ (adds Outlook)
• Office Professional 2021: 439€ (complete suite with Access and Publisher)

3. Office 2019 and Earlier Versions

Previous versions like Office 2019 or Office 2016 remain perfectly functional for the vast majority of daily office uses. These versions are often available at much lower prices and are a great option for users who don't need the latest features.

4. OEM and Volume Licenses

These licenses are intended for businesses or authorized resellers. They are often less expensive because they are sold in volume or tied to specific hardware equipment.

5. Second Hand Licenses

It is perfectly legal, particularly in the European Union (2012 ruling of the Court of Justice of the EU in the UsedSoft case), to resell and buy used software licenses. These perpetual licenses allow you to legally use genuine versions of Microsoft Office at significantly reduced prices.

How to Save on Your Microsoft Office License?

Option 1: Purchase through an Authorized License Reseller

Specialty resellers like fast-licenses.com offer genuine Microsoft licenses at prices well below official prices. These licenses are legitimate and work just like those purchased directly from Microsoft.

Advantages:

• Prices reduced by 50% to 90% compared to official prices
• 100% authentic licenses that can be activated directly on Microsoft servers
• Instant delivery by email (digital activation key)
• Customer support in case of activation problems
• No recurring subscription fees

Option 2: Take advantage of Seasonal Promotions

Microsoft and its resellers regularly offer promotions, including during:

• Black Friday and Cyber Monday (November)
• Back to school (August-September)
• End of year celebrations (December)
• Summer sales (June-July)

Sign up for newsletters from trusted retailers to be alerted first about these deals.

Option 3: Compare Available Versions

Before purchasing the most recent version, ask yourself if you really need all the new features. Office 2019 or even Office 2016 cover the needs of the vast majority of users: word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, email.

Option 4: Microsoft 365 Home subscription

If you are several users (family or small team), the Microsoft 365 Family subscription at €99/year for 6 users comes to less than €17 per person per year — a very competitive price which also includes 1 TB of cloud storage per user.

What You Should Check Before Buying

Compatibility with Your Operating System

Check that the version you purchase is compatible with your Windows or macOS. Recent versions of Microsoft Office require at least Windows 10 or a recent version of macOS. Office 2016 and Office 2019 are no longer compatible with very old versions of Windows.

The Number of Licenses

A standard license generally covers a single PC. If you have multiple computers, make sure you purchase the corresponding number of licenses or opt for a multi-user plan like Microsoft 365 Home.

Interface Language

Most licenses sold by online resellers are multi-language and will enable Office in French. Check this before purchasing if you need a specific language.

Authenticity of the License

To be sure you are purchasing an authentic license, choose a reputable reseller with verified customer reviews. A real license is activated directly via Microsoft servers without problem. If an offer seems too good to be true, be wary.

How to Activate Your Microsoft Office License?

Activating a license purchased online is a simple process that usually takes less than 10 minutes:

1.Download Office: Go to office.com/setup and download the version corresponding to your license, or use the links provided by your reseller

2.Install the software: run the downloaded executable and follow the installation instructions (about 5-10 minutes)

3.Enter your key: when opening an Office application for the first time, enter the 25-character product key received by email

4.Online validation: Microsoft verifies your key online and activates your Office suite instantly

If you encounter a problem during activation (for example, "this key has already been used" message), contact your retailer's support. Serious dealers offer warranty and support to resolve these situations.

Microsoft Licensing for Business: Which Strategy to Adopt?

For companies, the issue of licenses is strategic because it directly impacts operational costs in the long term.

Microsoft 365 Business: The Complete Cloud Solution

Microsoft 365 Business is often recommended for businesses because it includes:

• Classic Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Microsoft Teams for online collaboration and meetings
• Advanced security and mobile device management
• Professional cloud storage (SharePoint, OneDrive)
• Automatic updates and always the latest features

Perpetual Licenses: The Economical Option in the Long Term

However, for VSEs/SMEs looking to control their costs, perpetual licenses purchased through authorized resellers can represent a substantial saving in the long term.

Concrete example:

• 5 workstations × Microsoft 365 Business Basic at €6/month = €360/year, i.e.€1,800 over 5 years
• 5 Office 2021 Home and Small Business licenses via fast-licenses.com = potentially300-400€ in single purchase

Over 5 years, the savings can exceed €1,400 — enough to finance other investments for your business.

Of course, perpetual licenses don't include Teams or advanced cloud features, so evaluate your actual needs before deciding.

Microsoft Office Licensing Frequently Asked Questions

Can a purchased license be used on multiple computers?

No, a standard Office license is tied to a single computer. For several machines, you must purchase several licenses or opt for Microsoft 365 Family (up to 6 users) or a business offer.

What happens if I change computers?

With an Office 2021 perpetual license, you can transfer the license to a new computer. This requires uninstalling Office on the old device and then activating on the new one. For older versions (2016, 2019), transfer conditions may vary.

Are licenses sold online legal?

Yes, in the EU in particular, the resale of software licenses is legal thanks to the principle of exhaustion of rights, confirmed by the UsedSoft judgment of the Court of Justice of the EU in 2012. Licenses purchased through authorized resellers like fast-licenses.com are 100% authentic and legal.

Is there a difference between an OEM license and a Retail license?

Yes, this is an important distinction:

• OEM License: linked to the machine on which it is installed, generally cannot be transferred
• Retail License: can be installed on another computer if you change machines (under certain conditions)

At fast-licenses.com, we always specify the license type so that you can make an informed choice.

What is the difference between Office and Microsoft 365?

“Office” refers to perpetual versions (one-time purchase), such as Office 2021. “Microsoft 365” is the subscription model that provides access to the most recent versions of applications. The core functionalities (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) are similar in both cases.

Conclusion: Get Your Microsoft Office License at the Best Price

There is absolutely no need to pay the full price to benefit from an authentic and functional Microsoft Office suite. Whether you are an individual, student or professional, legal and economical solutions exist to equip your computer or your business.

Perpetual licenses remain the most economical solution in the long term, especially when purchased through a specialist reseller offering competitive prices. And contrary to popular belief, these licenses are 100% legal and authentic.

Atfast-licenses.com, we offer genuine Microsoft licenses at unbeatable prices, with:

• Instant delivery of your activation key by email
• Guarantee of authenticity on all our licenses
• Responsive customer support in case of activation issues
• Hundreds of verified customer reviews

Ready to save on your Microsoft Office license?Browse our catalog of Microsoft licenses and find the one that perfectly fits your needs and budget.

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