Microsoft Office 2024 arrived on October 1, 2024—a major perpetual release packed with productivity features Microsoft 365 subscribers received over the past three years. Unlike the cloud-first approach of subscription models, Office 2024 offers a one-time purchase option that appeals to home users, small businesses, and enterprises with strict license management.

But here's the question on many people's minds: Should I upgrade to Office 2024, or wait for Office 2026?

This guide breaks down exactly what changed in Office 2024, which features matter for your workflow, and what Microsoft is planning for 2026—so you can make an informed decision about your productivity suite.