Microsoft announced a major update to Windows at its 24 June event. Windows 11 brings with it a fresh aesthetic, with sleek rounded corners and a centrally placed taskbar icons (including the Start Menu). There’s also a greater emphasis on security, productivity, and multitasking.
The new OS is slated to release in full later this year, although the free upgrade isn’t expected until early 2022. However, the Preview (beta) version is available to those enrolled in the Windows Insider Program now.
Here’s everything you need to know about Windows 11.
If you’re wondering whether the latest Windows OS will come with Microsoft Office, the answer is no – but you might be able to try the new version before release.
Does Windows 11 come with Microsoft Office?
While Windows 11 will be free to install on eligible PCs (see the minimum requirements), customers will need to separately buy a subscription to the Microsoft 365 Family or Personal for access (on desktop or via cloud) to popular apps such as Word, Excel, and Powerpoint.
A Microsoft 365 Family subscription, which serves 2 to 6 users, costs £79.99/$99.99 per year or £7.99/$9.99 per month, while a Personal subscription which is for a single user, costs £59.99/$69.99 per year, or £5.99/$6.99 per month.
If you’re unsure which version is right for you, see our dedicated guide.
How to get the new Microsoft Office on Windows 11
On 28 June, Microsoft announced that its Office suite will be getting a new streamlined design to complement the Windows 11 upgrade. The company is also introducing a native 64-bit version of Office for ARM-based devices, like its own Surface Pro X.
Microsoft promises the Office software will offer a “seamless and simple PC experience” across all its apps, which are based on the Fluent design language.
Office Insiders (Microsoft’s beta testing group for Office), can test out the 64-bit ARM version of Office for free on an eligible device and with an existing Microsoft 365 subscription. You’ll need to be running the Windows 11 Insider Preview build. Check out Microsoft’s step-by-step instructions to see how.
While the upgraded Office has been designed with Windows 11 in mind, it will be available for Windows 10 users too.