Office 2019: Your Essential Productivity Suite

Did you know the average person spends over 3 hours daily using Microsoft Office apps¹? That’s why Microsoft Office 2019 is key for both individuals and businesses. It offers Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. These tools help you manage your tasks better and work more efficiently.

Office 2019 is the newest version of Microsoft’s top productivity software. It has everything you need for work, school, or running a small business. This suite makes creating, working together, and communicating easier.

Key Takeaways

• Microsoft Office 2019 is available as a one-time purchase, providing a cost-effective alternative to Office 365 subscriptions.
• The suite includes essential productivity apps such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, with a range of enhanced features.
• Office 2019 offers a stable and reliable experience, with a 5-year mainstream support and 2-year extended support period.
• System requirements are modest, making it accessible to a wide range of users and devices.
• Office 2019 is suitable for those who prefer a locally-installed solution over cloud-based options.

What is Office 2019?

Office 2019 is the newest version of Microsoft’s productivity suite. It offers a one-time purchase option, unlike the subscription model of Office 365². Users get a variety of essential applications with this perpetual license. These include Office Professional Plus 2019, Office Standard 2019, and more². It uses a new Click-to-Run technology for easy installation².

One-time Purchase vs. Office 365 Subscription

Office 2019 is a one-time purchase, unlike Office 365’s subscription model³. This means users can own the software without ongoing subscription payments. However, Office 365 offers more tools, like cloud storage and collaboration features, which might be better for businesses with changing needs³.

Available Products and Versions

Office 2019 is available for both Windows and macOS platforms⁴. For Windows, there are several products like Office Professional Plus 2019 and Visio Professional 2019². For macOS, the main product is Office Standard 2019 for Mac⁴.

Office 2019 comes in many languages, with 102 full and 51 partial language versions⁴²³.

New Installation Technology: Click-to-Run

Office 2019 now uses Click-to-Run for installation, not the old Windows Installer (MSI)⁵. This change makes installing Office easier and more user-friendly⁶. The Office Deployment Tool (ODT) replaced the old Office Customization Tool (OCT), making it simpler to set up Office 2019⁵.

Replacing Windows Installer (MSI)

Click-to-Run has replaced the old Windows Installer (MSI) for installing Office 2019⁵. Now, you can find Office 2019 files on the Office Content Delivery Network (CDN) online, not on the Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC)⁵. It’s better to install Office 2019 from the Office CDN because it’s easier for admins⁵.

Streamlined Deployment with Office Deployment Tool

You can download the Office Deployment Tool for free from the Microsoft Download Center⁵. It includes setup.exe and sample configuration.xml files to start the Office 2019 setup⁵. The configuration.xml file lets you customize settings like SourcePath and Product ID for Office 2019⁵.

It’s advised to uninstall old Windows Installer (MSI) versions of Office before installing Office 2019⁵. The OfficeClientEdition in XML can be either “32” or “64”, and 64-bit is recommended for computers with 4 GB or more RAM⁵. The file also has settings for activating Office 2019 through KMS or MAK⁵.

Switching to Click-to-Run and the Office Deployment Tool has made installing Office 2019 easier and more efficient⁶. But, some users find the new process complex and frustrating, showing the need for better guidance and resources⁷.

“The Office Deployment Tool is a free download from the Microsoft Download Center and consists of setup.exe and sample configuration.xml files to initiate the Office 2019 installation process.”⁵

System Requirements for Office 2019

For Microsoft Office 2019, the focus is on working well with the newest Windows systems. It runs on Windows 10 and Windows 11 but not on older systems like Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1⁸.

To run Office 2019 on Windows, you need a 1.6 GHz or faster 2-core processor. You’ll also need 4 GB of RAM for 64-bit systems or 2 GB of RAM for 32-bit systems. Plus, you’ll need at least 4 GB of free hard disk space. Your screen should support a resolution of at least 1280 x 768⁹.

On Mac systems, Office 2019 needs an Intel processor and 4 GB of RAM. Your Mac should have 10 GB of free hard disk space. Graphics requirements for Mac users are not specified⁹.

Microsoft Office 2019 comes in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions. The 64-bit version requires a 64-bit Windows system⁹.

The Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 suite includes apps like Word 2019, Excel 2019, PowerPoint 2019, Outlook 2019, Access 2019, Publisher 2019, and OneNote⁹.

