Differences Between Office 2024, Microsoft 365 Basic, and Microsoft 365

Summary: Learn about the differences between Microsoft 365, Microsoft 365 Basic, and Office 2024 with this detailed comparison of differences between each product.

This article applies to This article does not apply to This article is not tied to any specific product. Not all product versions are identified in this article.
Check out other resources

Symptoms

There are multiple differences between Microsoft 365, Microsoft 365 Basic, and Office 2024. This includes features, benefits, subscription options, and one-time payment options.

Affected Software:

  • Microsoft 365
  • Microsoft 365 Basic
  • Office 2024

Cause

Confusion may arise due to similar naming conventions and overlapping features between Microsoft 365, Microsoft 365 Basic, and Office 2024.

Note: Office 365 has transitioned to Microsoft 365, which may add to the complexity.

Resolution

The primary differences between Microsoft 365, Microsoft 365 Basic, and Office 2024 are outlined below.

Microsoft 365

Previously known as Office 365, Microsoft 365 is a subscription service that has the most up-to-date productivity tools from Microsoft. It includes plans for home, personal, business, and enterprise use.

  • Features: Microsoft 365 plans include fully installed desktop apps, cloud storage, and advanced security features.
  • Microsoft Copilot integration: Microsoft 365 now includes Microsoft Copilot, bringing AI-powered features to desktop apps like Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Microsoft Excel.

For more information, refer to FAQs about Microsoft 365 on a Dell Computer.

Microsoft 365 Basic

  • Subscription service: Microsoft 365 Basic is a subscription service that includes 100 GB of cloud storage, secure ad-free email, secure photo and file storage, and Microsoft support.
  • No desktop apps: Unlike other Microsoft 365 plans, Microsoft 365 Basic does not include desktop applications.
  • Cloud-based features: Microsoft 365 Basic provides cloud-based features such as OneDrive storage and Outlook for web and mobile.

For more information, refer to Microsoft 365 Basic Plan & PricingThis hyperlink is taking you to a website outside of Dell Technologies..

Office 2024

  • One-time purchase: Office 2024 is sold as a one-time purchase. This means paying a single, up-front cost to get Microsoft 365 Microsoft Copilot apps for one computer.
  • Applications included: Office 2024 includes the latest versions of Office applications such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Microsoft Outlook.
  • No upgrade options: There are no upgrade options, so the next major release must be purchased at full price to upgrade.
Article Properties
Article Number: 000296092
Article Type: Solution
Last Modified: 17 Mar 2025
Version:  1
Find answers to your questions from other Dell users
Support Services
Check if your device is covered by Support Services.