What is Microsoft 365?

Microsoft 365 is a total productivity suite of tools and cloud services to help you collaborate, communicate and be more efficient across devices and platforms. Whether you’re a student, professional or business owner Microsoft 365 has a range of applications and features to suit you.

At the heart of Microsoft 365 are the Office applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. These apps have cloud storage through OneDrive so you can store and access your files anywhere and stay connected and productive on the go. Plus Microsoft 365 integrates with Microsoft Teams so you can communicate and collaborate whether you’re working remotely or in an office.

One of the big advantages of Microsoft 365 is the subscription model which means you always have access to the latest features and updates. This model also has plans to suit different users from individuals and families to businesses of all sizes. With advanced security features and compliance tools Microsoft 365 keeps your data safe so it’s a great choice for personal and professional use.

Comparison Table: Microsoft 365 Family vs Microsoft 365 Personal vs Office Home & Student 2021 vs Office Home & Business 2021

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What’s the difference between Microsoft 365 Family and Microsoft 365 Personal?
Microsoft 365 Family is for up to 6 people, 1 TB of OneDrive storage per person, Microsoft 365 Personal is for 1 person, 1 TB of OneDrive storage. Both have the same apps and services (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams)

2. Are the apps different in Microsoft 365 and Office Home & Student 2021?
Yes. Microsoft 365 Family and Personal have additional apps (Outlook, Teams) and cloud services (OneDrive). Office Home & Student 2021 has only Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, no cloud storage or additional apps.

3. Do I need internet to use Office Home & Student 2021?
No, Office Home & Student 2021 is a one time purchase that can be used offline. But internet is required for initial setup and activation.

4. What happens when my Microsoft 365 subscription ends?
If your Microsoft 365 Family or Personal subscription ends, you’ll lose premium features and cloud storage. Your apps will go read-only, you can view and print but not edit. To get full functionality back you’ll need to renew your subscription.

5. Can I install Microsoft 365 on more than one device?
Yes. Microsoft 365 Family can be installed on multiple devices for up to 6 people, Microsoft 365 Personal can be installed on multiple devices for 1 person. Office Home & Student 2021 and Office Home & Business 2021 is 1 device only.

6. Is there support for Office Home & Student 2021?
Office Home & Student 2021 has basic support for installation issues but no ongoing tech support and updates like Microsoft 365 subscriptions.

7. Which one is best for small business?
Office Home & Business 2021 is for small business and professionals, it has Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, one time purchase. But Microsoft 365 Personal or Family might be better for businesses that need ongoing updates, cloud storage and collaboration tools like Teams.

8. Can I upgrade from Office Home & Student 2021 to Microsoft 365?
Yes, you can upgrade from Office Home & Student 2021 to Microsoft 365 by purchasing a subscription. But this would be a separate purchase, Office Home & Student 2021 is one time purchase with no upgrade options.

9. Do Microsoft 365 Family and Personal have automatic updates?
Yes, both Microsoft 365 Family and Personal have automatic updates, you’ll always have the latest features, security updates and improvements.

10. Is cloud storage included with Office Home & Business 2021?
No, Office Home & Business 2021 has no cloud storage. You need Microsoft 365 for cloud storage, 1 TB per user.