Microsoft announced the release in the second half of Office 2021 as a one-time purchase, as well as an LTSC-like version benefiting from a longer follow-up from the publisher and designed for specific uses..

In a blog post, Microsoft announced the upcoming availability of Office 2021 for macOS and Windows, as well as the release of a Long Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) version for businesses. The latter is designed for computers that are not connected to the Internet and require long-term support, for example the computer in a dental office that manages radio imaging or a machine tool station in a factory.

Microsoft is therefore aligning the Office suite with its Windows 10 operating system, which already has a version of this type. Office LTSC and Windows 10 LTSC will be released jointly later this year. However, a preview of Office 2021 LTSC will be available in April 2021.

For individuals and small businesses, Office 2019 will therefore not be the last version under a so-called perpetual license (one-time purchase), Microsoft acknowledging that some customers are not yet ready to switch to the version of Office 365 and its annual subscription. The Office 2021 suite will be available in the second half of 2021.

 

WHAT’S NEW IN OFFICE 2021

Pick the perfect color

Based on customers feedback, Microsoft have added a new input field in the Colors dialog for Hex color values. Now you won’t have to spend time converting Hex color values into RGB values.

For any property where you can define a color, you can now enter a Hex color value in the Hex box, for example, #0F4C81 or 444.

Insert images, icons, and more in Office 2021

Microsoft is constantly adding more rich media content to the Office Premium Creative Content collection, an organized library of images, icons, and more that help you express yourself.

 

Find what you need with Microsoft Search

Find what you need with Microsoft Search

At the top of your Microsoft Office apps on Windows you’ll find the new Microsoft Search box. This powerful tool helps you quickly find what you’re looking for, from text to commands to help and more.

Visual refresh

Work with a modernized Start experience and newly refreshed tabs in the ribbon.

Experience a clean, clear style with Monoline iconography that communicates action and features with simple visuals.

office 2021 Visual refresh
Performance improvements in Office 2021

Performance improvements

Experience improved performance, stability, and speed across Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook​.

Get faster calculations from common Excel functions like SUMIF, COUNTIF, and AVERAGEIF.

Updated Draw tab

Quickly access and change the color of all your inking tools in one place.

Simplify how you work with ink using new Draw tab additions: Point Eraser, Ruler, and Lasso.

Updated Draw tab
Save your changes as they happen

Save your changes as they happen

Upload your files to OneDrive, OneDrive for Business, or SharePoint Online to make sure all your updates are saved automatically.

Support for OpenDocument format (ODF) 1.3

Office 2021 now includes support for the OpenDocument format (ODF) 1.3. The ODF 1.3 specification adds support for many new features.

Support for OpenDocument format (ODF) 1.3
Try the Sketched style outline

Try the Sketched style outline

You can give a casual, hand-drawn look to shapes in your presentations with the Sketched style outline.

Try out the Curved, Freehand, or Scribble options under Format Shape > Line > Sketched style.