No, upgrading Microsoft Office generally will not delete your documents, as your files are separate from the program; however, backing up your Outlook data files (PST/OST) and other critical files is always a smart precaution, especially before major changes or if you're uninstalling older versions, as issues can sometimes arise, though files are typically safe.
Microsoft Word in the 2024 version includes better collaboration features, improved dictation capabilities, and more sophisticated editing recommendations. The Editor tool has expanded considerably, providing writing assistance that surpasses what the 2019 release offered.
In the Back up or restore your files window, select Select another backup to restore files from. In the Restore Files (Advanced) window that opens, select the external storage device that contains the backup. Follow the wizard to restore files from the backup.
Don't panic. Most Office installations can be restored or reinstalled without data loss; your documents remain unless you explicitly deleted them.
What happens to my files during the upgrade? The default experience during a Windows 11 upgrade is that files and data are moved to the new Windows 11 installation. However, Microsoft always recommends backing up files before installing a new Windows version.
Disadvantages of upgrading to Windows 11 include strict hardware requirements (TPM 2.0, newer CPU), a less customizable and functional Taskbar/Start Menu compared to Windows 10, potential compatibility issues with older software/drivers, increased bloatware/ads, and mandatory Microsoft Account sign-ins for home users, plus general learning curve and potential early bugs or performance dips on older hardware.
After upgrading to Windows 11, users can take advantage of the rollback function within 10 days to revert to Windows 10 while keeping all data and files moved to Windows 11. Moving back after this period would require backing up all your data and performing a clean install.
You can install a one-time purchase of Office such as Office Home & Business, Office Home & Student, or Office Professional Office on only 1 PC or Mac.
The non-subscription based versions of Microsoft Office 2021/2024 also include the classic version the Microsoft Outlook app, and it requires a one-time purchase if you want to use it. Outlook 2021/2024 can also be sold as a standalone product, but requires a one-time purchase as well.
Uninstall any previous versions of Office, including Visio and Project, before installing the newer version. In some cases, such as for application compatibility testing, you might need to keep a previous version installed temporarily while transitioning to the new version.
If you've saved the file
Support for Windows 10 has ended on October 14, 2025
By using System Restore, you can undo these changes without affecting your personal files, providing a safe way to resolve problems without losing important data.
They will be erased for one or both of these reasons: You haven't used your OneDrive account in two years. You have exceeded your OneDrive storage limit.
In most cases when you run the Microsoft Office Setup program on a computer with an earlier version of Office installed, the earlier version is removed. However, there are instances when an uninstall is necessary, such as if you run into errors or problems during installation.
This message is often triggered by a problem with your Microsoft 365 subscription payment. For example, if your payment was declined due to an expired or cancelled credit card, your subscription may become expired or suspended.
Microsoft 365 is a subscription service with always-updated apps (Word, Excel, etc.), cloud storage (OneDrive), and premium features like Copilot AI, usable on multiple devices; Office 2024 (formerly Office) is a one-time purchase for a single computer, providing a static set of core apps with only security updates, ideal for users wanting a fixed, offline experience without ongoing costs. The core difference is continuous updates and cloud integration (365) vs. a perpetual license for a fixed version (Office 2024).
Microsoft 365 is a subscription-based cloud service that provides access to the company's entire productivity suite. It includes the Office package (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) alongside Outlook as the native email provider and client. With this in mind, “Office 365” no longer exists—its new name is Microsoft 365.
Important: If you cancel a Microsoft 365 Basic, Personal, Family, or Premium subscription, your storage allowance will revert to 5GB of cloud storage, which includes your OneDrive and Outlook.com attachments, and 15GB of Outlook.com storage.
Outlook.com is a free email service from Microsoft. However, if you use the Outlook app as part of the Microsoft 365 suite, you'll need a subscription. If you just need access to your email, you can use the free web version of Outlook on Outlook.com. That way, you don't have to pay for a Microsoft 365 subscription.
6 methods to transfer files from PC to PC
Get free access to Word, Excel, and PowerPoint using Microsoft 365 for the web (formerly Office 365).
Since Microsoft adopted an annual feature update cadence for its desktop OS, with updates like 24H2 and 25H2 arriving in the autumn of each year, that time of year seems likely for the next major version update. If we drew a parallel with the Windows 10 lifespan, we'd get Windows 12 in 2027.
Yes, you can still use Windows 10 after October 14, 2025, but your PC will no longer receive free security updates, making it vulnerable; you'll need to upgrade to Windows 11, pay for Extended Security Updates (ESU), or risk increased security threats, as it will still function but without support or patches.