What is Microsoft Office?

Microsoft Office has come a long way since its launch in 1988. What began as a small collection of productivity tools has evolved into a comprehensive suite designed for both individual users and businesses.

Today, Microsoft Office supports modern work environments with powerful tools for real-time document creation, data analysis, communication, and collaboration.

Here’s an overview of what’s included in the current version of the Office suite:

Currently, standalone Microsoft Office and Microsoft 365 are the primary options available, each catering to different needs. Standalone versions appeal to users who prefer a traditional one-time purchase, while the subscription-based Microsoft 365 currently dominates the market.

Widely adopted by businesses of all sizes, Microsoft 365 provides powerful tools for collaboration (such as Microsoft Teams), robust cloud storage with OneDrive, and a comprehensive suite of constantly updated applications.

You can still choose between the traditional Microsoft Office desktop version and the Microsoft 365 subscription model. While both offer the core programs users are accustomed to, the upfront costs and platform flexibility vary significantly.

Microsoft Office (Desktop)

Microsoft Office (desktop) is purchased via a one-time payment for installation on a single device. You are typically provided with a digital download code or a physical key card.

This purchase gives you access to that specific version of the program indefinitely. However, to receive a major version upgrade or new features, you would need to purchase the next standalone package at full price.

Standard bundles typically include Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote for a specific operating system (Mac or PC).

Microsoft 365 (Online Subscription)

Microsoft 365 is a subscription product available through monthly or annual payments. Program upgrades are included in this fee; whenever Microsoft updates its apps, subscribers automatically receive the newest versions and features.

Because 365 is cloud-based, it can be accessed via any compatible device. This allows flexibility for businesses, as documents are not tethered to a single licensed computer.

Microsoft 365 Personal subscriptions can be used on multiple devices and include Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook, Publisher, and Access, plus 1 TB of OneDrive storage.

Microsoft 365 Family subscriptions can be shared by up to six people, providing each with their own storage and app access.

Microsoft 365 Business plans include the standard apps plus advanced features like Microsoft Teams and enhanced security protocols.

Microsoft continues to prioritize 365 as the primary way for users to access exclusive cloud-powered upgrades and integrated services.

We’ve put together a few handy and free resources to help you hone your essential Office skills below.

Microsoft Office

• What is Microsoft 365? Do I Need It?
• Microsoft OneDrive: Your Practical Guide to Cloud Storage
• 20+ Best Microsoft Office Add-Ins

Excel

• Best Excel tips for beginners
• How to make a column chart in Excel
• 200 Best Excel shortcuts for PC and Mac
• How to do a mail merge in Excel

PowerPoint

• PowerPoint tips for flawless presentations
• PowerPoint features for better presentations
• 100 PowerPoint shortcuts for PC and Mac
• 60+ PowerPoint templates to make your life easier

Word

• How to create a table of contents in Word
• Microsoft Word hacks for beginners
• 99 Word shortcuts for PC and Mac
• 20 Best Microsoft Word Add-ins

Outlook

• Best time-saving Outlook hacks
• Best free Outlook Add-ins

Teams

• What is Microsoft Teams? Everything You Need to Know
• How to Use Microsoft Teams Video Conference

Copilot

• Copilot in Excel – How to Get Started
• Sample Copilot Prompts for Excel 365

Microsoft offers official certifications for individuals to demonstrate expertise. While not always a strict job requirement, these credentials can be highly beneficial for trainers or roles where technical Office skills are a primary focus.

Certified professionals often see higher average earnings than their uncertified peers. There are three primary levels of certification:

How do you download Microsoft Office?

You can download Microsoft software directly from the official website. After selecting the plan that fits your needs, you simply log in with a Microsoft account to begin the installation.

• Standalone Purchase: Visit the Microsoft Store on your device.
• Microsoft 365: Visit the Microsoft 365 comparison page to select a subscription.
• Subscribers: Get always-up-to-date apps, OneDrive storage, and ongoing tech support.

Pricing for Microsoft 365 varies by region and plan, but generally starts at competitive monthly rates for Personal users, with Family and Business plans scaling based on the number of users and security features required.

How to get Microsoft Office for free?

While the full suite typically requires a purchase, there are several ways to access Office tools at a discount or for free:

• Multiple Licenses: The Microsoft 365 Family plan allows the cost to be split among several users, making it highly affordable per person.
• Military: Active and retired military members often qualify for significant discounts on Office products.
• Older version: If you don’t need the newest cloud features, older standalone versions can sometimes be found at a lower price point through authorized retailers.
• Employee programs: Microsoft employees and certain partner companies often have access to highly discounted licenses as part of their employment benefits.
• Free online versions: Microsoft offers Office on the Web, which provides free, basic versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint accessible through any web browser with a free Microsoft account.

Can I learn Microsoft Office on my own?

Yes, you can learn Microsoft Office skills through YouTube tutorials and self-directed practice. However, this approach has several drawbacks:

• Lack of a structured curriculum: Without a clear, guided path, you might miss essential topics or learn them out of sequence, leading to gaps in your knowledge.
• Limited interactivity: Self-guided learning typically lacks interactive elements like quizzes and practical exercises that help reinforce concepts.
• Lower proficiency rates: One study found that after instructor-led online sessions, 93.02% of students achieved high performance, compared to only 65.12% in a self-paced learning group. Especially for technical subjects like MS Office apps, subjects can benefit greatly from a more structured, interactive format.
• No certification: Self-learning won’t provide you with an accredited certificate that can boost your resume and validate your skills to employers.

Using a structured, expert-led course can help you learn more efficiently and effectively, ensuring you cover all essential topics while receiving the support you need.

Why study Microsoft Office courses online?

Microsoft Office training helps learners master essential applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Access. Online training with GoSkills features bite-sized lessons, practical application quizzes, and a clear path to leveling up.

For employees, this stack can boost productivity, data management, collaboration, and presentation skills. This gives employers the means to ensure a more efficient, agile workforce.

Can I access GoSkills courses for free?

Yes. We offer a 7-day unlimited free trial. This gives you access to all courses on the GoSkills platform, with no strings attached.

Can companies train employees with these courses?

Yes. GoSkills offers flexible team packages that make it easy to equip employees with essential Microsoft Office skills.

For full team access to our extensive library of Microsoft Office training courses — including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and more — packages start at just $2.05 per learner per month.

For organizations seeking a more customized training experience, our GoSkills Platinum package allows you to not only deliver our expert-led Microsoft Office lessons but also create custom training content — for as little as $2.25 per learner per month.

Are these courses accredited? Do they come with certifications?

Yes. Our courses are accredited by respected industry bodies such as CPD, PMI, and IASSC. When you complete a course on a paid plan, you receive a verifiable GoSkills Certificate of Completion.

After your certificate has been issued, anyone (e.g. you or an employer) can verify the authenticity of your certificate online by entering your full name and verification number from the certificate.

(Please note that certifications are available on paid subscriptions only.)

Are there training options for beginners and advanced users?

Yes, our Microsoft Office training options cater to both beginners and experienced professionals.

For beginners, foundational courses include Microsoft Excel 365 – Basic, Microsoft Word 365 – Basic, Introduction to PowerPoint, and Microsoft Access for Beginners. These provide a solid start in using key Microsoft Office applications.

For advanced users, there are specialized courses like Microsoft Excel 365 – Advanced, Microsoft Excel 2019 – Advanced, Microsoft Word 365 – Advanced, and in-depth topics such as Microsoft Excel – Macros and VBA and Microsoft Excel – Pivot Tables.