Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsPossibly—but only according to reports about a promotion from December 2021. OnMSFT, Windows Central and BleepingComputer reported that some people using non-genuine Office saw an offer for up to 50% off Microsoft 365 Personal or Family. Those reports do not show that the offer is still available, applies everywhere or can be claimed by everyone.
What the reported Office discount was
In December 2021, OnMSFT, Windows Central and BleepingComputer reported that Microsoft displayed a discount offer to some users whose Office installations it regarded as non-genuine. The reports named Microsoft 365 Personal and Family. BleepingComputer said the discount applied to the first year of an annual subscription; OnMSFT and Windows Central described it as up to 50% off. OnMSFT, Windows Central and BleepingComputer covered the promotion at the time.
That is a historical report, not a current deal announcement. The available coverage does not establish the original offer’s full terms, eligibility rules, country availability or whether an equivalent promotion is active now. Treat any offer you encounter as something to verify on Microsoft’s own site before paying, rather than assuming the 2021 discount remains claimable.
What to do if Office says it is not genuine
Microsoft says a “Get genuine Office” message may mean the installed software is not legitimate. Its current guidance recommends uninstalling a counterfeit installation before installing a genuine copy of Office or Microsoft 365. Microsoft’s genuine Office guidance also describes risks associated with counterfeit software, including malware exposure, corrupted files or data loss, and missed critical security updates. These are risks Microsoft identifies, not outcomes that happen in every case.
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- Classic Office Apps | Includes classic desktop versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote for creating documents, spreadsheets, and presentations with ease.
- Install on a Single Device | Install classic desktop Office Apps for use on a single Windows laptop, Windows desktop, MacBook, or iMac.
- Ideal for One Person | With a one-time purchase of Microsoft Office 2024, you can create, organize, and get things done.
- Consider Upgrading to Microsoft 365 | Get premium benefits with a Microsoft 365 subscription, including ongoing updates, advanced security, and access to premium versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and more, plus 1TB cloud storage per person and multi-device support for Windows, Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Android.
- Check the warning and installation. If Office displays a “Get genuine Office” message, follow Microsoft’s guidance rather than relying on a discount banner as proof that the installation is safe or licensed.
- Remove the counterfeit installation. Microsoft recommends uninstalling it before installing genuine Office or Microsoft 365. Its support page includes uninstall guidance for Microsoft 365 and Office 2019, and steps for Office 2021 and Office 2016.
- Choose a legitimate option. If you want the installed subscription product, review Microsoft’s current purchase options and regional terms. If you do not want to buy a subscription, Microsoft says Office on the web is available in a browser after signing in with a Microsoft account.
Choose between a subscription and the free browser option
The practical decision is whether you need the installed subscription product and its associated features. If you do, check Microsoft’s current plans and terms directly; the 2021 reports do not establish today’s prices or eligibility for a discount. If browser-based Office meets your needs, Microsoft lists Office on the web as a free alternative that requires a Microsoft account.
Quick Recap
Best Value
![OfficeSuite Home & Business 5 in 1 Office Pack Documents, Sheets, Slides, PDF, Mail & Calendar Lifetime License 1 Windows PC 1 User [PC Online code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41gPqMH6KFL._SL160_.jpg)
- Create, edit and style DOCUMENTS, SPREADSHEETS & PRESENTATIONS – all the features that you need to get work done
- Included PDF functions to FILL & SIGN forms, ANNOTATE and password PROTECT your PDF documents
- Compatibility with the most popular file formats - OPEN, EDIT & CREATE new and existing documents
- Manage all your email accounts and efficiently schedule with the inlcuded MAIL & CALENDAR apps
- Lifetime License for 1 Windows PC or Laptop
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- Designed for Your Windows and Apple Devices | Install premium Office apps on your Windows laptop, desktop, MacBook or iMac. Works seamlessly across your devices for home, school, or personal productivity.
- Includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint & Outlook | Get premium versions of the essential Office apps that help you work, study, create, and stay organized.
- Up to 6 TB Secure Cloud Storage (1 TB per person) | Store and access your documents, photos, and files from your Windows, Mac or mobile devices.
- Premium Tools Across Your Devices | Your subscription lets you work across all of your Windows, Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Android devices with apps that sync instantly through the cloud.
- Share Your Family Subscription | You can share all of your subscription benefits with up to 6 people for use across all their devices.
Rank #3
- Designed for Your Windows and Apple Devices | Install premium Office apps on your Windows laptop, desktop, MacBook or iMac. Works seamlessly across your devices for home, school, or personal productivity.
- Includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint & Outlook | Get premium versions of the essential Office apps that help you work, study, create, and stay organized.
- 1 TB Secure Cloud Storage | Store and access your documents, photos, and files from your Windows, Mac or mobile devices.
- Premium Tools Across Your Devices | Your subscription lets you work across all of your Windows, Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Android devices with apps that sync instantly through the cloud.
- Easy Digital Download with Microsoft Account | Product delivered electronically for quick setup. Sign in with your Microsoft account, redeem your code, and download your apps instantly to your Windows, Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Android devices.
Rank #2
![Microsoft Office Home & Business 2024 | Classic Desktop Apps: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and OneNote | One-Time Purchase for 1 PC/MAC | Instant Download [PC/Mac Online Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41H8B5iqO4L._SL160_.jpg)
- [Ideal for One Person] — With a one-time purchase of Microsoft Office Home & Business 2024, you can create, organize, and get things done.
- [Classic Office Apps] — Includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and OneNote.
- [Desktop Only & Customer Support] — To install and use on one PC or Mac, on desktop only. Microsoft 365 has your back with readily available technical support through chat or phone.
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