19 July 2025

The Truth About AI Licensing in Microsoft Office 2024 Professional Plus

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 Is Copilot Really Included in Office 2024?

With Microsoft promoting AI as the future of productivity, many users and IT buyers are asking: Does Microsoft Office 2024 Professional Plus include Copilot by default? The answer is more complex than a simple yes or no. If you’re expecting AI-powered writing, data analysis, or presentation tools right out of the box—you may be in for a surprise.

In this post, we’ll break down the real facts about AI licensing in Office 2024, what “Copilot” really means, how it’s offered, and what your license actually includes. If you’re considering a purchase or already have the Microsoft Office 2024 Professional Plus license for 3 devices, this guide will help clarify what AI features you can access—and what you can’t.

What Is Microsoft Copilot?

Copilot is Microsoft’s AI-powered assistant, integrated into apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams. It can:

  • Draft emails, reports, or summaries

  • Generate PowerPoint presentations from Word docs

  • Create and analyze Excel charts with natural language

  • Automate meeting notes and task lists in Teams

But here’s the catch: Copilot is not a free add-on in Office 2024.

Does Office 2024 Professional Plus Include Copilot?

The Short Answer: No, Not By Default

Despite being the most advanced suite in Microsoft’s lineup, Microsoft Office 2024 Professional Plus does not include Copilot out of the box. Microsoft has positioned Copilot as a separate, add-on subscription, not a built-in feature of Office 2024.

What’s Actually Included?

When you purchase Office 2024 Professional Plus, you get:

  • One-time purchase for 3 devices

  • Lifetime license (no subscription)

  • Access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Publisher, Access, and OneNote

  • No native AI integration or Copilot support

To use Microsoft 365 Copilot, you typically need:

  • A Microsoft 365 subscription (E3, E5, or Business Standard)

  • A Copilot license (currently priced at $30/user/month)

Learn more about Microsoft’s Copilot pricing on Microsoft’s official site.

Common Myths About Copilot and Office 2024

1. Myth: Copilot is free with Office 2024 Pro Plus.

Fact: It’s a separate paid service and requires a Microsoft 365 environment.

2. Myth: Office 2024 has the same features as Microsoft 365.

Fact: Office 2024 is a standalone product with no cloud AI integration.

3. Myth: You can enable Copilot by upgrading Office 2024.

Fact: You’d need to switch to Microsoft 365, not just upgrade.

Why Microsoft Chose a Separate AI License

Microsoft’s reasoning is both technical and strategic:

  • Infrastructure: Copilot needs access to Microsoft Graph, OneDrive, and Teams—all cloud services tied to M365.

  • Revenue Model: Positioning Copilot as a premium add-on supports recurring revenue.

  • User Control: Businesses can choose who gets AI access, which helps with compliance and cost control.

AI Alternatives If You Use Office 2024 Standalone

If you’re not ready to switch to Microsoft 365, here are some third-party AI tools you can pair with Office 2024:

  1. Grammarly – For writing, clarity, and tone improvement in Word or Outlook

  2. ChatGPT Web – For content generation, summaries, and analysis outside Office

  3. Power BI Desktop (Free) – For data visualization instead of Excel Copilot

These can’t fully replicate Copilot but offer useful support without a full M365 migration.

Licensing Breakdown: Copilot vs. Office 2024 Pro Plus

Feature Office 2024 Pro Plus Microsoft 365 + Copilot
One-time payment ✅ Yes ❌ No (Subscription)
Cloud AI Assistant (Copilot) ❌ No ✅ Yes
Internet/cloud integration ❌ No ✅ Yes
Best for Offline users, SMBs Large teams, AI-heavy workflows

Conclusion

Microsoft’s branding around Copilot can be confusing. Office 2024 Professional Plus is a powerful suite—but it does not include AI features. If you’re buying it expecting Copilot to be part of the package, you may be disappointed.

Before you invest, evaluate whether you want a standalone, one-time license or a subscription-based AI experience. For many users, the clarity lies in choosing the right product for the right need.

For more such deep dives and expert comparisons, visit winandofficews.

FAQ

Q1: Can I add Copilot later to Office 2024 Pro Plus?
 No. Copilot is not supported in the standalone Office suite. You’d need a Microsoft 365 plan.

Q2: Does Copilot work offline?
 No. Copilot relies on cloud services, including Microsoft Graph and Azure AI. It requires constant internet access.

Q3: Is Copilot available in all regions and languages?
 Microsoft is rolling it out globally, but availability may vary. Check the official availability page for updates.

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