Quick notes
- The Microsoft Surface Pro is a versatile device that combines the portability of a tablet with the power of a laptop.
- The answer to the question of whether or not a Surface Pro comes with Office depends on the specific model you purchase.
- If you don’t want to bundle Office with your Surface Pro or the model you purchase doesn’t come with Office pre-installed, you can purchase an Office license separately.
The Microsoft Surface Pro is a versatile device that combines the portability of a tablet with the power of a laptop. It’s a popular choice for students, professionals, and anyone who needs a device that can handle demanding tasks. One question that often arises when considering the Surface Pro is whether or not it comes with Microsoft Office. In this blog post, we’ll delve into this topic and explore the various factors that influence the answer.
Understanding Microsoft Office Licensing
Microsoft Office is a suite of productivity applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. These applications are essential for many tasks, from creating documents and spreadsheets to managing email and presentations. Microsoft offers different licensing options for Office, including:
- Pre-installed on the device: Some devices, such as certain models of the Surface Pro, come with Office pre-installed. This means that you don’t need to purchase a separate Office license.
- Bundled with the device: When you purchase a Surface Pro, you may have the option to bundle it with an Office subscription. This can be a more cost-effective way to get Office, as you’ll pay a monthly or annual fee for access to the latest versions of the applications.
- Purchased separately: You can also purchase an Office license separately from the Surface Pro. This is typically done through the Microsoft Store or other authorized retailers.
Does Surface Pro Come with Office?
The answer to the question of whether or not a Surface Pro comes with Office depends on the specific model you purchase.
Surface Pro with Pre-Installed Office
Certain models of the Surface Pro, such as the Surface Pro 7+ and Surface Pro 8, come with Microsoft Office pre-installed. This means that you can start using the applications right away without having to purchase a separate license.
Surface Pro without Pre-Installed Office
Other models of the Surface Pro, such as the Surface Pro X, do not come with Office pre-installed. In this case, you will need to purchase a separate Office license or bundle to use the applications.
Bundling Office with Surface Pro
When you purchase a Surface Pro, you may have the option to bundle it with an Office subscription. This can be a more cost-effective way to get Office, as you’ll pay a monthly or annual fee for access to the latest versions of the applications.
Benefits of Bundling Office
- Cost savings: Bundling Office with your Surface Pro can save you money compared to purchasing a separate Office license.
- Automatic updates: With a bundled Office subscription, you’ll automatically receive the latest updates to the applications.
- Access to new features: Bundled Office subscriptions often include access to new features and applications that are not available to users with perpetual licenses.
Purchasing Office Separately
If you don’t want to bundle Office with your Surface Pro or the model you purchase doesn’t come with Office pre-installed, you can purchase an Office license separately.
Options for Purchasing Office
- Microsoft Store: You can purchase an Office license through the Microsoft Store.
- Authorized retailers: You can also purchase an Office license from authorized retailers, such as Amazon or Best Buy.
- Microsoft Volume Licensing: If you’re purchasing Office for multiple devices, you may be eligible for Microsoft Volume Licensing, which can offer discounts on Office licenses.
Considerations for Purchasing Office Separately
- Cost: Purchasing an Office license separately can be more expensive than bundling it with your Surface Pro.
- Updates: If you purchase a perpetual Office license, you will need to purchase separate updates to get the latest versions of the applications.
- Features: Perpetual Office licenses do not include access to new features and applications that are available to users with bundled Office subscriptions.
Recommendations: Making the Right Choice
Whether or not you need to purchase Office for your Surface Pro depends on your individual needs and budget. If you frequently use Microsoft Office applications, bundling Office with your Surface Pro or purchasing a separate license may be the best option. However, if you only need Office occasionally, you may be able to get by with using the free web versions of the applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Microsoft Office free on Surface Pro?
A: No, Microsoft Office is not free on Surface Pro. However, some models of the Surface Pro come with a free trial of Office.
Q: How much does Microsoft Office cost for Surface Pro?
A: The cost of Microsoft Office for Surface Pro varies depending on the licensing option you choose. Bundling Office with your Surface Pro can save you money compared to purchasing a separate license.
Q: Can I use Microsoft Office on Surface Pro without a subscription?
A: Yes, you can use Microsoft Office on Surface Pro without a subscription by purchasing a perpetual license. However, you will not have access to the latest features and updates.
Q: What is the difference between Microsoft Office Home & Student and Microsoft Office Professional?
A: Microsoft Office Home & Student includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote. Microsoft Office Professional includes all of the applications in Home & Student, plus Outlook, Publisher, and Access.
Q: Can I use Microsoft Office on multiple devices with one license?
A: It depends on the licensing option you choose. Bundled Office subscriptions allow you to use Office on multiple devices. Perpetual Office licenses typically only allow you to use Office on one device at a time.