I had to buy Office 2021 in order to continue using Outlook with Gmail. For that, I am very UNHAPPY WITH GOOGLE because I'm out $220 just to keeping using "free" Gmail in an organized manner via Outlook!!! I'm not stupid enough to use Gmail for sensitive personal information, so I couldn't care less about Googles stupid "enhanced" security.As for Office 2021, I had NO PROBLEMS buying it from Amazon and installing it from the Microsoft site. I read about all the people that said they "threw their money away" on Office 2021 because of installation problems or the email link not working. Perhaps they did not understand the process or their computer did not meet the hardware or software requirements. So I was a little nervous about buying this from Amazon for a savings ... MoreI had to buy Office 2021 in order to continue using Outlook with Gmail. For that, I am very UNHAPPY WITH GOOGLE because I'm out $220 just to keeping using "free" Gmail in an organized manner via Outlook!!! I'm not stupid enough to use Gmail for sensitive personal information, so I couldn't care less about Googles stupid "enhanced" security.As for Office 2021, I had NO PROBLEMS buying it from Amazon and installing it from the Microsoft site. I read about all the people that said they "threw their money away" on Office 2021 because of installation problems or the email link not working. Perhaps they did not understand the process or their computer did not meet the hardware or software requirements. So I was a little nervous about buying this from Amazon for a savings of only $30 from the MS site. But $30 is $30 so I tried it and had no problems.Not only did I easily and successfully update from Office 2016 to Office 2021, but I also updated from the 32-bit version of Office 2016 to the 64-bit version of Office 2021. To do that, I did have to first un-install all of Office 2016 because the 64-bit version will not load if you still have the 32-bit version installed. BTW, the email from Amazon with the link to MS will ONLY WORK ONCE but all you have to do is log onto your MS account and the ability to download and install is all still there. You just can't access it directly from the email link anymore.I was also pleasantly surprised to find that somehow the new Outlook 2021 magically found ALL my old PST files without me doing anything, and set up all my Gmail inboxes just like I had them before with Outlook 2016. I have multiple Gmail accounts active in Outlook and dozens of folders under them, with over 11 Gigabytes of stored messages. So, I am very happy that the new Outlook set everything up just like it was, even though I had already un-installed the 2016 version. Word, Excel, and PowerPoint were the same. Opening them brought up the list of the most recent documents and everything was just like nothing had changed, except now it showed that I was using 2021 instead of 2016 version.I also don't know why some people said their documents didn't work the same, as everything was copasetic with my update. All my documents looked the same and worked the same, including macros, conditional formatting, formulae, margins, headers/footers, etc. So, other than having to fork out money thanks to Google, I am VERY PLEASED with my Microsoft Office 2021 migration going so smoothly and effortlessly. Not something I can usually say about the Microsoft experience.

A Seamless Productivity Experience

I recently purchased Microsoft Office Home & Student 2021 for my device, and I couldn't be more pleased with the enhanced productivity it has brought to my work and study routine. This digital version is compatible with both Mac OS and Windows, providing a versatile solution for users like me who work across different platforms.The installation process was a breeze, and the intuitive interface made it easy to dive right into creating documents, presentations, and spreadsheets. The familiar Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, have seen significant improvements in performance and features.One standout feature is the smooth integration of cloud services, which has streamlined collaboration and ensured that my files are accessible from ... MoreI recently purchased Microsoft Office Home & Student 2021 for my device, and I couldn't be more pleased with the enhanced productivity it has brought to my work and study routine. This digital version is compatible with both Mac OS and Windows, providing a versatile solution for users like me who work across different platforms.The installation process was a breeze, and the intuitive interface made it easy to dive right into creating documents, presentations, and spreadsheets. The familiar Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, have seen significant improvements in performance and features.One standout feature is the smooth integration of cloud services, which has streamlined collaboration and ensured that my files are accessible from anywhere. This has been a game-changer for group projects and remote collaboration, providing a seamless experience across devices.The one-device license is a cost-effective choice for those who primarily use a single device for their tasks. The responsive and user-friendly nature of Office Home & Student 2021 has significantly boosted my efficiency, and the software's stability has made it a reliable companion for both personal and professional use.Overall, Microsoft Office Home & Student 2021 is a valuable investment for anyone seeking a powerful and versatile suite of productivity tools. Whether you're a student, professional, or casual user, this software delivers a polished and efficient experience that is well worth the purchase. Highly recommended!

