Microsoft has officially released Office LTSC 2025, the latest long-term servicing version of Office designed for businesses and organisations that prioritise stability, security, and offline functionality. Like its predecessor, Office LTSC 2024, this perpetual license edition is built for environments where predictable performance matters more than constant updates. In this guide, we’ll compare Office LTSC 2025 vs 2024, highlight their key features and limitations, and explain how both stack up against Microsoft 365 so you can choose the right solution for your needs.
What Is Office LTSC?
The Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) version of Microsoft Office is a perpetual license edition designed for organisations that prioritise stability and control over frequent feature updates. Unlike Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise, which updates monthly, Office LTSC only receives security patches—no new features are added once it’s released.
Official Microsoft Office LTSC overview
The Long-Term Servicing Channel Explained
Office LTSC follows Microsoft’s Fixed Lifecycle Policy, which means each release is supported for five years. Businesses pay a one-time license fee, and the software remains unchanged except for security and bug fixes.
Why Microsoft Still Offers LTSC Alongside Microsoft 365
Although Microsoft heavily promotes cloud solutions, many industries still require offline, stable, and long-lifecycle software. LTSC fills this need by providing a locked-down version of Office that can be safely deployed in highly regulated or controlled environments.
Office LTSC 2025 Overview
New Features in Office LTSC 2025
Office LTSC 2025 introduces:
Updated versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
Improved performance and accessibility enhancements
Updated security baselines for modern operating systems
Minor usability improvements carried over from Microsoft 365 updates prior to release
Support Timeline and Licensing Model
Release date: September 2025
Support end date: October 2030
License type: Perpetual, device-based
Updates: Security patches only
Limitations Compared to Microsoft 365
No Copilot or AI-powered features
No cloud-based collaboration (co-authoring, shared editing)
No Teams integration bundled by default
Feature set frozen at release
Office LTSC 2024 Recap
Core Features of LTSC 2024
Released in 2024, this version offered:
Core Office apps with performance upgrades
Excel improvements (dynamic arrays, XLOOKUP)
Outlook enhancements (faster search, better calendar handling)
Security and accessibility updates
How It Differs from Office LTSC 2025
Mostly similar—both are stability-focused perpetual editions
LTSC 2025 includes updated security baselines and refinements for modern hardware/software
Both versions exclude Copilot, Teams, and real-time collaboration
Limitations of the 2024 Release
Limited lifecycle: support ends in October 2029
Same restrictions on collaboration and AI features as LTSC 2025
Office LTSC 2025 vs 2024 Comparison
Feature Differences at a Glance (Table Format)
| Feature/Aspect | LTSC 2024 | LTSC 2025 | Microsoft 365 Apps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensing | Perpetual, device-based | Perpetual, device-based | Subscription, per user |
| Support Lifecycle | Until Oct 2029 | Until Oct 2030 | Continuous |
| Updates | Security only | Security only | Monthly feature & security |
| AI Features (Copilot) | ❌ Not included | ❌ Not included | ✅ Included (plan-dependent) |
| Teams Integration | ❌ Not included | ❌ Not included | ✅ Included |
| Collaboration (co-authoring) | ❌ Not available | ❌ Not available | ✅ Real-time |
| Cost Model | One-time purchase | One-time purchase | Recurring subscription |
Licensing and Support Differences
The biggest change between LTSC 2024 and 2025 is support end date—2025 extends support until 2030, which may be crucial for regulated deployments.
Which Version Should You Choose?
If you already invested in LTSC 2024, upgrading isn’t essential unless your organisation requires extended lifecycle.
If you are planning a new deployment, LTSC 2025 is the logical choice due to its longer support window.
Office LTSC vs Microsoft 365
Collaboration & Cloud Features
Microsoft 365: full cloud integration, Teams included, real-time co-authoring
LTSC 2024/2025: standalone apps, no cloud features
- Microsoft 365 pricing and plans
- In collaborative environments, presenters often need tools like a countdown clock—see our guide on how to add a PowerPoint timer for step-by-step help.
