Best Microsoft Office Courses: Become a Workplace Guru

Microsoft Office turned 30 last year. And despite clocking over a quarter of a century of consistent use, this powerful software suite still sits at the forefront of the industry. Around a billion people use the program each year—that’s a substantial proportion of the global workforce.

As a result, strong Microsoft Office skills are a non-negotiable prerequisite for most job listings these days. And to ensure you’ve got the necessary know-how to land a lucrative gig, it’s worth looking into an online course.

In this post, we’ve researched and reviewed the top 10 Microsoft Office courses on the internet today. That way, you can spend less time sifting through competing options and more time mastering this uber-powerful productivity suite.

Orientation

If you’ve ever been on the hunt for an office job, you’ll have noticed that virtually every position lists “strong Microsoft Office skills” as a requirement. Put simply, no matter how talented or well-educated you may be, you’ll struggle to score a lucrative job if you don’t know your way around a word processor or spreadsheet (or better yet, both).

The most common productivity suite on the market is Microsoft Office, which is considered the gold standard virtually everywhere. Although some consumers prefer more competition and variety, the advantage of this monopoly is that Microsoft Office is here to stay. Learn how to use the software suite once, and you’re set for life—there’s little chance you’ll need to master another program any time soon.

As you can see, learning Microsoft Office is essential. But what should one look for when shopping for an online course?

Keep the following considerations in mind.

Length

How much spare time do you have to dedicate towards completing a course?

Most of us live busy lives with endless work, social, and family commitments to attend to. If you have limited time to dedicate to extra curricular education, there’s no point in enrolling in an extended course. On the other hand, if you’re in between jobs or still studying, you might find it easier to handle a heavy workload.

Our recommended Microsoft Office courses range from 1 to 68 hours.

Level

Microsoft Office courses come in various difficulty levels, each specially designed for learners with unique needs.

If you want to wrap your head around the basics, a beginner’s course will do the trick. But for veteran users keen to delve deep into complex functions, an advanced class is appropriate.

Programs

Microsoft Office encompasses a broad range of applications, each intended to perform specific tasks: Word for word processing, Excel for spreadsheets, PowerPoint for presentations, and so on. While each program is useful, not every office worker needs to learn how to use them all.

Therefore, you should search for an online course that aligns with your needs. If you want to skill up in Word, for example, you could look for a targeted course such as (Word Bootcamp).

If you need to learn multiple programs, a general Microsoft Office course will offer better value. Many of these courses let you pick and choose the sections you want to study, which is perfect for those seeking specific skills.

Certificate

For job seekers, there’s not much point in becoming a Microsoft Office guru if you can’t prove to potential employers that you know your stuff. While anyone can slap “advanced office skills” on their resume, an official certificate adds authenticity to the claim. Some of our recommendations include official certification, which will look slick on your CV.

Of course, if you’ve already got a cushy job (or if you’re an entrepreneur), certification might not seem so important.

Price

Will you be forking out for the course yourself, or could you convince your boss to pay the fee? In either case, you’ll have a budget to stick to, so it’s crucial you factor cost into the equation.

Some online learning platforms charge a monthly subscription fee, while others bill clients per course. We’ve covered a few cheap or free options on our list, so low-budget learners can continue honing their skills.
A worker using Microsoft Office on laptop

Without further ado, here are our top picks for Microsoft Office courses in 2024.

Top 10 Best Microsoft Office Courses 2024


1. Most Comprehensive: Ultimate Microsoft Office

  • 68.5 hours of video, 21 articles, 12 downloadable resources $106 Our rating  
  • Course Highlights
  • Eight action-packed courses bundled into one
  • Taught by a seasoned IT expert and educator
  • Includes advanced and beginner courses

Why we like it

This awesome, eight-bundle course teaches everything you could need to know about the software suite—and then some!

Who Should Buy It

This uber in-depth course is one of the most comprehensive Microsoft Office training programs on the internet, making it ideal for anyone who wants to learn a broad range of skills. The course covers beginner and advanced techniques across all Microsoft 2019 (or Office 365) applications.

