Microsoft Office LTSC 2021 for Volume Licensing Customers

Following the preview in April of this year, Microsoft released Office LTSC 2021 for Windows and macOS on September 16, 2021.

The new software comes with some exciting new features.

On our blog, you’ll learn:

• What is Office LTSC;
• which products are included in the new Office LTSC version;
• what changes Office LTSC 2021 brings;
• what the differences are between Office LTSC and Microsoft 365;
• What features are included in Office LTSC for Windows and Mac?
• and important information about support and installation

What is Office LTSC?

Unlike the Microsoft 365 apps, the Microsoft Office 2021 Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) version does not require a subscription. The LTSC edition works offline and therefore does not include any AI or cloud-based features. In addition, it receives only security updates and no regular feature updates, as is customary with other Microsoft apps.

The LTSC version is therefore purchased once and can then be used indefinitely without any changes to its functionality.

What devices is Office LTSC 2021 suitable for?

Office LTSC 2021 is a volume license designed for organizations that do not allow monthly feature updates, or for devices where long-term stability is more important than staying up to date.

This license is particularly well-suited for the following devices and requirements:

• Regulated Devices
• Process control devices and specialized systems that do not allow an Internet connection
• Companies and businesses whose work processes do not allow for the apps they use to change continuously

What products are included in Office LTSC 2021?

Office LTSC 2021 is available for Windows and macOS in 32-bit and 64-bit versions. Windows users can choose from the following products:

• Office LTSC Professional Plus 2021
• Office LTSC Standard 2021
• Project Professional 2021
• Project Standard 2021
• Visio LTSC Professional 2021
• Visio LTSC Standard 2021

For macOS, the only version available is Office LTSC Standard Mac.

Do I need Office LTSC if I already have Microsoft 365?

No, Office LTSC is a separate version of Microsoft Office designed specifically for businesses. If you already have a Microsoft 365 subscription, you’ll continue to receive regular updates and have access to all new and existing features in Microsoft 365. Office LTSC, on the other hand, works entirely offline. It offers only limited functionality and is not updated on an ongoing basis.

What is the difference between Microsoft 365 apps for business and Office LTSC?

Microsoft 365 Apps for Business (formerly known as Office 365 ProPlus) are the full-featured Office applications offered through a subscription. They receive regular feature and security updates.

Office LTSC, on the other hand, is a one-time purchase version of Office. It offers fewer features and does not receive any further updates after purchase. The operating system is intended for companies that prefer a stable and consistent version of Office and can do without new features.

What new features does Office LTSC 2021 offer?

A lot has changed in recent years, and Office LTSC 2021 introduces many new features compared to its predecessor, Office 2019.

The key changes include:

• The ability to enable dark mode in various applications.
• Improving accessibility.
• Language support is available in English (United Kingdom), French (Canada), and Spanish (Mexico).
• Support for OpenDocument Format 1.3.
• A performance boost for Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• A new support period of five years instead of the previous seven years.
• Dynamic Arrays and XLOOKUP as new features in Excel.
• Some new Office add-ins, such as JavaScript APIs.
• Office LTSC 2021 comes with the free version of the Microsoft Teams app instead of the Skype for Business client.
• OneDrive for Business, the Office Telemetry Dashboard, and Power View in Excel are no longer supported in the new version.

Office LTSC for Mac and Windows

Is there a Mac version of Office LTSC?

Yes, there is a Mac version of Office LTSC. Microsoft offers Office LTSC for both Windows and Mac operating systems.

What features are included in Office LTSC for Windows?

Office LTSC for Windows includes the classic applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote. Some additional new features include improved privacy and security options, support for pen and touch input, expanded data types in Excel, and enhanced presentation features in PowerPoint, among many others.

What features are included in Office LTSC for Mac?

Like Office LTSC for Windows, Office LTSC for Mac also offers a limited set of features compared to the full versions of Office applications. The Mac version also includes the classic Office programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote. In addition, significant work has been done on security, privacy, and accessibility in the Mac version.

How do you install Office LTSC for Windows and Mac?

Like other Office applications, Office LTSC can be installed from a physical disc or purchased as a digital product from the Microsoft Store or other authorized retailers. After purchase, you will receive a license file or a product key that must be entered during installation. Once the installation is complete, you can start using the Office applications right away.

When will support for Office LTSC end?

Office LTSC will continue to be supported until October 13, 2026, which means the support period is limited to 5 years. After that date, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates.

Our Conclusion on Microsoft Office LTSC 2021

Office LTSC 2021 is a recommended alternative for businesses that rely on the stability of their products or frequently work without an internet connection. However, if you want to use all the features Microsoft has to offer, the cloud-based subscription version of Microsoft Office 365 is certainly the better choice. It receives regular software updates and is therefore always up to date.

However, there is no absolute right or wrong answer. When deciding which version to choose, you should always consider your company’s requirements and needs.

Office 2021, available starting October 5

Office LTSC 2021 was by no means the last major update this year. On October 5, Office 2021 was released for home users and small businesses. Just like Office LTSC 2021, Office 2021 is available for a one-time purchase and is not (yet) available as a subscription.