Great product, if you need just the basics!

If you are familiar with word processors, presentation software and spreadsheet management, this will not disappoint.With this option, you can buy the products for life. Meaning you will own these three programs. Not a fan of the subscription option. Besides, in the long run, you will save money instead of re-upping a subscription service every year.It is confusing, to me, though. My confusion is in regards on installation. If I wasn't mistaken, I thought you were able to download to five devices. I successfully installed these to my laptop.They run fine. These products are like the gold standard of each respective program you need: word processors, presentation software and spreadsheet management. I don't think any other company successfully does this to a ... MoreIf you are familiar with word processors, presentation software and spreadsheet management, this will not disappoint.With this option, you can buy the products for life. Meaning you will own these three programs. Not a fan of the subscription option. Besides, in the long run, you will save money instead of re-upping a subscription service every year.It is confusing, to me, though. My confusion is in regards on installation. If I wasn't mistaken, I thought you were able to download to five devices. I successfully installed these to my laptop.They run fine. These products are like the gold standard of each respective program you need: word processors, presentation software and spreadsheet management. I don't think any other company successfully does this to a level Microsoft can achieve.But I was disappointed not understanding the installation limits. I was not able to install the products on my Android phone. Also, make sure you do not confuse your accounts! That is a personal problem for myself. I would advise to keeping in one account. I used my Gmail account to install the software...I should have used my Microsoft account (Windows laptop) but I confused myself so maybe that will not happen to you.Some context, I am receiving Bestbuy points for this review. I am trying my best to remain impartial.Tl; Dr:Make sure you use remember which account you have and stick to that one (Microsoft for Windows based computers/laptops; Google account for Android based phones/tablets.)

Laptop unaccesable without return to BB

I am really enjoying my laptop and I think it is a good product so far. I am not happy with the issue of getting it up and running with the WebRoot security that I pay each year installed on it. I attempted to get the security system installed through the Geek Squad chat line but every attempt failed. I'm sure I was frustrating the tech. I finally had to carry the laptop back to Best Buy for help in the installation process. The tech at BB discovered that there was a factory setting on the laptop that prevented me from opening the link from the Geek Squad tech so I wasn't that stupid after all. I went to the Mckinney store because my husband was having surgery in that town. Of course I didn't know an appointment was required. However, the wonderful tech at the ... MoreI am really enjoying my laptop and I think it is a good product so far. I am not happy with the issue of getting it up and running with the WebRoot security that I pay each year installed on it. I attempted to get the security system installed through the Geek Squad chat line but every attempt failed. I'm sure I was frustrating the tech. I finally had to carry the laptop back to Best Buy for help in the installation process. The tech at BB discovered that there was a factory setting on the laptop that prevented me from opening the link from the Geek Squad tech so I wasn't that stupid after all. I went to the Mckinney store because my husband was having surgery in that town. Of course I didn't know an appointment was required. However, the wonderful tech at the Mckinney store took time to help me and resolved the problem. The sales people at the Sherman store SHOULD be made aware of the factory settings that prevent customers from complete use of the products they sale.

Microsoft Office Recommended

I've used Microsoft Office over 30 years. The specific program I last purchased was getting old and technology was improving so rapidly that my last version was slowing to a crawl. Therefore, I purchased Microsoft Office 2021 and installed in on my new 2022 computer. It installed quicker than any previous version and runs faster than any previous version. It simply outshines any multi-combination of a comparable program. It is easier for me to use than my other versions; however, it has a few new methods of customized quick access items that are taking me some time to become accustomed to as the function the same way but are place differently than I am accustomed to seeing. It will just take me a little time to realize where the icons are located. Even with that ... MoreI've used Microsoft Office over 30 years. The specific program I last purchased was getting old and technology was improving so rapidly that my last version was slowing to a crawl. Therefore, I purchased Microsoft Office 2021 and installed in on my new 2022 computer. It installed quicker than any previous version and runs faster than any previous version. It simply outshines any multi-combination of a comparable program. It is easier for me to use than my other versions; however, it has a few new methods of customized quick access items that are taking me some time to become accustomed to as the function the same way but are place differently than I am accustomed to seeing. It will just take me a little time to realize where the icons are located. Even with that small quirk, I would not purchase and use a different program. If you need a reliable multi-task program, you would be well advised to select Microsoft 2021 or newer.

