Office 2013 drops support for Windows XP and Windows Vista

Microsoft is introducing the Consumer Preview version of its Office 2013 suite today, but the latest software will only work on Windows 7 and Windows 8 PCs. The software maker has decided to drop support for its Windows XP and Windows Vista customers. Office 2010, released in June 2010, included support for both Windows XP and Windows Vista, but the latest version — expected to be released in early 2013 — will force users to upgrade to Windows 7 and Windows 8 to reep the benefits.

Office 2013 includes an on-demand streaming version, available through the company’s Office 365 Home Premium subscription. The Office suite of apps now includes some touch improvements for Windows 8 tablets and a host of new features across Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. The somewhat controversial step to remove XP and Vista support for Office 2013 may anger some customers, but, a $39.99 Windows 8 upgrade promotion will make it easier to stomach for some.