A rare sale has lowered Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows to just $40, and it’s the closest-to-free deal we’ve seen. That’s around 81 percent off the regular list price, and a no-brainer way to eliminate recurring software fees. It’s a one-time purchase for 1 PC; classic 2021 versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook still don’t include any of the services that Microsoft 365 subscribers get.
What the $40 Microsoft Office 2021 deal really includes
The license includes the classic desktop suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, and Publisher. It’s a lifetime key for one Windows computer; it is not a time-limited trial, and you do not need to pay a large amount going forward. Once you’ve redeemed the code and installed, you can use the apps forever on that machine, even when offline.
It may be inexpensive (relatively speaking), but Office 2021 is still packed with features. Excel for modern features like XLOOKUP and dynamic arrays, PowerPoint for new transitions and presentation enhancements, Word for better inking features and citation/reporting tools. Outlook takes care of local mail and calendaring, and Access and Publisher cater to the database builders and layout creators who still haven’t managed to dispense with those specialized tools.
And to be clear, that’s for Windows only. If you use a Mac, you would need to purchase an additional Mac-specific license. And though you can sign in with your Microsoft account to synchronize files between devices that have the program installed, a perpetual license itself doesn’t include supplemental cloud storage.
How the one-time Office 2021 license compares to Microsoft 365
Microsoft 365 is the subscription version of Office with access to the latest features, business capabilities, and security updates, and new services including file storage and sharing in OneDrive.
The personal plan costs around $70 a year, with the family one costing more but supporting multiple people. If you like the sound of the most current, cutting-edge tools and are willing to tolerate a few bugs here and there in order to get them as soon as possible, Microsoft 365 has more to offer.
Not so with Office 2021, which is a one-and-done purchase. You receive security updates and stability fixes, but not the ever-changing array of new features or AI extras. It can be far less expensive over time for users who mainly require stable, offline-optimized apps — writing reports, crunching spreadsheets, or creating presentations. Even freelance users who would have paid for three years of Microsoft 365 can save about $170 to $200 with a $40 license, even when you factor in occasional upgrades going forward.
What to expect for support and updates with Office 2021
According to Microsoft’s product lifecycle documentation, perpetual editions of Office get just one shot at mainstream support. For Office 2021, that implies security patches and stability improvements over the course of its lifecycle but no drip-feed of brand-new features. You keep the basic product you’re paying for and can continue to use it well past its prime, though best practices dictate keeping up with patches as they come out.
And remember, Office 2021 isn’t updated with the latest Microsoft features such as new Copilot integrations that are part of a Microsoft 365 subscription. If you want to be certain of a steady stream of improvements, and like AI tools, then Microsoft 365 is likely the better fit.
Who Shouldn’t Waste Their Time At This Price
This offer is ideal for students, sole proprietors, and small teams that primarily work on a single Windows PC and have no requirement for multi-user cloud perks. If your work tends to be mostly local — accountants in Excel, writers in Word, sales reps fine-tuning pitch decks — the value proposition is attractive. It’s also a good choice for anyone who wants predictable software costs without an auto-renew clock ticking away in the background.
If you regularly work across devices, need the more generous cloud storage, or want Mac installs, a subscription still makes sense. A family that’s going to want more user seats and shared cloud tools will likely get more out of Microsoft 365.
Buying tips and caveats before grabbing the $40 Office deal
Check the seller’s rating before you buy. Legitimate deal platforms will clearly say that the key enables a perpetual Office 2021 Professional license on one Windows PC, with swift delivery for your license and support in case anything goes wrong. Consumer protection groups typically recommend steering clear of anonymous key resellers, who may be selling gray-market or invalid codes.
Check the fine print: this is usually locked to one device, so consider it a permanent install on that system. Make sure your PC is compatible with the Office 2021 system requirements and that you’re okay without getting new features over time. If those criteria apply here, the math is easy — this quite possibly is the lowest price we’ve seen on a legitimate full office suite.
Bottom line: if you were just waiting for the chance to lock in Office before it started demanding subscription fees, this might be your last shot at a $40 window.
It’s a good collection of familiar tools; perpetual ownership, too, and serious savings.