For universities and individuals, Microsoft Office 2019 is available through places like the University of Hawaii Bookstore⁹.

Generally, the 32-bit version of Microsoft Office meets most business needs⁹.

Windows Operating System Compatibility

Microsoft Office 2019 works on Windows 10 and Windows 11 only. It doesn’t work on Windows 10 in S mode or with Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC)⁸.

Key Changes in Office 2019

Microsoft has made big changes with Office 2019. The biggest change is the support lifecycle now lasting 5 years for mainstream support and only 2 years for extended support, ending in 2025¹⁰. This is less support than before, when Office had 5 years of both mainstream and extended support.

Installation Location and Default Apps

Office 2019 changes how it installs and what apps come by default¹⁰. All apps install on the system drive, usually C:\, and this can’t be changed¹⁰. It also lets users set updates, like security ones, to download and install automatically from the Office CDN.

Office 2019 is different from before because you pay once for it, not every month¹¹. This is unlike Microsoft 365, which is a subscription¹¹. It’s a one-time payment, unlike the ongoing costs of Microsoft 365¹⁰.

Office 2019 has new features like better animation in PowerPoint and new tools in Excel¹⁰. But it doesn’t work as well with cloud services as Microsoft 365 does¹⁰. Microsoft is moving towards a subscription model with Office 365 for updates and fixes, which is what modern workplaces need¹⁰.

Even so, Office 2019 is still good for those who don’t want to pay every month¹¹. It comes with Word, PowerPoint, and Excel by default, and you can add more later¹⁰.

In summary, Office 2019 has big changes like a shorter support lifecycle, where it installs all apps by default, and a one-time purchase option¹⁰¹¹¹². It has new features but doesn’t have the same cloud or AI tools as Microsoft 365.

What Stayed the Same from Office 2016

Microsoft introduced a new installation method called Click-to-Run for Office 2019. Yet, many things stayed the same as Office 2016¹³. Group Policy settings still work as before, found in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Office\16.0 and HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Office\16.0¹³. Also, add-ins that worked with Office 2016 will likely work with Office 2019, needing only a little testing¹³.

Registry Settings and Add-in Compatibility

Office 2019 and Office 2016 share a key similarity: support for existing registry settings¹³. IT admins and power users can use the same Group Policy settings without big changes¹³. Most add-ins and customizations for Office 2016 also work with Office 2019, making the switch easier for users and IT teams¹³.

Office 2019 has updates and improvements, but its core and user experience are mostly the same as before¹³. This continuity is a big plus for organizations thinking about upgrading, as it cuts down on the need for a lot of training or system changes¹³.

Moving from Office 2016 to Office 2019 is more of an evolution than a big change. Users can use what they know and still get the new version’s benefits¹³. This makes it easier for organizations to stay productive and avoid big disruptions during the upgrade¹³.

“The cost and hassle of upgrading from Office 2016 to Office 2019 is high, with minor improvements in the newer version.”¹³

The decision to upgrade from Office 2016 to Office 2019 should be thought over carefully. The benefits might not always be worth the costs and effort¹³. Organizations should think about what they gain versus what it takes to switch, making sure the upgrade fits their needs and goals¹³.

The fact that Office 2019 and Office 2016 are similar in registry settings and add-in compatibility makes upgrading easier. It helps organizations use what they already have in the Microsoft Office world¹³.

office 2019 New Features

Office 2019 introduced many updates and improvements to Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. It doesn’t have all the features of Office 365, but it still has great updates. These updates can make business users more productive¹⁴.

Updates to Core Apps: Word, Excel, PowerPoint

In Word 2019, new learning tools and text-to-speech help make it more accessible¹⁵. Excel 2019 got a big upgrade with 11 new charts and better data storage¹⁴. PowerPoint 2019 now has better image management and 3D views for presentations¹⁵.

OneNote 2019 got better too, with new ink-to-text and improved inking on Surface devices¹⁵. Office 2019 also has a share button for easy document sharing and better file history¹⁵.

Office 2019 doesn’t have all the collaboration features of Office 365. But, it still has many updates to help businesses work better¹⁵.

“Office 2019 was officially released on September 24, 2018, and as of April 21, 2020, Office 365 was rebranded to ‘Microsoft 365.’¹⁶ The standalone Office 2019 suite is designed for business users who prefer a one-time purchase over a subscription-based model, though it may lack some of the collaborative and up-to-date features found in Microsoft 365.”

