Time to upgrade: Office 2016 & 2019 support ends in October 2025
Microsoft has announced that support for Office 2016 and Office 2019 will officially end on October 14, 2025. After this date, these versions will no longer receive security updates, bug fixes, or technical support. While the software may continue to function, running outdated applications can expose businesses to security vulnerabilities and compatibility issues.
Office products reaching end of support on October 14, 2025
Office suites: Office 2016, Office 2019,
Office applications: 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
Productivity servers: Exchange Server 2016, Exchange Server 2019, Skype for Business Server 2015, Skype for Business Server 2019
Source: Microsoft Community Hub
Recommended Upgrade Options
To maintain a secure and efficient work environment, Microsoft recommends upgrading to one of the following options:
1. Microsoft 365 E3
Includes Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise, providing the latest versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more.
Regular updates under the Modern Lifecycle Policy, ensuring continuous security and feature improvements.
Access to Microsoft 365 Copilot add-on for enhanced AI-powered productivity.
Core device management, security, and compliance features.
You can explore enterprise and small business offerings to find the right fit for your organization.
2. Office LTSC 2024 (For fully disconnected environments)
A fixed version of Office with essential features for businesses that require an offline solution.
Supported for five years under Microsoft’s Fixed Lifecycle Policy.
Office LTSC 2024 was released along with new on-premises versions of Project and Visio.
How to Prepare for the Transition
To ensure a smooth upgrade, consider the following steps:
1. Review Your Current Office Deployments
Identify devices running Office 2016 or 2019.
2. Evaluate Upgrade Options
Choose between Microsoft 365 E3 or Office LTSC 2024 based on your organization’s needs.
3. Leverage Microsoft Resources
Read the upgrade guidance for a step-by-step transition plan.
Engage with Microsoft FastTrack, a support service for migrating to Microsoft 365.
Visit the Office End of Support Tech Community for expert insights and best practices.
Learn about other Microsoft products reaching end of support in 2025.
Visit the Microsoft Lifecycle page to stay informed.
Join online session “Are you ready for Office 2016/2019 end of support?” at Microsoft Ignite.
Do you have questions related to this topic?
Joachim Freitag, Managing Director at IseoSolutions
As specialists in Enterprise Content Management, we can help you get the most out of Microsoft products and answer your most critical questions. Book a free 30-minute consultation with us today.
FAQ's
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Support for Office 2016 and Office 2019 will officially end on October 14, 2025. After this date, Microsoft will no longer provide security fixes, bug fixes, or technical support for these products.
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Continuing to use Office 2016 or Office 2019 after the end-of-support date can leave your organization vulnerable to potential security threats, productivity losses, and compliance issues. Unsupported software may not receive critical updates, making it susceptible to exploits.
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Microsoft recommends transitioning to the cloud with Microsoft 365 E3, which offers always up-to-date versions of familiar apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, along with intelligent services and core security features. For devices that cannot move to the cloud, upgrading to Office LTSC 2024 is advised.
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Organizations should start by reviewing their current Office deployments to identify devices running Office 2016 or 2019. Next, evaluate upgrade options such as Microsoft 365 E3 or Office LTSC 2024 based on organizational needs. Utilizing Microsoft's resources, including upgrade guidance and support services like Microsoft FastTrack, can facilitate a smooth transition.
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While the applications may continue to function after the end-of-support date, they will no longer receive updates or support from Microsoft. This lack of support can lead to increased security vulnerabilities and potential compatibility issues with other software or services.
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