Can I use Home and Family versions of Microsoft software in my Business?

If you would like to know the short answer the question “Can I use Home and Family Versions of Microsoft Software in my Business ? “ then the short answer is no.

Microsoft Windows operating system comes in two versions Windows Home and Windows Pro.  Microsoft also have Family and Business plans for the Microsoft Office software and services. If you run a business, even as a sole practitioner you will need to purchase a PC with Windows Pro and use the Business Versions of their software.   

Microsoft Windows Home and Microsoft Office Family are designed to work with a Microsoft Personal subscription which is tied to a personal email address.      Microsoft Pro and Microsoft Business services are designed to work with a work account and are connected to a work email address.  

Mixing and matching is not recommended for the following reasons:

1. The terms and conditions for use of Home or Family versions specifically exclude use in commercial environments.
2. Microsoft don’t technically support the mixing Home versions for use with some of the functions of business plans. They might work, or might have worked in the past but can’t be guaranteed to work in the future.
3. Business’s need the features offered in the Business Plans.
4. Security policies for business use are more robust in Business Plans compared to home versions.

Terms and Conditions

Small businesses or sole traders often start by going to the local computer store and purchase a laptop and family software subscription unaware of the license conditions or suitability of the purchase. The Terms and Conditions for Microsoft 365 Family says ” The service/software may not be used for commercial, non-profit, or revenue-generating activities.” , which is very clear.

See here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/Useterms/Retail/Office365/Home/Useterms_Retail_Office365_Home_English.htm

Technical Issues

Some very small businesses have been using Windows 10 home PC’s and family versions of software mixed with Microsoft Business plans for email.  This mix and match approach is becoming increasingly fraught with problems, as Microsoft do not specifically support this arrangement, and no longer test for this combination.   We are starting to see more problems with Microsoft Outlook Desktop installed using the Family plan connecting to Microsoft 365 Business email accounts. 

Microsoft technical specifications  say that to use Microsoft 365 Business services, you need to have one of the following versions of Microsoft Office.  Microsoft 365 Family is not on this list.

• Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise (previously named Office 365 ProPlus)
• Microsoft 365 Apps for business (previously named Office 365 Business)
• Office LTSC 2021, such as Office LTSC Professional Plus 2021
• Office 2019, such as Office Professional Plus 2019
• Office 2016, such as Office Standard 2016

 Examples of Microsoft 365 services include Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, and OneDrive for Business

More information here:

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/deployoffice/endofsupport/microsoft-365-services-connectivity

If you run a business and would like assistance with your Microsoft 365 subscriptions or have any questions then please call our support number on (03) 9555 4986 and book a free complimentary 15 minute discussion