Office 2019 has many enhancements for business users who like traditional software over cloud subscriptions. It may not have everything Office 365 does, but it’s a good choice for those who want a one-time purchase¹⁶.

Upgrading to Office 2019

Moving to the latest Microsoft Office version can be easy if you know the steps. It’s key to follow the right process for a smooth office 2019 upgrade and office 2019 installation¹⁷.

Removing Previous Versions of Office

Before you start with Office 2019, remove any old Office versions from your computer. The Office Deployment Tool helps by uninstalling most old Office products. This is part of the Office 2019 setup¹⁸.

32-bit vs. 64-bit Considerations

Office 2019 comes in both 32-bit and 64-bit types. The 64-bit version is best for computers with 4 GB or more RAM. This is true unless there are compatibility issues or other factors¹⁷.

Make sure your computer can run the latest Office version before you upgrade. You might need to remove the old Office version first. This is crucial if you’re facing errors or installation issues¹⁸.

“Microsoft Office 2019, 2016, and 2021 offer a ‘perpetual’ license that does not expire.”¹⁹

By taking these steps, you’ll make the switch to Office 2019 easy and beneficial for your productivity.

Office 2019 Licensing and Activation

Microsoft offers various options for office 2019 licensing to meet the needs of businesses and enterprises. Volume licensing is a key option for organizations²⁰.

Volume Licensing for Enterprises

Office 2019’s volume licensed versions are made for enterprise admins to easily download and deploy to their teams. The activation process is similar to before, often using the Key Management Service (KMS) for smooth activation²⁰.

For companies with many Office 2019 licenses, KMS activation makes things easier. This method sets up a KMS server in the company. It then helps activate Office 2019 on the network²⁰.

While there are manual ways to activate, KMS is the top choice for big deployments²⁰. Batch scripts are now less used due to Microsoft’s updates²⁰.

The office 2019 licensing and activation options help both single users and big companies switch smoothly to the new suite²¹.

“Office 365 ProPlus gives the safest Office experience with the best cost for deployment and management.”²²

Companies looking for a full productivity solution might also look at Office 2019 with Office 365 ProPlus. This combo brings ongoing cloud updates, more productivity, and better security²²²⁰²¹.

Office 2019 vs. Office 365

Choosing between Office 2019 and Office 365 (now part of Microsoft 365) is key for businesses and individuals. Both offer tools to boost work efficiency, but there are key differences. Users need to think about these differences when picking which one to use²³.

Ongoing Feature Updates with Office 365

Office 2019 and Office 365 differ in how they handle updates. Office 2019 is a one-time buy, staying the same after release²⁴. Office 365, or Microsoft 365 Apps, is a subscription. It gives users new features and updates regularly²³.

Office 365’s update schedule is a big point to consider. Users get the newest tools and features. Office 2019 users stick with what they got at purchase²³. Office 365 also offers cloud services and storage, making it more versatile²³.

Choosing between Office 2019 and Office 365 depends on your needs, budget, and how much you value updates and cloud services²⁴. As things change in the business world, Office 365 might be the better choice for many²⁴.

Both Office 2019 and Office 365 (now Microsoft 365 Apps) are great for productivity. They meet different needs and preferences. Knowing the differences helps users pick the best one for them²³²⁴²⁵.

“Cloud-based and subscription-based offerings have become the new norm in the constantly evolving business environment.”²⁴

Conclusion

Microsoft Office 2019 is a strong tool for businesses and individuals who want a one-time buy option, unlike Office 365’s subscription²⁶. It won’t get new features, but it’s a solid choice for those liking a one-time buy. It comes with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and more, making it great for managing documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and databases²⁷.

Microsoft cut the support time for Office 2019 from 10 to 7 years, but it will still be supported until October 14, 2025, like Office 2016²⁶. Also, Office 2016 is about 50% cheaper than Office 2019 in stores, making it a budget-friendly option²⁶. Yet, Office 2019 is still a good pick for those who like buying once rather than subscribing.

In the end, Microsoft Office 2019 is a top choice for businesses and individuals needing advanced features and a one-time buy²⁶²⁷²⁸. Even without new features, it’s a dependable and full-featured option for those who prefer buying outright over subscribing to Office 365.

Source Links

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