Everything You Need to Know About Microsoft Office LTSC 2024
Microsoft has officially released Office LTSC 2024, a specialized version of the Office suite designed for specific environments. LTSC, or Long Term Servicing Channel, caters to devices that operate offline and do not require frequent updates. This guide will provide you with essential insights into Office LTSC 2024, including its features, system requirements, and how to acquire it.
What is Office LTSC 2024?
Office LTSC 2024 is a distinct iteration of the Microsoft Office suite, specifically aimed at commercial and government users. It’s tailored for devices that operate in controlled settings, often with internet access. Such environments are common in sectors where stability and security are paramount, making LTSC an ideal choice.
One of the main advantages of Office LTSC 2024 is that it does require an internet connection for installation. Furthermore, Office LTSC 2024 will not receive any major updates in the future, which allows companies to deploy it confidently without worrying about unexpected changes affecting their workflows. In essence, Office LTSC 2024 serves as a stable, offline version of the Office suite, designed for environments with restricted access.
It’s important to note that this edition lacks the cloud-based features and collaborative tools found in Microsoft 365 or Office 365. Instead, it focuses on delivering a reliable set of applications without the need for ongoing connectivity.
Applications Included in Office LTSC 2024
Office LTSC 2024 includes a robust suite of applications essential for productivity:
Microsoft Word: The go-to application for document creation and editing.
Microsoft Excel: A powerful tool for data analysis and spreadsheet management.
Microsoft PowerPoint: Ideal for creating dynamic presentations.
Microsoft Outlook: A comprehensive email and calendar management system.
Microsoft OneDrive: Cloud storage for easy file access (though offline use is emphasized).
Microsoft OneNote: A digital notebook for capturing ideas and organizing notes.
Microsoft Access: A database management tool, available only in the Professional Plus edition.
However, it’s essential to highlight that Office LTSC 2024 does not include any mobile or web applications, nor does it support the Microsoft 365 Copilot add-on. While it will receive important security updates, there will be no new features or functionalities added post-launch.
Available Editions of Office LTSC 2024
Microsoft has launched Office LTSC 2024 in two distinct editions:
Office LTSC Standard 2024: This edition is geared towards users who need essential Office applications but do not require database functionality.
Office LTSC Professional Plus 2024: This edition includes all Standard applications, along with Microsoft Access, making it suitable for users who need database capabilities.
The primary difference between the two editions lies in the inclusion of Microsoft Access in the Professional Plus version.
System Requirements for Office LTSC 2024
Before installing Office LTSC 2024, it’s crucial to ensure your system meets the minimum requirements. The software is compatible with the following operating systems:
Windows 11
Windows 10
Windows 10 LTSC 2019/2021
Windows Server 2022
MacOS (available only in the Standard edition)
The hardware requirements are as follows:
Processor: 1.1 GHz dual-core
RAM: 4 GB
Storage: 4 GB of available disk space
Display: Minimum screen resolution of 1280×768; for 4K displays, the 64-bit version is necessary.
Meeting these requirements will ensure a smooth installation and optimal performance of Office LTSC 2024.
Support Timeline for Office LTSC 2024
Office LTSC 2024 comes with a support window of five years under Microsoft’s fixed lifecycle policy. During this time, users will receive critical security updates to protect against vulnerabilities. As of now, Microsoft has not announced any plans for extended support beyond this period. Once support concludes, users will need to consider upgrading to a newer version of Office LTSC or exploring Microsoft 365 apps for continued updates and features.
Key Features of Office LTSC 2024
Office LTSC 2024 introduces several noteworthy features and enhancements that improve usability and accessibility:
New Default Theme: A refreshed default theme enhances the visual appeal of applications.
ODF Support: This version supports ODF (OpenDocument Format) 1.4, improving compatibility with open document standards.
Accessibility Improvements: Enhancements to accessibility tools ensure that users with disabilities can navigate and use Office applications more effectively.
Session Recovery in Word: A new feature allows users to recover their last session in Microsoft Word, reducing the risk of data loss.
New Office Add-ins: Expanded functionality through new add-ins enhances productivity.
Microsoft Teams: While not pre-installed, users can manually download and install the Teams app as needed.
Skype for Business: This can be selected during setup, providing options for communication.
ActiveX Controls: These are disabled by default for security reasons, requiring users to enable them manually if needed.
Note: Microsoft Publisher is not included in Office LTSC 2024.
How to Obtain Office LTSC 2024
Organizations interested in acquiring Office LTSC 2024 can purchase and download it from the official Microsoft website:
Download Office LTSC 2024 Editions
Office LTSC 2024 is available for both 32-bit (x86) and 64-bit (x64) installations. Deployment is facilitated through the Office Deployment Tool (ODT), making it straightforward for IT departments to manage installations across multiple devices.
If you have any questions or require assistance regarding Office LTSC 2024, please feel free to contact us. We’re here to provide support and ensure you make the most of your Office experience!