Microsoft Office 2011 Mac 64 bit upgrade

Why should we be forced down the subscription route? I avoid subscriptions to keep monthly outgoings under control - this is why people end up in debt when life takes an unexpected turn and income drops, so please dont say with hindsight that would have been the best option.  Wouldn’t be so bad if MS offered an upgrade at a one off price.

I purchased Microsoft Office 2011 along with the purchase of my MacBook.  I did an upgrade yesterday only to find that Office 2011 will only run on 32 bit.  The upgrade now requires Microsoft Office to run on 64bit.  I read in many places that Microsoft has no intentions of supporting this upgrade so therefore, I can no longer safely use this software, that I purchased, on my mac.  Microsoft is forcing me to purchase something I have already purchased earlier.  I do not care if there are newer versions of Microsoft Office.  I purchased Office 2011 and Microsoft should still honor that purchase by providing the 64bit upgrade.  I contacted support thru their chat box and was only directed to this site where I can look up or post my own questions.  Really great customer support Microsoft! Thank-you! NOT.  I wish to have a refund or a product key to another Microsoft Office that will run on Mac at 64bit. I'll be holding my breath awaiting even more outstanding customer service.  

I could be wrong about this but I believe that Office 2011 will run on the latest version of the MacOS (Mojave) - you just get a very annoying repetitive message that tells you to upgrade Office as Apple Mac 32-bit app support will stop at some point - perhaps next version after Mojave. That's when Office 2011 will stop working but if you can live with the annoying message which my Mum couldn't, you have to upgrade to Office 2019 and that is 64-bit (but if you use Outlook, Search doesn't work!)

Totally get your point about feeling forced to buy another Microsoft Office when you already have it.

The open source alternative is OpenOffice with its more robust fork called LibreOffice. There's also a Mac-only fork called NeoOffice. If your needs are not very demanding feature-wise, these can do the job for you. These programs share most of the same industry standard file types used by Microsoft Office. At the very least you get good file compatibility and can still share with Microsoft Office users who will see these files open in "compatibility mode" to protect them from using unsupported features.

I don't expect or need any free support for my shoes, clothing, etc. Automobile manufactures provide spare parts only. They are obliged to by law. You can always sell your car, fridge or any other appliance. It looks like you are not aware what the problem is.

I think I know what the problem is - a troll trying to angle to get something for nothing.

Look, I love freebies as much as anyone else, but I find the idea that software should run on operating systems or hardware for which it was never designed to be ludicrous. Free upgrades forever were never promised, nor should they be expected. The periods for which upgrades are promised are clearly stated. Microsoft has generously extended these periods voluntarily without charge in many cases, such as Office 2011 for Mac.

Microsoft Lifecycle Policy - support.microsoft.com

If you want free office software, use LibreOffice and Thunderbird or Google docs.

If your job requires you to use certain software at home, negotiate with your employer to see whether or not your employer will cover the cost of hardware, software and internet connectivity required for your job.

"I am an unpaid volunteer and do not work for Microsoft.

"Independent****Advisors" work for contractors hired by Microsoft.

"Microsoft Agents" work for Microsoft Support."

Can you give an example of another industry where manufacturers refuse to engage with customers and offload the majority of their support to third party volunteers, especially volunteers who are misinformed and have a somewhat warped view of reality?