Best Visual Studio Tools for the Office system Runtime Alternatives in 2025
Looking for alternatives to Visual Studio Tools for the Office system Runtime? In this comparison, we take a closer look at Visual Studio Tools for the Office system Runtime alongside similar software solutions including Visual Studio Tools for the Office system Runtime, Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 Tools for Office Runtime, Microsoft Office 2010, Microsoft Works, Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 Tools for Office Runtime Language Pack, Microsoft 365 Apps for Business, Microsoft .NET Framework Targeting Pack, Office Tab Enterprise, Power-user, Microsoft Office Professional 2013 and SharePoint Client Components.
Our detailed comparison table highlights key features, pricing, and performance of these leading solutions, empowering you to make an informed decision. Whether you're seeking robust functionality, user-friendly design, or cost-effective alternatives, explore how Visual Studio Tools for the Office system Runtime, Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 Tools for Office Runtime, Microsoft Office 2010, Microsoft Works, Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 Tools for Office Runtime Language Pack, Microsoft 365 Apps for Business, Microsoft .NET Framework Targeting Pack, Office Tab Enterprise, Power-user, Microsoft Office Professional 2013 and SharePoint Client Components stack up to find the perfect software for your goals.
Supported Applications
 Visual Studio Tools for the Office system Runtime
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Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Project |
 Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 Tools for Office Runtime
|
Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word |
 Microsoft Office 2010
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Includes Excel, Word, Access, Publisher, OneNote, Outlook, PowerPoint |
 Microsoft Works
|
Includes basic word processing, spreadsheet; lacks advanced applications |
 Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 Tools for Office Runtime Language Pack
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Supports all Microsoft Office versions' applications |
 Microsoft 365 Apps for Business
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Includes Excel, Word, Access, Outlook, PowerPoint, Publisher, OneNote, Teams |
|
Microsoft .NET Framework Targeting Pack
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Supports development of .NET Framework applications across various platforms |
 Office Tab Enterprise
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Enhances Office applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint with tabbed interface |
 Power-user
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Integrates with Microsoft Office applications like Excel, PowerPoint, and Word |
 Microsoft Office Professional 2013
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Includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook, Publisher and Access |
 SharePoint Client Components
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Supports SharePoint data access and administration across Microsoft products |
Platform and Compatibility
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Visual Studio Tools for the Office system Runtime
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.NET based; compatible with Office 2003 to 2016 versions; supports multiple programming languages including VB.NET and C++ |
|
Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 Tools for Office Runtime
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.NET Framework based; supports Windows OS versions including XP SP3 to Windows Server; supports multiple languages including Visual Basic and F# |
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Microsoft Office 2010
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Available for 32-bit and 64-bit Windows systems; requires at least 3GB disk space and 1GB RAM |
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Microsoft Works
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Works on Windows platforms; supports Windows 10; no official support for newer versions |
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Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 Tools for Office Runtime Language Pack
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Language pack supporting multiple languages and localization for Visual Studio 2010 Tools for Office Runtime |
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Microsoft 365 Apps for Business
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Subscription-based service requiring internet connection; supports PC and Mac platforms; allows installation on up to five devices per user |
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Microsoft .NET Framework Targeting Pack
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Supports multiple .NET Framework versions; requires internet connection for installation updates |
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Office Tab Enterprise
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Compatible with Microsoft Office 2007 to 2016; adds a tabbed document interface to existing Office programs |
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Power-user
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Available for Windows and Mac; requires internet connection for updates and cloud features |
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Microsoft Office Professional 2013
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Available for Windows 32-bit and 64-bit systems; requires minimum system specifications including processor speed and RAM; supports cloud integration |
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SharePoint Client Components
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Supports various development frameworks including .NET and JavaScript; compatible with SharePoint Server and Online |
Licensing and Cost
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Visual Studio Tools for the Office system Runtime
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Free version available; developers can obtain certification programs like MCSD for Microsoft Office development skills |
|
Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 Tools for Office Runtime
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Free software available through official Microsoft channels for runtime environment deployment |
|
Microsoft Office 2010
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Available as retail license with free trial version; one-time purchase required |
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Microsoft Works
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Free converter available; low-cost productivity suite but lacks advanced features and official support |
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Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 Tools for Office Runtime Language Pack
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Included as free update components to support language localization in runtime environments |
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Microsoft 365 Apps for Business
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Subscription-based licensing with monthly or annual payments; offers free trial period |
|
Microsoft .NET Framework Targeting Pack
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Optional component as part of developer tools; free downloads available with updates provided by Microsoft |
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Office Tab Enterprise
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Commercial product by Detong Technology Ltd. with a 30-day free trial period before purchase required |
|
Power-user
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Offers free trial version followed by one-time purchase or subscription plans with continual updates and support |
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Microsoft Office Professional 2013
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One-time purchase license model with additional training and support options available |
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SharePoint Client Components
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Requires proper licensing under Microsoft terms; may incur licensing fees depending on organizational use |
Choosing the right software isn’t just about features. Size, license type, user ratings, and popularity also matter.
This quick comparison shows how Visual Studio Tools for the Office system Runtime stacks up against Visual Studio Tools for the Office system Runtime, Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 Tools for Office Runtime, Microsoft Office 2010, Microsoft Works, Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 Tools for Office Runtime Language Pack, Microsoft 365 Apps for Business, Microsoft .NET Framework Targeting Pack, Office Tab Enterprise, Power-user, Microsoft Office Professional 2013 and SharePoint Client Components in these key areas—helping you find the best alternative for your needs.
Size
License
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Visual Studio Tools for the Office system Runtime
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Shareware |
|
Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 Tools for Office Runtime
|
Shareware |
|
Microsoft Office 2010
|
Commercial |
|
Microsoft Works
|
Commercial |
|
Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 Tools for Office Runtime Language Pack
|
Freeware |
|
Microsoft 365 Apps for Business
|
Commercial |
|
Microsoft .NET Framework Targeting Pack
|
Freeware |
|
Office Tab Enterprise
|
Shareware |
|
Power-user
|
Shareware |
|
Microsoft Office Professional 2013
|
Shareware |
|
SharePoint Client Components
|
Shareware |