Update Cadence and Security
Microsoft 365: rolling feature updates
LTSC: locked feature set, only security patches
Cost and Licensing Differences
Microsoft 365: subscription per user, ongoing cost
LTSC: one-time purchase, device-based license
Which One Fits Your Business Model?
Choose LTSC if you need predictability, offline use, or compliance with strict IT regulations.
Choose Microsoft 365 if collaboration, AI, and continuous innovation are essential.
- If you rely on Microsoft 365 for teaching or presenting, tools like our PowerPoint presentation timer add-in can help you stay on track during lectures and meetings.
Best Use Cases for Office LTSC
Regulated Industries (Healthcare, Finance, Government)
Where compliance and system stability are more important than new features.
Manufacturing and Offline Environments
Machines without internet access, factory floors, or isolated networks.
Education and Training Labs
Computer labs where systems are reset frequently and subscriptions are impractical. In classroom environments, using a classroom timer can complement Office LTSC setups where internet connectivity is limited
Devices With Long Lifecycle Requirements
ATMs, kiosks, and embedded systems that need the same software image for years.
Key Limitations of Office LTSC (2024 & 2025)
No Copilot or AI Features
Microsoft reserves AI tools like Copilot for Microsoft 365 subscribers.
Missing Teams Integration
Teams must be deployed separately if required.
Limited Real-Time Collaboration
No shared document editing—files are saved locally.
No Feature Updates After Release
Unlike Microsoft 365, LTSC won’t evolve after launch.
Final Thoughts — Should You Choose LTSC or Microsoft 365?
When LTSC Makes Sense
Offline or regulated systems
Long-term predictable environments
Businesses that don’t need AI or cloud collaboration
When Microsoft 365 Is the Better Option
Teams that rely on collaboration
Organisations wanting AI features like Copilot
Workplaces comfortable with subscription models
If you’re comparing tools for Microsoft 365 or LTSC, check out our guide to the best PowerPoint timer add-ins for boosting productivity.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Office LTSC 2025 and 2024
Q1: What is the difference between Office LTSC 2025 and 2024?
A: Both are perpetual, stability-first releases that only receive security updates. Office LTSC 2025 is the newer build with refinements, while Office LTSC 2024 is supported until October 9, 2029 according to Microsoft’s official lifecycle page.
Q2: Is Office LTSC 2025 better than Microsoft 365?
A: It depends on your needs. LTSC suits regulated, offline, or long-lifecycle environments where predictability matters more than new features. Microsoft 365 is better for collaboration, AI features such as Copilot, Teams integration, and continuous feature updates.
Q3: Does Office LTSC include Microsoft Teams or Copilot?
A: No. Office LTSC does not include Teams by default and does not include Copilot or other cloud-dependent AI features. These are available only with Microsoft 365 subscriptions.
Q4: Can I upgrade from Office LTSC 2024 to 2025?
A: Yes, but it’s generally only necessary if you need the newer build or a longer lifecycle. For new deployments, Microsoft recommends choosing the latest LTSC release.
Q5: Who should choose Office LTSC instead of Microsoft 365?
A: LTSC best fits healthcare, government, finance, manufacturing, labs, kiosks, and other controlled or offline environments where change must be tightly managed.
Q6: How are Office LTSC versions licensed and updated?
A: Office LTSC uses a one-time, device-based perpetual license and receives security updates only. Microsoft 365, by contrast, uses per-user subscriptions with rolling feature and security updates.
Q7: What are the key limitations of Office LTSC?
A: No real-time co-authoring, no built-in Teams, no Copilot/AI features, and no feature updates after release. LTSC prioritises stability over innovation.
For help with using UbiTimer across different Office editions, visit our UbiTimer Support page.
📌 Last updated: 13 September 2025