Not everyone wants software that constantly updates itself with new features. Some people, especially those in businesses dealing with sensitive data, prefer systems that don’t connect to the internet, minimizing the risk of cyberattacks or unwanted updates.
For those in this category, Microsoft has introduced a solution: Microsoft Office LTSC 2024 (Long Term Servicing Channel 2024).
What is Microsoft Office LTSC 2024?
Microsoft Office LTSC 2024 is the latest in the Long-Term Servicing Channel series, providing a “time-locked” version of Office that doesn’t receive frequent updates.
This version includes familiar tools like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneDrive, OneNote, and Microsoft Access, but without the continuous feature updates common in the subscription-based Microsoft 365 suite.
Instead, LTSC versions are designed to remain stable over time, with only essential security updates, making them ideal for environments where change needs to be minimal.
Key Features of Microsoft Office LTSC 2024
Microsoft Office LTSC 2024 offers several significant features, such as Dynamic Charts and over a dozen new text and array functions in Excel.
The update also enhances search and meeting creation options in Outlook and improves overall performance, security, and accessibility.
These updates ensure that businesses can access modern productivity tools while maintaining the reliability of a stable, unchanging software environment.
Benefits of Choosing Office LTSC 2024
One of the standout advantages of Microsoft Office LTSC 2024 is its simplicity: it’s a one-time purchase with no subscription obligations.
Unlike the subscription model of Microsoft 365, LTSC does not require internet connectivity, making it an ideal choice for organizations with strict IT policies.
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LTSC licenses are available only through volume licensing agreements and are specifically targeted at commercial and government customers, not private users.
Microsoft’s announcement highlights the need for non-subscription versions of Office for specific scenarios: “Some devices must never be connected to the internet; others need to remain unchanged for years at a time. We remain committed to supporting our customers and these scenarios.” This underscores the ongoing demand for a stable, predictable version of Office that companies can rely on without the need for frequent updates.
Support and Availability
Office LTSC 2024 is covered under Microsoft’s Fixed Lifecycle Policy, which guarantees five years of support from its release date.
During this period, users will receive only security updates, with no new features added. This policy ensures that businesses using LTSC can maintain a consistent software environment without unexpected changes disrupting their operations.
Comparing Office LTSC 2024 with Microsoft 365
While Microsoft 365 offers a host of benefits—including the ability to install apps on up to five devices, access to web app versions, eligibility for the Microsoft 365 Copilot add-on, and 1TB of cloud storage—Office LTSC 2024 provides a different approach.
It caters to organizations that need a non-subscription model, often driven by regulatory, security, or operational requirements. Microsoft has acknowledged that despite the extensive capabilities of Microsoft 365, there remains a valid and ongoing need for LTSC versions of Office.
