Windows operating systems provide a platform on which to do basic computing, but you still need to add software for special tasks. As is the case for its predecessors and successors, Windows 7 Home Premium doesn't include the Microsoft Office suite or Microsoft Office programs, such as Access, Excel, PowerPoint or Word. However, you'll find a few productivity features in Windows 7 Home Premium, and you won't have to go far to add Office applications to your computer.
Productivity Features
Windows 7 Home Premium's HomeGroup -- an application that enables a closed, password-protected network of printers -- provides certain features handy for home offices and small businesses. For backing up valuable information, this version of Windows enables you to save what's known as a complete system image, or a copy of everything currently on your computer. A similar Previous Version utility helps you restore important files that you may have inadvertently changed or deleted.
Other Features
Although Windows 7 Home Premium doesn't come with significant stand-alone applications, it does include Microsoft's Internet Explorer Web browser. The included Windows Media Center enables playback for digital multimedia as well as physical CDs and DVDs. Windows 7 Home Premium also packs a DVD maker application that helps you burn DVD content, if your computer is equipped with a DVD burner.
Office Availability
As of May 2013, Microsoft offers six versions of its Office 365 and Office 2013 software suites for home and business use, as well as stand-alone versions of Office applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Access, Publisher and Outlook. In addition to physical retail copies, you can purchase these programs directly from Microsoft or from online retailers as digital downloads or subscription plans. Each of these suites and programs is compatible with Windows 7.
Considerations
In some cases, computers that include Windows 7 may also include a version of Microsoft Office programs or the Microsoft Office suite. Although these programs are not included in Windows 7, vendors may include this software as part of the purchase. Business-oriented versions of Windows 7 -- Windows 7 Professional and Ultimate -- include additional productivity and security features such as the ability to run business programs in Windows XP Mode, company network connectivity via Domain Join, and BitLocker data theft protection.
Microsoft Windows 7 and Office Version Compatibility Chart
Over the years we've heard questions like "Will Office 2003 run on Windows 7?"
We wish Microsoft had charts showing which Office versions work with which version of Windows, but they don't.
This information has been found on Microsoft's websites over the years and links are provided where possible. Please see our Disclaimer below.
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Compatibility Chart for Windows 7 and Microsoft Office
Office 365 | Compatible. The objective of Office 365 is for the end user to automatically upgrade to the newest version when notified. See System Requirements for Office. Microsoft says "For the best experience, use the latest version of any operating system." |
Office 2021Support ends 13-Oct-2026 | Not Compatible. See System Requirements for Office - click on a product name to see the system requirements. |
Office 2019Support ends 14-Oct-2025 | Not Compatible. See System Requirements for Office - click on a product name to see the system requirements. |
Office 2016Support ends 14-Oct-2025 | Compatible. See System Requirements for Office - scroll down and click on a product name to see the system requirements. |
Office 2013Support ends 11-Apr-2023 | Compatible. See System Requirements for Office 2013. Also see System Requirements for Office - scroll down and click on a product name to see the system requirements. |
Office 2010Support ended 13-Oct-2020 | Compatible (both 32-bit and 64-bit editions). See System Requirements for Office 2010 |
Office 2007Support has ended | Compatible. Some folks have issues, but most are caused by first failing to uninstall a trial version of Office. |
Office 2003Support has ended | Compatible © KeynoteSupport.com |
Office XP
| Not compatible. It may run in XP mode, which is only available in Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate editions |
Office 2000 | NOT compatible. However, some folks claim success, except for Outlook. May run in XP mode, which is only available in Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate edition. Otherwise, best to find a newer version. |
Summary
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The support dates listed above refer to Microsoft's Extended Support. See Difference between Extended Support and Mainstream Support for more information.
Before upgrading Windows, verify that all existing applications are compatible and research all upgrade issues. This is especially true if you don't have the installation disks for the Office Suite or other application software due to the software pre-installed on your computer or from the activation of a trial product.
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Disclaimer: As always, we do our best to provide accurate, easy-to-understand information for our website visitors. However, we will not be held responsible for inadvertent errors, nor should any visitor infer that we are providing technical advice or guarantees. In addition, Keynote Support does not respond to technical questions or provide technical assistance. If you have questions about any information discussed in this article, use the appropriate Microsoft Forum.
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