Windows 10 is just over a year away from losing definitive support, however, it is not the only one. As reported at the beginning of the year, Microsoft warned that some versions of Office will reach the end of their useful lifeso they will stop receiving security updates. On the list is one of the most used by users.
The technology company published a post on the Microsoft 365 blog where it warns of the changes that are coming. According to the calendar, two versions of Office will lose support starting October 14, 2025. Microsoft has chosen the same date that it will kill Windows 10 to stop updating its office suite and all the applications that make it up.
Specifically, Office 2016 and Office 2019 will stop receiving security updates and bug fixes. Microsoft warns that continuing to use the product after its useful life ends will negatively impact the security and productivity of users or organizations. The company has set one year as the ideal date to begin the migration stage, so we will see update announcements to the most recent version of Office.
If you are one of those who bought an Office key for a few euros (or pesos), it is likely that you are on the list of those affected. Microsoft recommends upgrading to the Microsoft 365 suite so as not to be left unprotected, although that means paying a monthly fee under its unattractive subscription scheme.
Office 2016 and Office 2019 will die soon
According to the roadmap proposed by Microsoft, the versions of the office suite that lose support in 2025 will be Office 2016 and Office 2019. The decision not only affects applications such as Word, Excel or PowerPoint, but also productivity servers like Exchange Server or the business version of Skype.
| Office 2016 | Office 2019 | |
|---|---|---|
| Applications | Word 2016, Excel 2016, PowerPoint 2016, OneNote 2016, Outlook 2016, Access 2016, Project 2016, Publisher 2016, Skype for Business 2016, Visio 2016. | Word 2019, Excel 2019, PowerPoint 2019, Access 2019, Outlook 2019, Project 2019, Publisher 2019, Skype for Business 2019, Visio 2019. |
| Productivity servers | Exchange Server 2016, Skype Business Server 2015 | Exchange Server 2019, Skype Business Server 2019 |
Like Windows 10, the end of life of an Office application or suite means that you will not receive: security fixes for vulnerabilities, bug fixes that affect the stability or usability of the product, technical support for any problems.
For the common user who opens Word for schoolwork or writing a CV, this does not represent a major problem, however, companies are at the expense of hacking. Some of the most dangerous vulnerabilities They take advantage of security holes in Exchange and other Office components.
What can I do if my version of Office is unsupported?
If you have Office 2016 or Office 2019 and do not want to stop receiving bug fixes, it is best to purchase Microsoft Office 2024. The problem is that this version is expensive and is only sold in the Microsoft Store for 149 euros or 2,599 pesos. Another drawback is that it is the Home edition that only includes Word, Excel and PowerPointwhich makes it less attractive.
The average Windows user will surely stay on the current version, like an alpha male without fear of God or vulnerabilities. You will also be able to upgrade to Office 2021, although this edition will lose support at the end of 2026.
