Why does costco office download saw microsoft365 when I purchased the desktop software

Carrie Kowalski 0 Reputation points
2026-09-09T19:12:58.93+00:00

I purchased the desktop version of 2024 Microsoft office home software through Costco. When I began the download the message box says microsoft365. So, my question is if the software suite is actually loaded on my PC or is it a 365 product? My intent was to purchase a software suite which was to be loaded onto my PC; I did not want a 365 product.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Install, redeem, activate | For home | Windows
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  1. Stefan Blom 351K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2026-09-09T19:25:36.63+00:00

    You have to double-check with Costco to find out what you purchased, exactly.

    Full versions of Office that you install on a PC or Mac, no matter if you have a one-time payment (perpetual) license (such as Office Home & Business 2024) or a subscription (such as Microsoft 365 Personal), are always installed locally on your computer.

    Terminology is sometimes a bit confusing. Sometimes, "Microsoft 365" means both subscriptions and perpetual (one-time payment) licenses. More specific would be to speak of "Microsoft 365 and Office" when referring to both product categories.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-09-09T19:13:13.47+00:00

    What appears during download does not mean a Microsoft 365 subscription was purchased. Office 2024 and Microsoft 365 use the same installer, so the setup window can show “Microsoft 365 and Office” even when the product is a one-time purchase such as Office Home 2024.

    Office 2024 is still a desktop suite installed on the PC. It is a one-time purchase for one PC or Mac, not a subscription. Microsoft 365 is the subscription product.

    To confirm the correct product:

    1. Sign in to the Microsoft account used to redeem the purchase.
    2. Go to the Services & subscriptions page.
    3. Check that Office 2024 / Office Home 2024 appears there.
    4. Install from the Install option next to that product.

    If the PC previously had a Microsoft 365 subscription or trial, the installer or apps can sometimes still show Microsoft 365 branding. In that case, remove any existing Microsoft 365 or trial Office apps from Settings > Apps, then reinstall from the Office 2024 entry in the Microsoft account.

    Also, Office 2024 does install locally on the PC. Internet is needed initially to install and activate it, but after installation and activation, the apps can be used offline.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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