It’s not very targeted and comes at a premium, so consider other options if you want to learn a specific skill.

The Review

Spanning a whopping 68.5 hours of video, this highly detailed course covers every conceivable facet of the Microsoft Office suite. Interactive, downloadable resources and purpose-written articles add variety to the content, and students get a range of hands-on exercises to consolidate their skills.

The bundle encompasses the most prevalent applications: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook, and Teams. Although Office 2019 is recommended, the course is also compatible with the cloud-based Office 365, as well as earlier versions of either application.

The educator, Simon Sez IT, is a renowned e-learning guru with decades of experience teaching everyone from Fortune 500 companies to college students. The team has taught almost 500,000 students on Udemy, ranking among the most popular teachers on the platform. Students praise the easy-to-follow content and relatable real-world exercises.

Although the course is rather costly, it’s good value considering how much content you get. Nonetheless, if you just need to learn a specific skill, you’ll find a cheaper, more targeted course elsewhere.

Pros

  • Huge array of content
  • Highly esteemed instructional team
  • Good for beginners and experts
  • Great value

Cons

  • More content than most learners need


2. Best for Beginners: Microsoft Office Essential Skills

  • 3.5 hours video $35 Our rating  
  • Course Highlights
  • Ideal for beginners
  • Easy-to-follow content
  • Fast course without unnecessary detail

Why we like it

This nifty little beginner’s course contains straightforward, plain English explanations on how to harness the power of the Microsoft Office Suite.

Who Should Buy It

This fast and furious beginner’s course has been custom-crafted to bring newbies from zero to hero in record time. The tutorials are super basic, so give this a wide berth if you’re already familiar with the application.

The Review

As the name implies, this online course from Udemy teaches students the essentials—and nothing else. No matter how “computer illiterate” you may be, the course will see you master the basic functions of the core Office applications (Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint).

We love how every lesson is simple and easily digestible, with no prior knowledge assumed whatsoever. Even concepts as simple as “cut and paste” get explained; you’ll be surprised how many people don’t know how to do this.

Another plus is the course doesn’t waffle on or include unnecessary content. In just a few short hours, learners will master the basics of Microsoft Office and can transfer those skills into the workplace. No need to spend weeks or months slaving away to learn advanced techniques you’ll probably never use.

Instructor David Millard is a Certified Microsoft Trainer and has been in the IT teaching game for decades. David is especially adept at teaching rookies.

Pros

  • Perfect for beginners
  • Easy-to-follow content
  • Fast option for learning essential skills

Cons

  • Too basic for many users


3. Best for Admins: Microsoft 365 Essential Training for Administrators

  • 10 chapters $35 Our rating  
  • Course Highlights
  • Learn to administrate Microsoft 365
  • Covers security and compliance
  • Learn to manage users and identities

Why we like it

This highly targeted course teaches corporate admins how to master the advanced functions of Microsoft 365.

Who Should Buy It

This one is aimed squarely at IT administrators, so give it a miss if you’re looking to buff up your Word and Excel skills. The course teaches admins the inner workings of Microsoft 365, demonstrating how to manage users and safeguard against security threats.

The Review

IT admins who need to brush up on their Microsoft 365 expertise should look no further than this intermediate course from LinkedIn Learning. Microsoft 365 bundles together Windows 10, Office 365, and Enterprise Mobility + Security in one neat little package. The three programs function together in harmony to provide a robust business solution.

Instructor Andrew Bettany is a Microsoft specialist who knows 365 inside out. He covers the nitty-gritty details of what the application can do, from device management to compliance and reporting.

As an intermediate course, this option is aimed at practicing IT administration professionals. Therefore, you can expect Andrew to gloss over the fundamentals and dive straight into the juicy stuff. Despite being highly specialized, it’s among the top-rated Microsoft Office courses on LinkedIn:  that should tell you something about the quality involved here.

Pros

  • Targeted for IT admins
  • Covers details of Microsoft 365
  • Includes compliance and reporting
  • Helps admins bolster security

Cons

  • Doesn’t cover Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.


