Why You Must Replace Microsoft Office 2016 and 2019 Before October
Microsoft is ending all support for Microsoft Office 2016 and 2019 soon. Read this to find safe and affordable upgrade choices before it's too late.
Microsoft Office 2016 and 2019 support will end in October 2025
Microsoft has clearly said that Office 2016 and Office 2019 will stop getting official support after October 14, 2025. This means after that date, these versions will not get security updates or any kind of technical help from Microsoft.
Microsoft said the apps will still work after that day, but if there is any security issue, it will not be fixed. This can increase the risk of cyber attacks.
What this means for users
Users will not get any option to buy Extended Security Updates (ESU) from Microsoft. The company has already made it clear that they will not offer extra support even for money.
Microsoft has suggested users should move to a newer version of Office to stay safe and get future updates.
Options for home users
People using Office 2016 or 2019 at home now have three main options:
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Buy Microsoft Office 2024
This is a one-time purchase.-
Office Home 2024: 150 USD
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Office Home & Business 2024: 256 USD
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Subscribe to Microsoft 365
This is a subscription plan where users pay monthly or yearly. It includes the latest versions of Office apps, cloud storage, and other services. -
Use 0Patch service
This is a third-party service that gives small security patches for Microsoft Office and Windows.-
It costs about 30 USD per year.
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Windows 10 users can also get support with this service.
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Open-source alternative
If someone only does basic editing, then LibreOffice is a good free alternative. It doesn’t have some advanced features like Microsoft Office, but for normal use, it is enough.
Microsoft’s suggestion for companies
Companies or organizations that still use Office 2016 or 2019 should upgrade to Microsoft 365 or Office 365. These subscription plans provide the latest versions of apps like Word and Excel, and always keep them updated.
They also give access to tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot, which uses AI to help with work.
If a company wants a setup without an internet connection, Microsoft suggests Office 2024 LTSC, which will be supported till October 2029.
If you are still using Office 2016 or 2019, it’s important to switch to a newer and safer option before 2025. This will protect you from data loss and security risks.
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