Windows 10 support ends on October 14, 2025. But it was not the only Microsoft product that was discontinued last Tuesday, Office 2016 and Office 2019 also reached end of support.
Martin wrote about it in April to alert readers, but it finally happened.
Windows 10 users have a lifeline, Extended Security Updates (ESU), which can be extended for one year for free. However, unlike Windows 10 ESU, there is no option to get updates for Office suites, even if you are willing to pay for the updates.
an article on Microsoft 365 Blog says the following products have reached end of support:
Access 2016, Access 2019, Excel 2016, Excel 2019, OneNote 2016, Outlook 2016, Outlook 2019, PowerPoint 2016, PowerPoint 2019, Project 2016, Project 2019, Publisher 2016, Publisher 2019, Skype for Business 2016, Skype for Business 2019, Visio 2016, Visio 2019, Word 2016, Word 2019, Exchange Server 2016, Exchange Server 2019, Skype for Business Server 2015, Skype for Business Server 2019.
Microsoft warns about security risks for discontinued products, as they will not receive security fixes that could leave devices, apps, or servers vulnerable to threats. It also highlighted that bug fixes will not be provided, nor will technical support be provided. The Redmond company also noted that continuing to use products after support ends could have a negative impact on organizational security, compliance, and productivity. It also advises users to upgrade their versions as soon as possible.
These are mostly marketing gimmicks that try to scare users into purchasing a subscription. But, they’re not completely wrong about the security risks.
Microsoft is recommending enterprise users Microsoft 365 E3, Office 365 E3, Microsoft 365 Business Standard, or Microsoft 365 Apps (the full suite if you don’t use that). Organizations that need an offline solution can upgrade to Office LTSC 2024.
Home users of Office 2016 and Office 2019 can upgrade office home 2024 for $149.99, or Office Home & Business 2024 , $249.99. Both suites are available on Windows and Mac, and Will be supported until October 9, 2029,
If you want a free alternative to Microsoft Office, you should take a look at this libre officeIt’s open source, works offline, supports Office document formats, and is available on all platforms.
Thanks for reading..
