The countdown continues in Redmond. Microsoft this week reminded users that Office 2016 and Office 2019 will reach the end of their extended support on October 14, 2025, meaning that from that date, both versions of the popular productivity suite will no longer receive security updates, patches, or official technical support.
The notice also affects versions of Visio 2016/2019, Project 2016/2019, and related applications, which will also be unsupported.
What does end of support mean?
As the company itself warns on its product lifecycle portal, after October 14, Office 2016 and 2019 applications may continue to operate, but using them without support poses risks:
- Unpatched vulnerabilities that could be exploited by cybercriminals.
- Potential compatibility issues with new systems and services.
- Compliance risks in business environments that require up-to-date software.
Microsoft recalls that Office 2016 stopped receiving mainstream support in October 2020, and Office 2019 followed suit in October 2023. Now, their lifecycle is officially coming to an end.
Alternatives: from Office 365 to Office 2024
The company once again recommends that users and organizations migrate as soon as possible to Microsoft 365 Apps, the subscription-based version that guarantees ongoing updates and new features.
However, for those who prefer a one-time purchase product, Microsoft offers two options released in 2024:
- Office 2024: standalone version aimed at homes and small businesses, with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Outlook for Windows and macOS.
- Office LTSC 2024 (Long-Term Servicing Channel): targeted at corporate and government environments, with perpetual licenses designed for specialized systems requiring long-term stability, such as medical or defense equipment.
Both editions will be supported until October 9, 2029.
Coinciding with Windows 10’s farewell
The end of support for Office 2016 and 2019 coincides with that of Windows 10, which will also stop receiving security updates on October 14. Additionally, support for Exchange 2016 and 2019 is concluding, intensifying urgency for IT departments and users still relying on outdated software.
Conclusion
Microsoft’s message is clear: the future involves migrating to newer versions of Office, whether through the subscription model with Microsoft 365 or via the perpetual editions released in 2024. Continuing to use Office 2016 or 2019 after support ends will involve security and functionality risks in a technological landscape where threats are constantly evolving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Office 2016 or 2019 still work after October 14, 2025?
Yes, they will continue to function, but they will no longer receive security updates or official support.
What issues might arise from using Office without support?
Cybersecurity risks, incompatibilities with other programs, and potential non-compliance in businesses subject to data protection and security regulations.
What options are available for those who do not want to pay for a Microsoft 365 subscription?
Microsoft offers Office 2024 and Office LTSC 2024, one-time payment versions with support guaranteed until 2029.
Which other Microsoft platforms will cease to be supported in October 2025?
Besides Office 2016/2019, Windows 10 and email servers Exchange 2016 and 2019 will also reach their end of support.