In recent times, numerous online platforms have advertised Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 licenses at prices as low as $30, a significant reduction from the standard retail price of approximately $439.99. While such offers may appear enticing, it's crucial to scrutinize their legitimacy and understand the potential risks involved.
Understanding Microsoft Office Licensing
Microsoft Office is available in various editions, each tailored for specific user groups:
- Home & Student: Includes core applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote.
- Home & Business: Adds Outlook to the core applications.
- Professional: Incorporates all the above plus Publisher and Access.
- Professional Plus: Designed primarily for large organizations, this edition includes all Professional features along with Skype for Business.
The Allure of Discounted Licenses
The prospect of acquiring a lifetime license for Microsoft Office at a fraction of the standard cost is undoubtedly appealing. However, such deals often come with caveats:
- Volume Licensing Misuse: Some sellers distribute volume license keys intended for organizations to individual consumers. This practice violates Microsoft's licensing terms, and Microsoft has the authority to deactivate such licenses upon detection. As noted by a Microsoft Agent, "There is no lifetime subscription product." (answers.microsoft.com)
- Activation Challenges: Users have reported difficulties activating these discounted licenses. For instance, a user shared their experience of purchasing a license from eBay, only to find the product key had already been used, leading to activation errors. (answers.microsoft.com)
- Potential Deactivation: Even if a license activates successfully, there's a risk of future deactivation. Microsoft monitors for unauthorized use of volume licenses and can disable them if misuse is detected. This means that a seemingly functional license could become invalid without warning.
Discussions within the Microsoft Community and other forums highlight widespread skepticism regarding these discounted offers:
- A user inquired about the legitimacy of a $69.99 offer for Office Professional Plus 2019 from a third-party seller. An independent advisor responded, emphasizing that "Pro Plus is not available as a legitimate retail purchase." (answers.microsoft.com)
- Another discussion pointed out that "Pro Plus licenses are volume licenses that can only legally be used by the organization that they were supplied to." (wilderssecurity.com)
While some users have reported initial success with these discounted licenses, the consensus suggests caution:
- Legal Implications: Utilizing a license obtained through unauthorized channels may violate Microsoft's terms of service, potentially leading to legal consequences.
- Security Concerns: Purchasing software from unverified sources increases the risk of downloading malicious software or compromising personal data.
- Lack of Support: Unauthorized licenses may not be eligible for official Microsoft support, leaving users without assistance in case of technical issues.
To ensure a legitimate and secure experience with Microsoft Office:
- Purchase from Authorized Retailers: Always buy software from reputable and authorized sellers to guarantee authenticity.
- Be Wary of Deals That Seem Too Good to Be True: Significantly discounted prices can be indicative of counterfeit or unauthorized products.
- Verify Licensing Terms: Understand the specific licensing terms associated with the product to ensure compliance with Microsoft's policies.
- Consider Alternative Solutions: If cost is a concern, explore legitimate alternatives such as Microsoft 365 subscription plans, which offer regular updates and support.
Source: pcworld.com Still have Microsoft 365? You’re overpaying. Just get this $30 version.
