Microsoft Office 2022 confirmed to release same day as Windows 11

Microsoft Office 2021 confirmed to release aforementioned day as Windows xi

Microsoft Office 2021 confirmed to release same day as Windows 11

(Image credit: Microsoft)

Windows xi is easily the most exciting new software Microsoft volition launch this year, but it's not the only new release the visitor has planned.

We already knew Microsoft was planning to launch a new standalone version of Microsoft Role around the same time every bit Windows eleven. That time turns out to be exact same mean solar day — October 5, 2021.

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This could be a meaning update to the standalone version of Microsoft Office, which continues to be a workplace mainstay thank you to its inclusion of ubiquitous productivity apps like Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook. It'due south probably virtually time, too: the most recent standalone version, Microsoft Office 2019, was released three years ago in September of 2018.

Now, thanks to confirmation by The Verge, we know that Microsoft plans to debut a revamped version of Part correct aslope its brand-new operating organisation. Information technology's nonetheless unclear what Part 2021 will cost, only it's probably a safe bet that it won't stray as well far from Office 2019'southward starting cost of $150.

As far every bit new features go, we already know that Microsoft Office is getting a large makeover for Windows 11 that incorporates the Fluid Design principles which give Windows 11 its signature centered, rounded await. That makeover includes corrective details similar soft corners and customizable Office themes, as well as practical features similar presence indicators in Discussion documents you're collaborating with others on, so you tin see their cursors and edits in real time — just like collaborating in Google Docs.

Microsoft Office 2021 dark mode in action — An animated look at Microsoft Give-and-take'southward new Dark Mode in activity, courtesy of The Verge (Image credit: Microsoft via The Verge)

Plus, The Verge reports that Microsoft actually rolled out a big Microsoft Office update to its enterprise customers today via its Microsoft Office Long Term Servicing Channel, which serves businesses with PCs that aren't updated for years at a time. That variant of Office sports new features similar a Nighttime Style option in all Office apps, new dynamic assortment functions in Excel, a new Line Focus view mode for reading Give-and-take documents line by line, and more than. While we can't say for sure that all of these new features volition besides debut in the consumer version of Office 2021 launching next calendar month, information technology seems highly probable.

Of course, many people don't buy standalone Microsoft Office anymore — they subscribe to Microsoft 365, the subscription service (formerly known as Office 365) which provides admission to mobile, downloadable, and cloud-based Office apps for a starting toll of $10/calendar month for dwelling use or $5/month per user for business organisation utilise. Microsoft 365 prices are set to increase in 2022 for all business organization and enterprise users, so it seems quite probable the company volition incorporate all the new features coming to Part 2021 into the Office 365 apps as well.

Alex Wawro is a lifelong tech and games enthusiast with more than a decade of experience roofing both for outlets similar Game Programmer, Black Hat, and PC Globe magazine. He currently serves every bit a senior editor at Tom's Guide covering all things computing, from laptops and desktops to keyboards and mice.