Microsoft 365 Basic is a new subscription plan designed for individuals who need essential cloud services without the extra bells and whistles. For just $1.99 per month or $19.99 a year, users get 100 GB of cloud storage, access to web and mobile versions of Microsoft apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and ad-free email with @outlook.com, @hotmail.com, @live.com, and @msn.com accounts. This plan is perfect for students, one-time purchasers, and anyone looking to dip their toes into Microsoft’s ecosystem without a full commitment.
Imagine having all your files securely stored and accessible from anywhere, without worrying about running out of space or seeing annoying ads in your inbox. Students, non-profits, and small businesses can benefit greatly from Microsoft 365 Basic’s storage options and mobile app accessibility. You can use it on any device running Windows 10/11 or macOS 11.0 or newer, making it versatile for various users.
In addition, Microsoft 365 Basic offers robust customer support and ransomware protection, ensuring your data stays safe and you get help when needed. While it doesn’t include desktop versions of the apps or advanced services like Publisher, Visio, or Project, it provides an affordable entry point for those who need basic functionality. This plan is ideal for anyone not looking for a full subscription but still wanting access to Microsoft’s reliable tools.
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What Does Microsoft 365 Basic Include?
Microsoft 365 Basic is designed to provide essential tools for personal productivity.
This subscription plan covers:
1. 100 GB of Cloud Storage: OneDrive offers us secure and ample space to store files, photos, and documents.
2. Ad-Free Email: Outlook web and mobile email services are ad-free, making our email experience smoother.
Access to support experts means help is just a click away if we ever run into issues.
This plan also includes ransomware protection to keep our files safe. It’s nice knowing our important data is secure.
Microsoft 365 Basic is compatible with web, iOS, and Android devices. This flexibility ensures we can work or access our files anywhere.
Unlike the Microsoft 365 Personal or Family plans, this Basic plan targets single users.
Some may prefer the Personal Plan for more features, even if it costs a bit more.
It’s worth noting that Microsoft 365 Basic includes some cloud-connected features.
This allows us to collaborate on files in real time, which can be crucial for group projects.
In terms of app availability, it varies by device and language, but the core functionality remains solid.
The seamless integration of these tools helps us stay organized and productive.
So, if we’re looking for a straightforward and budget-friendly option, Microsoft 365 Basic is a solid choice.
Core Features
Microsoft 365 Basic offers several key features designed to meet the needs of individual users. These include ad-free email and calendar access via Outlook, core Office applications such as Word and Excel, and OneDrive cloud storage.
Email and Calendar
With Microsoft 365 Basic, we get ad-free email using Outlook. This means no annoying ads popping up when we check our messages. We can manage our emails seamlessly across all devices—PCs, Macs, tablets, and phones.
Outlook also provides a robust calendar system. We can schedule meetings, set reminders, and sync our events across all devices. This keeps us organized whether we’re at the office, home, or on the go. The integration with other Microsoft services ensures that everything works smoothly.
Office Applications
Even though it’s a basic plan, we still have access to essential Office apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. These apps are available in their web versions, making it easy to create and edit documents online.
We can also use OneNote for taking notes and organizing information. Although this plan does not include desktop versions, the web and mobile apps are quite powerful. Working on multiple devices is a breeze since everything syncs seamlessly across Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
OneDrive
OneDrive provides us with 100 GB of cloud storage, which is quite generous for a basic plan. We can store documents, photos, and videos securely. Accessing these files from any device is very convenient, whether it’s a laptop, tablet, or phone.
OneDrive also includes ransomware protection and other security features. This means our files are safe from any potential threats. Plus, it’s easy to share files and collaborate with others, making it perfect for personal and light work use.
Want to back up a lot of data? No problem! Make the most of that 100 GB storage.
Having technical support available is another bonus. Whenever we face a problem, we can reach out to Microsoft Support experts for help. This includes help with Windows 11 and other Microsoft services.
Collaboration Tools
Microsoft 365 Basic includes several powerful tools that help us work more effectively with our colleagues. Key tools include Microsoft Teams and SharePoint, each offering specific features to enhance teamwork and productivity.
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is our go-to platform for messaging, video calls, and collaboration. It supports call, chat, and meeting functions for up to 300 people, making it perfect for both small and large groups. With Teams, we can schedule video conferences, share files in real-time, and collaborate on documents seamlessly.
It integrates with other Microsoft apps like Word, Excel, and OneNote, allowing us to co-edit documents right within the chat window. The rich feature set of Microsoft Teams makes it easy to stay connected and productive, no matter where we are.
SharePoint is vital for organizing and sharing documents. It serves as a central hub for file storage, enabling us to store documents securely and collaborate on them with our team. SharePoint’s document libraries help us maintain version control and track changes made by different users.
The platform includes powerful search functionality, making it easy to find what we need quickly. We can set permissions to control who can view or edit documents, enhancing security. Additionally, SharePoint integrates smoothly with Microsoft Teams, providing a cohesive collaboration experience.