Message ID: MC910978
Support for Office 2016 and Office 2019 will end one year from today, on October 14, 2025. After that date, no further updates, security fixes, or technical support will be available for these versions of Office. While the applications may continue to function, using unsupported software could lead to potential security risks and other issues. Because migrations can take time, we recommend starting to upgrade any remaining devices your organization has running Office 2016 or Office 2019 to a supported version as soon as possible.
[What you need to do to prepare:]
To mitigate these risks and ensure your organization remains secure and compliant, we recommend upgrading devices running Office 2016 or Office 2019 to Microsoft 365 E3, which includes Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise plus core device management, security, and compliance capabilities. Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise provides the latest versions of desktop apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint with regular updates and continuous support under the Modern Lifecycle Policy and is eligible for the Microsoft 365 Copilot add-on.
For scenarios that require a fully disconnected solution, we recommend upgrading to Office LTSC 2024. Office LTSC 2024 includes a subset of the value in Microsoft 365 Apps and will be supported for five years under the Fixed Lifecycle Policy.
Resources to help you prepare for this transition:
- Read the upgrade guidance for an overview of how to move from Office 2016 or Office 2019 to Microsoft 365 Apps.
- Consider engaging Microsoft FastTrack, a Microsoft support service for moving to Microsoft 365 E3.
- Visit our Office End of Support Tech Community for more information and resources about the end of support for Office.
Planning ahead will help you avoid potential disruptions and keep your organization’s software environment secure and up to date.
Source: Microsoft
Calling all you Office 2016 and Office 2019 users out there! Mark your calendars for October 14, 2025, because that’s the day support for these versions will be riding off into the sunset. Yes, you heard it right—no more updates, no more security fixes, and no more technical support. While your trusty old Office apps might still work, using unsupported software is like leaving your front door wide open and hoping no one notices.
So, what does this mean for admins and users? Well, for starters, it’s time to start thinking about an upgrade. And before you roll your eyes and groan, let me tell you, it’s not as bad as it sounds. Think of it as trading in your old, beat-up car for a shiny new model with all the bells and whistles.
For admins, this is your cue to start planning those migrations. Yes, it might feel like herding cats at times, but starting early will save you a lot of headaches down the road. The good news is, there are plenty of resources to help you out. Microsoft recommends upgrading to Microsoft 365 E3, which includes the latest versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, along with regular updates and continuous support. Plus, you get some nifty device management, security, and compliance capabilities thrown in for good measure.
And for those of you who need a fully disconnected solution, there’s Office LTSC 2024. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of Office versions—compact, reliable, and supported for five years.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “But what about the transition?!” Fear not! Microsoft has got you covered with a treasure trove of resources. From upgrade guidance to the Microsoft FastTrack support service, and even a dedicated Office End of Support Tech Community, you’ll have all the help you need to make this as smooth as possible.
So, what’s the takeaway here? Start planning now to avoid any last-minute scrambles. Your future self will thank you. And hey, why not take this opportunity to explore all the cool new features that come with Microsoft 365?
We’d love to hear what you think about this update. Are you excited about the new features, or are you dreading the migration process? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!