How to Upgrade Microsoft Office 2019 to 2021?
Upgrading your Microsoft Office suite from the 2019 version to the 2021 version can bring a range of new features and improvements to enhance your productivity. This guide will walk you through the steps necessary to upgrade from Office 2019 to Office 2021.
Step 1: Purchase Office 2021
Before upgrading, you need to purchase a license for Microsoft Office 2021. You can do this through several avenues:
Microsoft Store: Visit the Microsoft Store online or a physical Microsoft retail location to purchase Office 2021.
Authorized Retailers: Many electronics and office supply stores sell Microsoft Office products.
Volume Licensing: If you’re part of an organization, check if you can obtain Office 2021 through your company’s volume licensing agreement.
Ensure you have a valid Microsoft account, as you’ll need it to manage your Office license and download the installer.
Step 2: Uninstall Office 2019
To avoid potential software conflicts, it’s advisable to uninstall Office 2019 before installing Office 2021.
For Windows:
Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
Go to Apps > Apps & features.
Scroll through the list of installed programs to find Microsoft Office 2019.
Click on it and select Uninstall.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process.
For Mac:
Open the Finder.
Navigate to the Applications folder.
Locate the Microsoft Office 2019 applications (such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
Drag each application to the Trash.
Empty the Trash to fully remove the applications.
Step 3: Download Office 2021 Installer
Once you have purchased Office 2021, you’ll need to download the installation files. This can typically be done through the Microsoft Office setup page.
Go to the Office setup page.
Sign in with your Microsoft account.
Enter your product key if prompted.
Follow the instructions to download the Office 2021 installer.
Step 4: Install Office 2021
After downloading the installer, proceed with the installation.
For Windows:
Locate the downloaded setup file (usually in your Downloads folder).
Double-click the setup file to start the installation.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.
For Mac:
Open the downloaded .pkg file.
Follow the installation prompts to install Office 2021 on your Mac.
Step 5: Activate Office 2021
Once Office 2021 is installed, you need to activate it to verify your license and gain full access to all features.
Open any Office 2021 application (such as Word or Excel).
When prompted, sign in with your Microsoft account.
Enter your product key if required.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the activation process.
Step 6: Update Office 2021
After installation and activation, it’s important to ensure your Office 2021 is up to date with the latest features and security patches.
Open any Office 2021 application.
Go to File > Account (or Office Account).
Under Product Information, click on Update Options.
Select Update Now to check for and install any available updates.
New Features in Office 2021
Office 2021 includes several enhancements over Office 2019, such as:
Co-authoring: Real-time collaboration with other users.
Microsoft Teams integration: Directly from Office applications.
Improved performance: Faster start-up and improved responsiveness.
New functions in Excel: Including dynamic arrays and XLOOKUP.
Visual refresh: Modernized start-up experience and ribbon interface.
Conclusion
Upgrading from Microsoft Office 2019 to Office 2021 is a straightforward process that involves purchasing a new license, uninstalling the previous version, installing the new version, and activating it. By following these steps, you can seamlessly transition to Office 2021 and take advantage of its new features and improvements, ensuring you have the tools you need to stay productive and efficient.