Microsoft Office Student: Sucks to be Me

I purchased this software in November 2021 for my teenage student and it took forever to get him ready for me to download this software to his laptop. I tried to download today but the download says no longer available on Office Depot website under my archived orders. Heaven forbid, this is 2021 software and should still be available for download. Contacted Office Depot and they said they cannot see history beyond one year. Microsoft wants to do everything online and they need see a user key. Since it was never downloaded, I do not have a product key. I wish in the future a software key was provided on the day of purchase. Microsoft is a huge company and they have made it very hard for a little guy to use what they bought because they are too afraid they are going ... MoreI purchased this software in November 2021 for my teenage student and it took forever to get him ready for me to download this software to his laptop. I tried to download today but the download says no longer available on Office Depot website under my archived orders. Heaven forbid, this is 2021 software and should still be available for download. Contacted Office Depot and they said they cannot see history beyond one year. Microsoft wants to do everything online and they need see a user key. Since it was never downloaded, I do not have a product key. I wish in the future a software key was provided on the day of purchase. Microsoft is a huge company and they have made it very hard for a little guy to use what they bought because they are too afraid they are going to lose out on a buck. I really do not like that the big software companies make so much money and want to make even more since I most likely will have to buy the software again even though I did not get to use the first one purchased.

My review

Microsoft Office Home and Student 2021 was the latest version of the popular productivity suite designed for non-commercial use. It offered essential applications for creating documents, presentations, and spreadsheets. Here's a general review of the product based on its features and previous iterations:Pros:One-time purchase: Unlike Office 365, which requires a subscription, Office Home and Student 2021 is a perpetual license. This means you make a one-time purchase, and you can use the software indefinitely without the need for ongoing payments.Classic Office applications: The suite includes essential applications like Microsoft Word for word processing, Microsoft Excel for spreadsheet management, and Microsoft PowerPoint for creating presentations. These ... MoreMicrosoft Office Home and Student 2021 was the latest version of the popular productivity suite designed for non-commercial use. It offered essential applications for creating documents, presentations, and spreadsheets. Here's a general review of the product based on its features and previous iterations:Pros:One-time purchase: Unlike Office 365, which requires a subscription, Office Home and Student 2021 is a perpetual license. This means you make a one-time purchase, and you can use the software indefinitely without the need for ongoing payments.Classic Office applications: The suite includes essential applications like Microsoft Word for word processing, Microsoft Excel for spreadsheet management, and Microsoft PowerPoint for creating presentations. These applications are well-known and widely used for their reliability and familiarity.No internet required: Since it's a standalone version, Office Home and Student 2021 doesn't require an internet connection to function. This can be beneficial for users who prefer to work offline or have limited internet access.Regular updates: With a one-time purchase, you still receive security updates and bug fixes from Microsoft, ensuring your software stays up-to-date and secure.Cons:Lack of cloud-based features: Unlike Office 365, Office Home and Student 2021 lacks the cloud-based collaboration and storage options. Users who require real-time collaboration or cloud access may find this limitation restrictive.Limited application set: The suite includes only the core applications (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), which might not meet the needs of users who require additional apps like Outlook or Publisher.No access to new features: As a standalone version, you won't receive access to the latest features and updates introduced in subsequent versions unless you purchase a new license.