4. Best for Productivity: Microsoft Office Shortcuts and Speed Tips

  • One hour video $60 Our rating  
  • Course Highlights
  • Heaps of productivity hints
  • Learn actionable shortcuts
  • Covers Excel, Word, and PowerPoint

Why we like it

This superb short course teaches students how to work faster (not harder) through a rapid-fire ensemble of handy shortcuts and hacks.

Who Should Buy It

Long-time Microsoft Office users might fall into the trap of thinking they’ve got a pretty good grasp of the program. But the truth is, no matter how long you’ve been creating spreadsheets and Word documents, there’s probably a whole bunch of neat shortcuts you don’t know about yet. You’ll find them right here in this fast-paced productivity guide for intermediate users.

The Review

The three-part course covers the core Office applications: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Within each chapter, you’ll learn a whole host of time-saving shortcuts and productivity hacks. From navigation to formatting and rapid selection, there’s a massive array of helpful productivity advice, most of which you probably don’t know.

We love how concise the course is. It doesn’t waste time teaching you how to use each program. Instead, you’ll focus on how to use the software efficiently, bolstering productivity and enhancing outputs.

The fast-paced course has earned cult status on Udemy, both for its actionable information and the engaging delivery of the instructors.

While some may balk at the price tag, it’s a worthy investment for a lifetime of enhanced productivity (you’ll make that money back in a jiffy).

Pros

  • Quick course
  • Contents useful tips for intermediate users
  • Engaging presenters

Cons

  • Not suitable for beginners
  • A bit expensive


5. Best for Excel: Excel for the Real World

  • 10 Lessons (1h 2m) $32 per month or $168 annually (7-day trial is free) Our rating  
  • Course Highlights
  • Engaging videos teach crucial skills
  • Hands-on exercises consolidate knowledge
  • Covers shortcuts and presentations

Why we like it

One for the number-crunchers, this beginner-friendly Excel course teaches you how to master the world’s most popular spreadsheet application.

Who Should Buy It

It’s a beginner-orientated course covering the basics and not much more, so give this a miss if you’re already well versed with Excel. But for novice users who need to learn how to utilize the raw power of Excel, this short course is an excellent choice.

The Review

Excel power user Al Chen has been fiddling around with spreadsheets for decades, and he brings his impressive expertise into this beginner-friendly course. Al is also the founder of KeyCuts, a specialist Excel training and consultancy business that’s worked for numerous Fortune 500 companies.

The three-part course teaches rookie users how to navigate the program and familiarizes them with the user interface and core functions. By the end, you’ll know how to structure workbooks, use ribbons, select and format data, and write formulas.

More advanced functions in later lessons include using paste special, preparing presentations, and listing and sorting. Al also covers productivity hacks and how to clean data for analytical forecasting.

We love how interactive the content is here. Students undertake hands-on exercises in each section rather than just watching a video.

Pros

  • Comprehensive course
  • Great for beginners
  • Interactive content
  • Teaches some advanced techniques

Cons

  • Not suitable for Excel pros


6. Best for Word: Word Bootcamp – Zero to Hero Training

  • 52 Lessons (3h 19m) $32 per month or $168 annually (7-day trial is free) Our rating  
  • Course Highlights
  • Great for beginners
  • Teaches a wide range of Word functions
  • Gets you ready for the office

Why we like it

This easy-to-follow, beginner-friendly Word course will bring you from zero to hero in a few short hours.

Who Should Buy It

Word Bootcamp is a beginner’s boot camp-style course, so enrol in this option if you’re unfamiliar with the basic Word features. That said, it does go beyond simple tables and formatting, so it could prove helpful for everyday users who want to expand their expertise.

The Review

This well-regarded project-based course teaches students all the essential skills for using Word in the workplace. You’ll learn how to format documents, save files as a PDF, insert images, tweak colors, and add logos throughout the course. With these newfound skills, you’ll be able to put together newsletters, letterheads, and long documents with visual elements such as infographics and charts.

