| Option | Cost | Best for | |--------|------|-----------| | | Free | Light editing via browser (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) | | Microsoft 365 Mobile Apps | Free (screen <10.1”) | Tablets and phones | | Office 2021 Home & Student | ~$150 (one-time) | Users who want offline, permanent license | | Microsoft 365 Family | ~$100/year (up to 6 users) | Families or small teams needing 1TB cloud + Office | | Office via Work/School | Often free | Students, teachers, employees (check your org) | | LibreOffice / OnlyOffice | Free | Open-source alternatives with good compatibility |

Are you looking to buy a device with Office included, or are you trying to activate an existing installation? Activate Office for Windows - Microsoft Support

Here is a deep dive into what pre-activated software really is, why it carries significant risks, and the safer paths you can take to get your work done. What Does "Pre-Activated" Actually Mean? The term is used in two primary contexts: OEM Bundles (Legitimate):