Microsoft Office is delivered digitally. After purchase you typically receive a download code or product key by email and a link to download the software. Activation is done by entering the code or signing into your Microsoft account when prompted — reviewers report this process is straightforward and the product code is delivered promptly after purchase.

Microsoft Office apps are offered as annual (12-month) subscription plans and as a one-time desktop purchase. Both formats are typically delivered as a digital download or with a download/code sent by email.

Subscription plans include premium, cloud-connected apps such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. The one-time desktop purchase provides the classic desktop versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote.

Subscriptions include 1 TB of OneDrive cloud storage per person. The one-time desktop purchase does not clearly specify OneDrive storage in the provided details.

Subscription plans include enhanced security and email features such as ad-free Outlook email and calendars, advanced file and email security, built-in ransomware detection and recovery, and two-step verification for access to OneDrive Personal Vault.

The one-time desktop purchase notes access to support and describes the included classic desktop app versions. Listings highlight improved performance, some new features and additional accessibility functions for those desktop apps; the provided details do not specify ongoing cloud features or storage for the one-time purchase.