Instructor Daniel Scott is a top-ranked teacher on Skillshare and has garnered thousands of positive reviews for this user-friendly Word guide. The course is based on Word 2016, an older version of the program. However, virtually all the shortcuts and functions remain the same, so it should work fine on Word 2019 (the Mac version is a different story, though).

Pros

  • Brilliant option for Word beginners
  • Some advanced content for everyday users
  • Easy-to-follow videos
  • Practical, hands-on exercises

Cons

  • Not suitable for advanced users


7. Best Free: Microsoft 365 Training

  • Non-linear, up to the user Free Our rating  
  • Course Highlights
  • Learn to make appointments
  • Understand OneDrive and cloud storage
  • Master the core Office applications

Why we like it

Microsoft gives you stacks of interactive educational content to master Microsoft 365, and it’s entirely free.

Who Should Buy It

Budget-conscious learners can use this comprehensive educational library to get a good grasp on everything to do with Microsoft 365.

The Review

Microsoft wants you to understand its programs. After all, the more expertise the workforce has in the Microsoft Office suite, the less likely companies will look for alternative applications. And that’s why the mega-corporation has invested a significant sum in preparing a comprehensive learning library to educate users on their flagship product: Windows 365.

Encompassing the operating system (Windows 10), Office 365, and Enterprise Mobility + Security, this powerful cloud-based package is a hit among SMBs and big corporations alike. In the official learning platform, users can delve into any specific part of the package to hone the relevant skills.

While Microsoft has taken the time to create incredibly detailed content, we don’t quite feel the courses are as engaging as others on our list. Nonetheless, if you want to learn one thing quickly without sifting through stacks of e-learning courses and online reviews, the official site is a pretty good bet.

Pros

  • 100% free
  • Covers every component of Microsoft 365
  • Great for learning specific tasks
  • Easy go-to option for numerous skills

Cons

  • Less engaging than other courses


8. Best Budget: Microsoft Office Suite

  • 347 lessons $20 per month Our rating  
  • Course Highlights
  • A whopping 347 lessons
  • Covers numerous Office applications
  • Spans basic to advanced levels

Why we like it

This outstanding option from GoSkills teaches a wide array of Office-related techniques and tips for a low monthly fee.

Who Should Buy It

Budget-conscious learners who want to study every aspect of Microsoft Word would adore this comprehensive course from GoSkills. Content ranges from beginner-friendly to advanced, so there’s something for everyone hidden within this neat little package.

The Review

This comprehensive 10-course bundle covers all the current Office applications, with some core programs—namely Word and Excel—getting both basic and advanced content. There’s a staggering 347 lessons spread throughout the bundle, so you can rest assured you’ll learn lots of new things.

Within each course, you can skip to the section that appeals to you most. There’s no need to waste time on newbie content.

However, you’ll need to complete each course from start to finish to obtain the official certificate. As a key selling point for this option, the student can proudly display the certificate on their LinkedIn profile or CV for potential employers to view.

Pros

  • Cost-effective course
  • Covers all aspects of Microsoft Office
  • Beginner and advanced content
  • Comes with a certificate

Cons

  • Must complete each entire course to get the certificate


9. Best for PowerPoint: Effective Business Presentations With PowerPoint

  • 11 hours $59 per month Our rating  
  • Course Highlights
  • Learn to create engaging presentations
  • Uncover advanced features in PowerPoint
  • Get client-facing communication tips

Why we like it

This highly focused Coursera course is a brilliant option for anyone who wants to create dazzling PowerPoint presentations.

Who Should Buy It

This superb 11-hour course is specially designed to help you knock your next presentation out of the park. Whether you struggle with PowerPoint or just want to make your presentations more engaging, this is the course for you.

Granted, it doesn’t teach any other Office applications or skills. Look elsewhere if you need to learn anything other than PowerPoint.

The Review

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP brings you this targeted online course, which has been specially designed to up your PowerPoint game. From digitizing data into easily digestible graphs to visualizing key insights, this course digs deep into the finer details of the popular presentation application.

While PWC gives stacks of helpful info on how to make PowerPoint do your bidding, the company also covers crucial communication techniques. In the course, you’ll learn how to enhance confidence when public speaking and tell a compelling story. Pro tips on body language, tone, and emphasis compliment the program-based content—it’s a truly holistic package.

