Microsoft 365: Differences between the free and paid subscription for private and business use

Microsoft 365 is a comprehensive solution that offers numerous apps and services for individual users and businesses. But what exactly is Microsoft 365, and what differences are there between the free and paid versions? In this guide, I will explain to you the functions of Microsoft 365, the benefits of the various subscriptions, and help you make the right choice for your needs.

Key Insights

• Microsoft 365 offers both free and paid versions, with paid subscriptions providing significant benefits such as local installations and improved data protection.
• Using in the cloud has its benefits, but can have restrictions in terms of security, confidentiality, and functionality.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Finding Microsoft 365

The first step to using Microsoft 365 is to google it. Simply enter "Microsoft 365" in the search bar. You will find a link on the first page to access the Microsoft 365 services.

If you already have a Microsoft account, you can sign in directly. If not, you will be prompted to create a new account.

Step 2: Accessing the Free Version

After signing in, you can try out the free version of Microsoft 365. Here you have access to the various apps available for use. The interface is intuitively designed, providing you with easy navigation to the desired applications.

With the free version, you have access to tools like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more, but only through the cloud. However, there are some restrictions compared to the paid version.

Step 3: Making a Subscription Decision

Now that you have tested the free version, the question arises whether a paid subscription would make sense for you. The two main subscription types for individual users are Microsoft 365 Family and Microsoft 365 Single.

Microsoft 365 Family allows you to add up to six people, while the Single version is for one person only. Both options offer benefits such as local installations of Microsoft apps and one terabyte of cloud storage.

Step 4: Reviewing Business Offers

For businesses, there are various subscriptions tailored to the needs of small to large companies. The basic plan for businesses is Microsoft 365 Business Basics, which provides fundamental services like Word and Excel but does not allow local installations.

If you need more features, the Microsoft 365 Business Standard plan could be useful, including local installations and additional tools for video conferencing and teamwork.

Step 5: Selecting the Suitable Version

With all this information, you can now decide which subscription is best for your needs. For larger companies handling sensitive data, the premium subscription with comprehensive security features is often worthwhile.

Test out the individual options before making a final decision. Microsoft offers you the opportunity to try out many subscriptions risk-free for one month.

Summary

In this guide, you have gained a comprehensive overview of Microsoft 365, learned about the differences between the free and paid versions, and discovered how to select the appropriate option for your needs.