Microsoft has announced that support for Office 2016 and Office 2019 will end on October 14, 2025. After this date, these versions will no longer receive security updates, bug fixes, or technical support. While the applications will continue to function, using unsupported software can expose users to security vulnerabilities and compliance risks. (support.microsoft.com)

Background Information

Office 2016 and Office 2019 are part of Microsoft's suite of productivity applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. These versions were designed for users who prefer a one-time purchase over a subscription model. Office 2016 was released in September 2015, and Office 2019 followed in September 2018. (en.wikipedia.org, en.wikipedia.org)

Implications and Impact

The end of support for Office 2016 and Office 2019 means that Microsoft will no longer provide:

  • Security Updates: Protection against new vulnerabilities.
  • Bug Fixes: Resolution of known issues.
  • Technical Support: Assistance for troubleshooting problems.

Continuing to use these versions after October 14, 2025, can lead to:

  • Security Risks: Increased susceptibility to malware and cyberattacks.
  • Compliance Issues: Potential violations of industry regulations.
  • System Incompatibilities: Challenges with newer software and operating systems.
Technical Details

Office 2016 and Office 2019 were designed to be compatible with various versions of Windows and macOS. However, as operating systems evolve, older Office versions may encounter compatibility issues. For instance, Office 2016 is the last version to support Windows 7 SP1, Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1, Windows 8, Windows Server 2012, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows 10 RTM–v1803, and Windows Server 2016. (en.wikipedia.org)

Upgrade Options

To ensure continued support and access to the latest features, Microsoft recommends upgrading to:

  1. Microsoft 365: A subscription-based service that provides always-up-to-date versions of Office applications, along with cloud services like OneDrive and Teams. (techcommunity.microsoft.com)
  2. Office 2024: A standalone version released in October 2024 for users who prefer a one-time purchase. (bleepingcomputer.com)
  3. Office LTSC 2024: Designed for devices that cannot accept feature updates or connect to the internet, offering a long-term servicing channel. (techcommunity.microsoft.com)
Conclusion

With the end of support for Office 2016 and Office 2019 approaching, it's crucial for users and organizations to plan their upgrade paths to maintain security, compliance, and productivity. Transitioning to supported versions will ensure access to the latest features and protection against potential risks.

References

By proactively upgrading to supported versions, users can ensure a secure and efficient computing environment.