At the end of the course, you receive a realistic business scenario and a series of Excel charts, which you must turn into a practice presentation. Fellow course peers provide feedback on your performance.

And that’s what we love about this option: it goes beyond simply teaching you a few shortcuts and advanced functions.

Pros

  • Provided by a reputable corporation
  • Teaches advanced PowerPoint techniques
  • Covers client-facing communications
  • Includes a practice scenario with peer feedback

Cons

  • Only covers PowerPoint


10. Best for Teams: Microsoft Teams Essential Training

  • Nine chapters $28 per month Our rating  
  • Course Highlights
  • Learn how to navigate group chats
  • Master private messaging
  • Learn about audio calls

Why we like it

This no-nonsense online course teaches students how to use Microsoft’s sought-after collaboration tool.

Who Should Buy It

In the post-COVID world, online collaboration has become a significant part of the workforce. This informative yet straightforward short course teaches students how to master Microsoft Teams. As a result, it’s brilliant gap filler for anyone joining a company where Teams is the go-to collaboration platform.

The Review

Microsoft Teams might not be the most complex program in the Office suite, but some hidden functions are worth learning about. This clear and concise course runs users through the basic features, then covers a couple of lesser-known functions to enhance productivity.

The course has been broken down into three succinct sections, which you can pick and choose as you please: group chats, private messaging, video, and audio calls. While the course is well-structured and engaging, it’s only really worth the time (and money) if you expect to use Microsoft Teams frequently.  Casual users could give this one a miss.

Like all LinkedIn Learning courses, you also get a nifty certificate at the end to add to your profile.

Pros

  • Covers essential Teams functions
  • Contains actionable info
  • Comes with certificate

Cons

  • Only suitable for heavy Teams users


FAQ

If you’ve still got a few burning Microsoft Office questions, check out the following FAQ.

Usually not. You’ll need to do a lot of study and pass a paid test to get a certificate, which most employers aren’t interested in anyway. Unofficial certifications and courses are quicker, easier, and just as highly regarded.

It could be. If you’re an IT administrator with a keen interest in cloud computing, a Microsoft 365 certification could help you get your foot in the door. It takes quite a bit of effort to achieve, but it could undoubtedly pay dividends with time.

A one-time purchase of Microsoft Office 2019 will set you back around $150. The subscription-based Office 365 has a variable price structure, with costs reaching as high as $100 per year for an individual.

Yes. Check out our top free recommendation, the official Microsoft 365 Training. Alternatively, sign up for a free trial on any subscription-based e-learning platform and cancel before the trial ends.

Study. While work experience will teach you various functions, the best way to learn about the more advanced features is to enroll in a course. We recommend numerous options in this article.

Yes, but it’s somewhat limited. Expect to get Word, Excel, OneNote, and PowerPoint as part of the package. If you desire any other Office applications, you’ll need to purchase the suite outright or sign up for the subscription-based Office 365.

It depends on what you consider “learn.” A complete beginner could wrap their head around the basic functions in a couple of hours, provided they already have fundamental computer skills. Advanced features can take months to master.



Extra Credit

Microsoft Office on a laptop

Whether you’re new to the world of Microsoft Office or a seasoned industry veteran, there’s always more to learn about the world’s most popular productivity suite. In this section, we cover a plethora of useful info so you can get up to speed suite before enrolling in a course.

Microsoft Office Applications

Both Microsoft Office and Microsoft 365 boast a wide array of powerful productivity applications, each specially designed to complete distinct tasks. While some are essential for everybody—i.e., Microsoft Word and Outlook—others are somewhat niche. It’s worth having a basic understanding of what each application does so you can work out which ones you need to learn.

Microsoft Word

Word is Microsoft’s flagship word processing application, which is widely used around the world today. The program allows users to type and format various document types, including letters, articles, and reports.

Every office worker should at least have a basic understanding of the app. Communications professionals should learn how to use its more advanced features.

