Microsoft has introduced the preview release of Microsoft Office LTSC 2024, marking another step in its commitment to catering to business needs.

LTSC, or Long-Term Servicing Channel, is designed for customers who require a stable and unchanging suite of productivity tools over an extended period. With new features in Outlook and Excel, enhanced security, and five years of support, it's perfect for industries operating in environments where regular software updates could cause disruptions or cloud connectivity is limited or restricted.

With new features in Outlook and Excel, enhanced security, and five years of support, it's perfect for industries like healthcare and manufacturing. Curious about how Office LTSC 2024 fits into your organization’s IT strategy compared to Microsoft 365's cloud solutions?

Discover the key differences and find the best fit for your business needs below!

Key Features of Office LTSC 2024

Office LTSC 2024 comes with several notable enhancements and features that cater to its unique user base:

• Performance, Security, and Accessibility: Office LTSC 2024 emphasizes enhanced performance and security, which are critical for long-term use in sensitive environments. Accessibility improvements ensure that the software is usable by a broader range of individuals, including those with disabilities.
• Excel Improvements: New features like Dynamic Charts and Arrays allow for more robust data analysis and presentation, catering to users who rely heavily on Excel for complex data tasks.
• Outlook Enhancements: Users will find improved meeting creation options and search capabilities, which will make managing and organizing communications easier.
• Compatibility: Office LTSC 2024 will be available in 32-bit and 64-bit versions to accommodate different system architectures. It also supports Windows 11, Windows 10, and newer macOS operating systems.

Upcoming Office 2024 for Consumers

In addition to Office LTSC 2024 for enterprise and government use, Microsoft plans a traditional on-premises version of Office 2024 aimed at individual consumers. This version will support the familiar one-time purchase model and include five years of support, catering to users who prefer or require an on-premises solution. More details about this consumer-focused version will be available as the release date approaches.

Embracing the Future of Work with AI and Cloud Solutions

As the future of work increasingly leans towards cloud-based and AI-powered solutions, Microsoft continues to advocate for a transition to Microsoft 365. This suite offers modern businesses the most secure, up-to-date, and cost-effective solution. Microsoft has also indicated that support for Office 2016 and Office 2019 will end in October 2025, encouraging users to transition to newer solutions that provide enhanced security and functionality.

Office LTSC 2024 for Mac

Office LTSC 2024 is available for Windows and Mac users, ensuring that organizations with a mixed-OS environment can maintain consistency and productivity across different platforms. The  Mac version is designed to offer macOS users the same long-term support and stability that Windows users enjoy.

Office LTSC 2024 for Mac includes key applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, along with enhancements to performance, security, and accessibility.

Microsoft Office LTSC 2024 Pricing

Microsoft has announced a price increase for Office LTSC 2024 products, with costs rising by up to 10% compared to previous versions. Depending on the edition you choose, Office LTSC 2024 could cost you anywhere between $274.99 and $483.99 if purchased directly from Microsoft.

Despite this increase, Microsoft reassures customers of its commitment to continuing the LTSC product line, signaling future releases beyond Office LTSC 2024. Additionally, more information about on-premises versions of Visio and Project is expected soon, highlighting Microsoft's ongoing support for these specialized tools.

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Licensing and Support Details

Office LTSC 2024 operates under a device-based “perpetual” licensing model, meaning users pay a one-time fee for the license without ongoing subscription costs. The product will be fully supported under Microsoft’s Fixed Lifecycle Policy for five years. Compatibility is ensured with Windows 11 LTSC and support for Windows 10 and Windows 10 LTSC (excluding Arm devices). This makes it a versatile option for organizations with various hardware and operating systems.

Office LTSC 2024 vs. Microsoft 365 Comparison

There are fundamental differences between Office LTSC 2024 and Microsoft 365 that users need to consider:

• On-premises vs. Cloud-based: Office LTSC 2024 offers an on-premises solution with fixed features at the release point. In contrast, Microsoft 365 provides cloud-based features, including real-time collaboration, AI-driven automation, and cloud-backed security, that evolve over time.
• Limitations of Office LTSC 2024: Office LTSC 2024 users will not have access to real-time collaboration tools or the latest AI features that Microsoft 365 users benefit from. This makes Office LTSC less suitable for dynamic work environments that rely on continuous innovation and seamless collaboration.
• Use Cases: Office LTSC 2024 is ideal for industries prioritizing stability and long-term support, such as manufacturing, healthcare, and government sectors. On the other hand, Microsoft 365 is more suited for organizations that thrive on innovation, agility, and continuous access to the latest features.
• Feature Limitations: Unlike Microsoft 365, Office LTSC 2024 does not include Microsoft Publisher or Microsoft Teams, which may affect users looking for integrated communication and publishing tools within their Office suite.

Office LTSC 2024 is best if you prefer stability and a one-time purchase without ongoing costs or frequent updates. Microsoft 365 is ideal for the latest features, cloud integration, and regular updates. Choose Office LTSC 2024 for a fixed, stable environment or Microsoft 365 for a dynamic, continually updated experience.

Why Microsoft Continues to Offer Office LTSC

While Microsoft 365 has become the company’s flagship productivity suite with its robust cloud capabilities, there remains a distinct need for Office LTSC. This need is primarily driven by scenarios involving regulated devices, manufacturing control systems, and medical testing environments where stability and long-term support are paramount. 

Microsoft’s LTSC versions of Office provide these industries with essential tools while ensuring their critical operations remain secure and uninterrupted by frequent updates. This highlights Microsoft’s commitment to supporting specialized customer needs with tailored solutions.

Conclusion

Microsoft Office LTSC 2024 is tailored for organizations that require long-term stability and support without the need for frequent updates or cloud integration. By balancing the demands for a long-term servicing channel with the ongoing development of innovative cloud solutions like Microsoft 365, Microsoft continues to serve the diverse needs of its customer base.

Choosing between Office LTSC 2024 and Microsoft 365 depends on your specific needs. Opt for Office LTSC 2024 if you prefer a stable, one-time purchase with no ongoing costs. If you want the latest features, cloud integration, and regular updates, Microsoft 365 is the way to go.

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