Microsoft Office one-time package will be available for Windows, Mac next year

Microsoft announced it will offer a new perpetual version of Office next for those who want to pay just once.

Microsoft Office perpetual version coming next year. (AP)

Microsoft will offer a new perpetual version of Office next year. Those who wish to get Microsoft Office once and for all can do so with the new version slated to launch in mid-2021.

Microsoft's last perpetual offering for Office was Office 2019. This makes it easy for users who wish to pay for Microsoft Office just once and not subscribe to it like they have to with Microsoft 365. Microsoft confirmed this in its Exchange news and announcements for Ignite 2020. “Microsoft Office will also see a new perpetual release for both Windows and Mac, in the second half of 2021,” Microsoft said.

This was first spotted by Windows Central. Details on the new Office package aren't available yet but it's expected to be a similar offering like Office 2019. With Microsoft Office 2019, customers get a bundled package of apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Skype for Business. It also has access to Exchange, SharePoint and Skype for Business servers.

Microsoft Office 2019 is priced at ₹25,499 for businesses, and ₹7,799 for personal users and students. Microsoft otherwise bundles Office apps with its 365 subscription. Microsoft 365 starts at ₹545 per month. A one-time Microsoft Office package does away with subscription renewals but it does come with compromises such as no software updates. It also doesn't offer web and mobile versions of Office apps. This package is meant for users who get everything done on just their PC or Mac.