Microsoft Excel

Excel is Microsoft’s spreadsheet application. Users can sort, format, and calculate rows of data, which can be exported into graphs and charts.

All office workers should have a fundamental understanding of the program. Number-crunching positions like accountants, financial administrators, project managers, and business analysts will want to explore its advanced features, such as pivot tables and macros.

Microsoft PowerPoint

PowerPoint is Microsoft’s presentation program, which allows users to create engaging and informative speeches for their peers.

The application uses a series of programmable slides that the user clicks through to progress the presentation. Adding graphics, photos, videos, and other multimedia elements helps keep each presentation interesting.

All staff who are required to give presentations should learn at least the basic features of this application. Frequent presenters, especially those who talk in front of clients, should take the time to learn the more in-depth features.

Microsoft OneNote

OneNote is a note-keeping application where users can jot down ideas quickly before they’re forgotten. Drawings, photos, and screenshots can be included with each entry, and users can share these with their peers. OneNote synchronizes across multiple devices, so your spontaneous ideas are always accessible.

OneNote is particularly useful for policymakers and strategists. That said, the program comes in handy for most workers, both in their professional and personal lives.

Microsoft Outlook

Outlook is primarily intended as an email application, although it’s also used as an organizational tool. The program includes an in-built calendar where you can add events and receive reminders. It automatically saves contacts and lets you compile a list of tasks, which you tick off upon completion.

All office staff who will be using email should learn the basic Outlook features.

Microsoft Access

Access is a powerful database management tool, which allows workers to store and manage data, either inserted manually or imported from another source. The application includes a Graphical User Interface (GUI) to present data in a visual format.

All employees who work in data-related fields should learn the basics. Data specialists may need to learn how to use it to create queries, forms, tables, and reports.

Microsoft Publisher

As Microsoft’s prized desktop publishing app, Publisher lets you tweak page layout and design. Pre-existing templates allow you to quickly create materials such as posters, business cards, newsletters, and calendars.

Graphic designers should learn how to use this program, especially if they don’t have access to more specialist applications like Adobe InDesign.

SharePoint

SharePoint lets you share documents between various employees, either on the same network or via the internet using the cloud. The document management and storage system makes it easy to locate files, thus enhancing overall productivity.

SharePoint is worth learning for all staff if their company actively uses the application. It’s especially popular with large companies, making it a mainstay of the corporate world.

Microsoft Office Versions

Boasting over 30 years of history to its name, Microsoft Office has evolved with the ages. From the primitive offerings of the early 90s to the cloud-based powerhouses of today, we provide a brief rundown of the various versions that have graced our computers over the years.

NameRelease DateNotes
The Microsoft Office for Windows1990The original suite, containing Word, Excel, and PowerPoint only
Office 1.5 / Office 1.61991Added Mail 2.0
Office 2.51992
Office 3.01992
Office 4.01994
Office 4.31994Added Access 2.0
Office for NT 4.21994Added Office Manager
Office 951995Specially designed for Windows 95, added Schedule+, Binder, and Bookshelf
Office 971997First to be released on CD Rom, but also available in 45 separate floppy disks. Updated to become “Y2K safe.” Added Publisher and Outlook
Office 20002000Added Small Business Tools, FrontPage, and PhotoDraw
Office XP2001Specially designed for XP. Compatible with previous Windows OS.
Office 20032003Added InfoPath
Office 20072007Released alongside Windows Vista. This is the earliest version compatible with Windows 10 (the latest Microsoft OS as of 2021). First version to use Calibri as the default font.
Office 20102010First version with a 32-bit and 64-bit option.
Office 20132013Added Skype for Business and Visio
Office 20162016
Office 20192019Runs on Windows 10 and Windows Server 2019 only

As you can see, Microsoft has been steadily releasing updated versions of this highly sought-after software suite for over three decades. While initial updates were frequent, these days, the company releases a new version every 3-4 years; we can expect one to come out fairly soon.

While updated versions have added revolutionary applications and powerful new features, Microsoft has avoided making radical changes to the user interface (UI). Therefore, if you know how to use Microsoft Office 2019, you can effectively work with every other version (bar the archaic 90s releases, which you wouldn’t want to use anyway). That logic applies to yet-to-be-released updates; it’s unlikely we’ll see any substantial UI alterations.

