In early October was the introduction of the new version of Microsoft Office 2024 Long Term Servicing Channel (LTSC), in this article we name the new features and the differences compared to Microsoft 365 apps. In doing so, we also look at the differences when you are using Server-Based Computing (SBC) and/or Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) environments.
What’s new in Office LTSC 2024
Office LTSC 2024 introduces several new features and enhancements:
- Adding images from a mobile device: Whereas previously the image first had to be copied to the local/virtual workspace, it can now be processed into the Office document directly from a mobile device.
- Comments: Although this feature was already available in previous versions, it is now possible to easily see if there are any new comments by a blue dot appearing in the process.
- Dynamic charts in Excel: Excel 2024 now supports references to dynamic matrix in charts. Charts are automatically updated when the matrix is recalculated.
- Improved search and meeting options in Outlook: The search functionality and meeting creation options have been improved; when you start searching, suggestions are displayed.
End of Life (EOL) Dates.
Where a new version becomes available, the End of Life date of previous versions also comes closer and closer. Below are the EOL dates of currently supported versions:
- Office 2016 & 2019: Support for Office 2016 & 2019 will end on Oct. 14, 2025.
- Office 2021: Support for Office 2021 ends on Oct. 13, 2026.
- Office LTSC 2024: Support for Office LTSC 2024 ends on Oct. 9, 2029.
For a complete listing of all End of Life dates look here.
Comparison of Microsoft 365 apps and Office LTSC 2024
Although both packages contain the same applications, there is quite a difference between them. We have tried to make these differences somewhat clear.
| Office 365 | Office LTSC 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Licensing model | Subscription | One-time purchase |
| License form | Per user | Per device |
| Updates | Regular feature and security updates | Security updates only |
| Access to apps | Access on multiple devices (PC, Mac, mobile) | Access on a single device (PC or Mac) |
| Web Apps | Available | Not available |
| Available apps | Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, OneDrive, Microsoft Access (Windows Only), Microsoft Publisher (Windows Only), Sway, Microsoft Forms | Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneDrive, OneNote, Microsoft Access (Windows Only) |
| Copilot Add-on | Available | No Copilot integration |
| Storage | 1 TB of OneDrive cloud storage per user | No cloud storage |
| Updates | Regular improvements and new features | Improvements on release, no new features after release |
| Eligibility | Ideal for organizations that are connected to the Internet and need the latest features | Suitable for organizations that need to stay offline or have strict security requirements |
| VDI/SBC | Shared computer activation: possible to use shared computer activation ideal for SBC environments | Device License: a license must be purchased for each device used in an organization. When using an SBC/VDI solution, a license must also be present for each device from which a connection is established. |
Support Office LTSC 2024 on Windows
Office LTSC 2024 is supported on the following Windows operating systems:
- Windows 10(until October 2025)
- Windows 10 LTSC(until October 2025)
- Windows 11
- Windows Server 2022
- Windows Server 2025
Conclusion
Office LTSC 2024 offers significant enhancements, with new features in Excel and Outlook, improved performance and security, and improved accessibility. For organizations that need an on-premises solution, Office LTSC 2024 offers a stable and cost-effective option. For organizations that need cloud functionality and regular updates, Microsoft 365 apps remains the recommended solution. When used in conjunction with a VDI/SBC environment, it is wise to choose Microsoft 365 apps, this is because not every device requires a license.
Do you have questions or want to learn more about how Office LTSC 2024 or Microsoft 365 apps can support your organization? If so, please contact us!