One Time Purchase

I upgraded my 2011 G560 laptop running Office XP to a 2023 G14 and required a current Office Suite. Primarily needed a word processor and spreadsheet for daily use, with the occasional PowerPoint option. First tried the freeware LibeOffice suite, although it was adequate for reading my existing MS .doc's and smaller MS .xls spreadsheets, it could not handle my larger spreadsheets with multiple worksheets that have complex formulas and extensive formatting. It would fail with "not responding" errors when trying to save those spreadsheets.That left me with two options, the subscription-based MS Office 365, or this one-time purchase MS Office 2021 Home & Student. Not a fan of subscription models with annual fees, so Office 2021 was my only choice.After purchasing ... MoreI upgraded my 2011 G560 laptop running Office XP to a 2023 G14 and required a current Office Suite. Primarily needed a word processor and spreadsheet for daily use, with the occasional PowerPoint option. First tried the freeware LibeOffice suite, although it was adequate for reading my existing MS .doc's and smaller MS .xls spreadsheets, it could not handle my larger spreadsheets with multiple worksheets that have complex formulas and extensive formatting. It would fail with "not responding" errors when trying to save those spreadsheets.That left me with two options, the subscription-based MS Office 365, or this one-time purchase MS Office 2021 Home & Student. Not a fan of subscription models with annual fees, so Office 2021 was my only choice.After purchasing online, I received a MS Digital Download email with a web link and code to install on my new laptop. Installation was quick and setup was very easy. Reads, updates, and saves all of my existing MS Office files without issues. Still getting acclimated with the current program version layouts and their updated features. My only negative is the price, but for my use, it is still a more cost-effective solution vs. paying an annual subscription fee.

Uninformed Sale person and untrained Geek Squad

Purchased this product as per the saleperson recommendation. I asked if it could be loaded on my Ipad and he say yes it could, so I purchased the item. I then made and appointment with the Geek Squad to install the software because we wanted to use Microsoft Word on the Ipad which he did. The next day I went to use Microsoft Word and it asked me to install Microsoft Office 365. So I called and made another appointment with the Geek Squad to find out why the software I purchased and the Geek Squad installed didn't work. I was told that I should have never been sold and they should have never installed Office Home & Student on my Ipad because it was not compatable with the Apple Ipad. I then asked for a refund because Best Buy sold me the software and the Geek Squad ... MorePurchased this product as per the saleperson recommendation. I asked if it could be loaded on my Ipad and he say yes it could, so I purchased the item. I then made and appointment with the Geek Squad to install the software because we wanted to use Microsoft Word on the Ipad which he did. The next day I went to use Microsoft Word and it asked me to install Microsoft Office 365. So I called and made another appointment with the Geek Squad to find out why the software I purchased and the Geek Squad installed didn't work. I was told that I should have never been sold and they should have never installed Office Home & Student on my Ipad because it was not compatable with the Apple Ipad. I then asked for a refund because Best Buy sold me the software and the Geek Squad installed it for me and never told me that the product would not work on the Ipad they sold me because the software is not compatable with the Ipad I bought the same day at the same time from the Best Buy's Greece Store. I asked for a refund and was informed that they could not refund the software because it was already installed and that I needed to call Microsoft to see if they could do something for me. The software cost me $150.00 and all they said was "the software sould not have been sold to me because it not compatable with the Apple Ipad and the Geek Squad certianly should not installed it on my Ipad and they should have told me that it would not work"

Watch out on a mac - gave PC download

B&H did everything right: emailed my key right away and the link took me to Microsoft for the download. I used my MS login, answered more than the normal number of security questions - forced me to change my password, re-confirm, and so on. Finally, the MS Office part came up, clicked the usual 1-2-3 steps, and ... it put OfficeSetup.exe onto my mac. Grrrr - obviously that's not going to work (and it didn't). Broke out in a sweat for 20 mins going round and round on the MS site because it kept saying the product was already activated and I need to buy it again to install on another computer. More Grrrr. Finally found a purchased products page, it had an install button, and I could download a 2.1 GB macOS pkg file. Activated after another login snafu (tip: use the ... MoreB&H did everything right: emailed my key right away and the link took me to Microsoft for the download. I used my MS login, answered more than the normal number of security questions - forced me to change my password, re-confirm, and so on. Finally, the MS Office part came up, clicked the usual 1-2-3 steps, and ... it put OfficeSetup.exe onto my mac. Grrrr - obviously that's not going to work (and it didn't). Broke out in a sweat for 20 mins going round and round on the MS site because it kept saying the product was already activated and I need to buy it again to install on another computer. More Grrrr. Finally found a purchased products page, it had an install button, and I could download a 2.1 GB macOS pkg file. Activated after another login snafu (tip: use the one-time code email option to break the cycle). Usage note: this 2021 version defaults to try and store new documents on MS OneDrive. Every time you first save, you have to steer it to your local computer if that's what you want to. Lots of extra clicks.