With that in mind, the precise version you use isn’t all that important. Of course, it’s best to aim for the most recent version possible, as it’ll have more updated features than the older ones. Plus, it’ll be more future proof.

Microsoft 365 & Office 365

Back in 2011, when cloud computing first began taking the corporate world by storm, Microsoft released Office 365.

In essence, the productivity suite is similar to Office: the critical difference is the cloud-based program allows users to automatically save and restore files stored in a Microsoft data center (the cloud).

This functionality, designed to compete with the increasingly popular Google Drive, is a hit among large corporations. Rather than constantly emailing around updated file versions, staff can now access the same files on one cloud server. It’s a massive time saver that eliminates the possibility of inadvertently using an out-dated project file.

Remote teams were also quick to adopt the new software suite, as it allows team members to work collaboratively from anywhere in the world.

The applications included in Office 365—Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook, Publisher, Access, Planner, InfoPath, Office Online, and Teams—function much the same way as they do in Microsoft Office 2019. Therefore, if you learn how to use them on one platform, your skills will transfer across.

In April 2020, the firm launched  Microsoft 365. This software suite includes Office 365, Windows 10, and Enterprise Mobility + Security. Configuring and managing Microsoft 365 requires specialist skills. We recommend the Microsoft 365 Essential Training course if you need to learn the ropes.

Microsoft Office Versus Office 365

Microsoft Office is the desktop version of the software suite, which you purchase and install once and then own for life. Users typically receive a license for Microsoft Office bundled in with their operating system. If you’d like to upgrade to a newer version, you’ll need to purchase a new license (or a new laptop).

Office 365 is the web version of the product and requires users to pay for an ongoing subscription, which entitles them to use all the core programs plus Microsoft’s automated cloud storage. The corporation includes a wide array of security systems to safeguard confidential data. Other perks like free monthly Skype minutes and phone support help sweeten the deal.

Sadly, Microsoft plans to phase out the one-time purchase model. Expect Microsoft Office to be replaced entirely by Office 365 in the not-so-distant future. The program will remain largely the same, but users will need to pay an ongoing subscription fee.

Microsoft Office and 365 Licenses

Both programs come with numerous licenses to cater to specific customer demographics.

Microsoft 365 Licenses

Microsoft 365 users can choose from the following licensing options:

  • Microsoft 365 Personal: Includes coverage for up to five devices, an additional 1TB of OneDrive storage, and 60 minutes of Skype calls per month. Costs $59.99 per year or $5.99 per month.
  • Microsoft 365 Family: Includes coverage for up to six people, an additional 6TB of OneDrive storage, and 60 minutes of Skype calls per month. Costs $79.99 per year or $7.99 per month.
  • Microsoft 365 Business: Includes all the above benefits, plus access to teams and various security protections. Suitable for commercial use. Costs $5-20 per month.

Microsoft Office 2019 Licenses

Microsoft Office 2019 users can choose from the following licensing options:

  • Office 2019 Home & Student: Includes Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher (web version). Not suitable for commercial use. Costs $149.
  • Office 2019 Home & Business: Includes the aforementioned programs. Commercial use permitted. Costs $249.
  • Office 2019 Professional: Includes the aforementioned programs. Suitable for larger businesses. Commercial use permitted. Costs $449.

Note that Microsoft has increased the licensing costs of Office in recent years in an attempt to persuade users to switch to Microsoft 365.

Crush Microsoft Office With These Awesome Online Courses

We’ve given you stacks of actionable advice and a slew of handy insider tips. Now it’s your turn to ramp up your Office game.

You’re up to speed on the software and have an extensive list of the best courses the internet has to offer. All that’s left to do is work out which is best for you and start studying.

With a bit of time and effort, you’ll be wowing your co-workers with your elite Office skills. Better yet, you can confidently smack that coveted “strong Microsoft Office” tag onto your resume, substantially widening your potential employment pool.

Go get ‘em, tiger.