Overview
Home & Business is the perpetual edition licensed for commercial work, and the practical difference from Home & Student is Outlook. If you run your business email through a desktop client, this is the cheapest way to own that client outright.
One point that catches people out: Outlook is the application, not the mailbox. This licence does not give you hosted email — you still connect it to Microsoft 365, Google Workspace or whatever your provider is. If you need the mailbox as well, Microsoft 365 Business Standard bundles both.
Key specifications
- Licence type: Perpetual (one-time purchase)
- Apps included: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook
- Commercial use: Permitted — unlike the Home & Student edition
- Devices: 1 PC or Mac
- Email hosting: Not included — Outlook connects to a mailbox you already have
- Cloud storage: None bundled
- Updates: Security and quality fixes; no new features
- Support window: Roughly five years from release
Microsoft changes what its plans include from time to time. Check the current comparison on microsoft.com before buying or renewing.
Features at a glance
- Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
- One-time licence with no renewal
- Licensed for commercial use
- Installs on one PC or Mac
- Security updates for the supported lifetime
Who the Microsoft Office 2024 Home & Business is for
Sole traders and small business owners who want a permanent Office licence including Outlook on one machine.
Common problems and how to fix them
Outlook will not connect to your mail account
Most providers now require modern authentication or an app password. Remove and re-add the account, choose the automatic setup path and complete the browser sign-in prompt rather than typing your normal password into the old dialog.
The Outlook data file has grown huge or become corrupt
Run the built-in Inbox Repair tool (SCANPST.EXE) against the .pst or .ost file with Outlook closed. Then archive older mail to keep the file at a workable size — large local data files are behind most 'Outlook keeps freezing' reports.
Licence will not activate on a replacement PC
Uninstall from the old device first, then sign in to your Microsoft account services page and install from there. If the old machine has failed and cannot be reached, contact Microsoft support with your proof of purchase — a transfer is usually granted for retail licences.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Home & Student and Home & Business?
Home & Business adds Outlook and permits commercial use. Both are one-time purchases for a single device.
Does it include hosted email?
No. It licenses the Outlook application; the mailbox comes from your email provider.
Will it keep getting new features?
No. Perpetual editions receive security and quality fixes only. New features go to Microsoft 365 subscribers.
Still stuck?
Our technicians work with Microsoft every day. Call +1-8887342713 any time, or send us the details and we will get back to you.