Urgent Security Warning: Microsoft to End Support for Office 2016 and 2019
If your organization relies on Microsoft Office 2016 or Microsoft Office 2019, it’s time for a critical security review. The official end-of-support deadline for these popular productivity suites is fast approaching, and failing to act could expose your systems to significant risk.
On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will officially terminate all support for the Office 2016 and Office 2019 suites. This includes popular applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook from those versions. After this date, devices running these outdated versions will no longer receive crucial updates.
What Does “End of Support” Actually Mean?
End of support, sometimes called “end of life,” is more than just a date on a calendar. It marks the moment a software product ceases to be maintained by its developer. For users of Office 2016 and 2019, the consequences are severe:
- No More Security Updates: This is the most critical threat. Cybercriminals actively search for and exploit vulnerabilities in unsupported software. Without new security patches from Microsoft, your systems will become easy targets for malware, ransomware, and data breaches.
- No Technical Assistance: If you encounter bugs, performance issues, or other problems, Microsoft’s support teams will no longer be available to help troubleshoot or resolve them.
- No New Feature or Bug Fixes: The software will be frozen in time. Any existing glitches or compatibility issues with newer operating systems or file types will remain unfixed.
- Connectivity Issues: Perhaps most importantly for business operations, unsupported versions of Office will eventually be blocked from connecting to Microsoft 365 services, such as Exchange Online. This means your Outlook 2019 could stop sending or receiving emails.
While the applications may continue to function on a basic level after the deadline, they will become progressively less secure and reliable with each passing day.
The Major Risks of Using Unsupported Office Suites
Continuing to use Office 2016 or 2019 beyond the October 2025 deadline is not a viable long-term strategy. It’s a significant gamble with your data and operational integrity.
- Severe Security Vulnerabilities: Running software without security patches is like leaving your front door unlocked. Any vulnerability discovered after the end-of-life date will remain permanently open to attack.
- Compliance and Regulatory Issues: Many industries are subject to data protection regulations (like GDPR, HIPAA, or CCPA) that require organizations to use actively supported and patched software. Using an unsupported Office suite can result in non-compliance, leading to heavy fines and legal penalties.
- Decreased Productivity and Compatibility: As other technologies advance, your unsupported Office suite will struggle. You may face issues opening files created in newer versions, and integrations with other modern business tools will likely fail.
Your Upgrade Path: Recommended Actions and Options
To avoid business disruption and secure your environment, you must plan your migration to a supported platform now. Here are the primary options available.
Option 1: Migrate to Microsoft 365 (Recommended)
This is Microsoft’s preferred solution and the most forward-thinking choice for most businesses. Microsoft 365 is a subscription service that provides the same core Office apps but with significant advantages:
- Always Up-to-Date: You receive security patches, bug fixes, and new features automatically and continuously.
- Cloud-Powered Features: Gain access to powerful collaboration tools like Teams, OneDrive cloud storage, and advanced AI-powered features within the apps.
- Scalability and Flexibility: Subscription plans can be easily scaled up or down to match your business needs, with predictable monthly or annual costs.
Option 2: Upgrade to Office LTSC 2021
For organizations that cannot use a subscription model or have devices that must remain offline, Office Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) 2021 is the alternative. This is a perpetual license, meaning you pay for it once. However, it’s important to note:
- No Feature Updates: Office LTSC 2021 receives security updates but does not get the new feature releases that Microsoft 365 subscribers enjoy.
- Another Future Deadline: Like its predecessors, Office LTSC 2021 has its own end-of-support date, meaning you will face this same migration process again in the future.
A Simple Action Plan to Secure Your Systems
Don’t wait until the last minute. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth and secure transition:
- Identify and Audit: The first step is to audit your entire network to identify all devices running Office 2016 and 2019.
- Choose Your Upgrade Path: Evaluate the benefits of Microsoft 365 versus Office LTSC 2021 and select the path that best aligns with your business goals and security posture.
- Plan and Execute Migration: Develop a phased rollout plan to upgrade your users. Provide training and support to help them adapt to the new version, especially if moving to Microsoft 365.
- Decommission Old Software: Once a device is successfully upgraded, ensure the old Office suite is properly uninstalled to prevent security conflicts and vulnerabilities.
The deadline is firm. The transition away from unsupported software isn’t just a technical upgrade; it’s a critical business decision that protects your data, your employees, and your reputation. Start planning your migration today to stay secure, compliant, and productive.
Source: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/microsoft-office-2016-and-office-2019-reach-end-of-support-next-month/
