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changing to microsoft basic

Ron Kuczynski 0 Reputation points
2026-05-11T20:06:27.8+00:00

over the past 15 years I have subscribed to annual renewal, the cost is getting too high so I wish to change to microsoft basic, in doing so can I continue to use word and excel, these are the only office products I use thanks

Microsoft 365 and Office | Subscription, account, billing | For home | Windows
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  1. John Jefferson Doyon 73,800 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-05-11T20:43:11.46+00:00

    Hi, Ron, I'm John! I will help you with this.

    Microsoft 365 Basic is mainly focused on cloud storage and email features. It is different from Microsoft 365 Personal or Family subscriptions.

    With Microsoft 365 Basic, you get:

    • 100 GB OneDrive cloud storage
    • Ad-free Outlook email
    • Extra security features for files and email
    • Access to Word, Excel, and PowerPoint on the web only, no standalone Office apps.

    Microsoft 365 Basic does not include the full desktop versions of Word and Excel that you install on your PC or Mac, or mobile.

    Microsoft 365 Personal and Family include:

    • Full desktop apps for Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more
    • 1 TB OneDrive storage per user
    • Ability to install Office apps on computers and mobile devices

    Before changing the subscription:

    1. May I ask what Microsoft subscription you currently have now?
    2. Also, are you mainly using the installed desktop apps for Word and Excel, or only the web/browser versions?

    Click "Add comment" to let me know.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-05-11T20:06:37.63+00:00

    Switching from a Microsoft 365 subscription that includes desktop apps (such as Microsoft 365 Personal or Family) to Microsoft 365 Basic will not allow continued use of the installed desktop versions of Word and Excel.

    Microsoft 365 Basic:

    • Does not include desktop Office apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
    • Only provides web and mobile versions of these apps plus 100 GB of OneDrive storage and other benefits.

    If the current subscription includes desktop apps, those apps will stop working once that subscription ends and is replaced by Microsoft 365 Basic. To keep using full desktop Word and Excel, a subscription that includes desktop apps (such as Microsoft 365 Personal or Family) or a one-time purchase of Office (for example, Office 2024) is required.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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