If you want to own the software forever without a monthly bill, this is the "perpetual" license. Go to product viewer dialog for this item. Microsoft 365 Family
This is the modern, cloud-connected version. You pay a monthly or yearly fee to keep the software active.
You can currently get Word in two ways: through a subscription or as a one-time purchase.
Users who want the latest features, 1TB of cloud storage, and the ability to use Word on multiple devices (PC, Mac, and mobile).
If you saw a "2017" version listed online, it was likely either a collection of updates for the subscription-based from that year or an unofficial/pirated listing. How to Buy Microsoft Word Today

