As of 14 October 2025, Microsoft has officially ended all support for Office 2016 and Office 2019, with no extensions, no security updates, and no exceptions.
While these Office suites will continue to run, they are now unsupported and increasingly vulnerable to security exploits, compliance issues, and compatibility breakdowns with Microsoft 365 and Windows 11. For organisations still relying on them, the clock has run out, and the risks have only just begun. Whether you manage IT for a small business or oversee a large enterprise environment, this change marks a critical inflection point. Understanding what “end of support” means in practical terms, how it affects Microsoft 365 connectivity, and what your next steps should be will determine how smoothly your organisation adapts.
In this article, we’ll explore the post-support reality for Office 2016 and 2019, how businesses are being impacted, and the most secure migration paths now available.
Office 2016 and Office 2019 End-of-Support
Microsoft has confirmed that Office 2016 and Office 2019 has reached end of support on 14 October 2025.
This means that after this date, these versions will no longer receive security updates, bug fixes, technical support, and compatibility assurances with Microsoft 365 services. This change affects all editions of these products, including Office Home & Business, Office Professional, as well as associated applications such as Visio 2016/2019 and Project 2016/2019. The end-of-life milestone also coincides with the retirement of Windows 10 and on-premises solutions such as Exchange Server 2016/2019, creating a wave of simultaneous upgrades across the Microsoft ecosystem.
With the deadline now behind us, businesses that have not yet migrated are running software considered high-risk and non-compliant in most IT environments.
No extensions will be offered. Unlike some Microsoft products that receive Extended Security Updates (ESUs), Office 2016 and 2019 will be retired completely with no grace periods, no paid support options, and no fallback patches. The apps will continue to run, however using them past October 2025 becomes a high-risk move, especially in environments where security, compliance, and cloud integration matter.
Post-Deadline Reality (October 2025 Onward)
Organisations still using Office 2016 or 2019 are already seeing early signs of disruption — degraded connections to Microsoft 365 services, blocked authentication requests, and incompatibilities with modern file formats and add-ins. Microsoft has also indicated that unsupported clients may soon lose access to key cloud features altogether, as new authentication and security standards are enforced.
What Does End-of-Support Actually Mean?
End-of-support doesn’t mean Office 2016 or 2019 will stop functioning overnight, but it does mean you are flying without a safety net.
Here’s what it means in practice:
- No Security Patches or Bug Fixes: Microsoft will stop releasing security updates for Office 2016 and 2019 after the deadline. Any vulnerabilities discovered after this date will remain permanently unpatched, leaving your organisation exposed to potential cyber threats, malware, and phishing attacks.
- No Technical Support: Microsoft’s helpdesk, support channels, and knowledge base resources for these versions will be phased out. If a serious issue arises, you are on your own with no access to vendor support or troubleshooting guidance.
- No Compatibility Assurance: Even if Office apps continue to launch and run, their compatibility with new Windows updates, third-party tools, and evolving Microsoft 365 services is not guaranteed. Over time, your organisation may face bugs, syncing issues, or broken integrations, with no fixes in sight.
- Increased Risk to Data and Compliance: Unsupported software is a common red flag in IT audits and security reviews. Businesses subject to regulatory standards or cyber insurance requirements may find themselves out of compliance, or worse, uninsurable.
- Feature Freeze: Your Office 2016 or 2019 apps are frozen in time. No new features, no improvements, and no updates which means that your teams miss out on modern tools that drive productivity, collaboration, and security.
Impact on Microsoft 365 Service Connectivity and Business Applications
If your organisation uses Microsoft 365 services or integrates Office with other cloud-connected platforms, the continuous use of Office 2016 or 2019 can quickly create disruption and risk.
No Longer Supported for Microsoft 365 Integration
Microsoft officially ended support for Office 2016 and 2019 connecting to Microsoft 365 services in October 2023. While Office apps may still technically connect for now, they are no longer tested or validated for compatibility with Microsoft 365. This includes:
- Exchange Online (email and calendar)
- OneDrive for Business (file storage and syncing)
- SharePoint Online (document collaboration)
- Microsoft Teams (chat, meetings, file sharing)
Any new features or updates in these services may not work as expected and Microsoft will not provide fixes for issues related to legacy Office clients.
Integration Breakdown with Line-of-Business Applications
Beyond Microsoft 365, Office 2016 and 2019 may also begin to impact business-critical applications, especially those that rely on Office integration. This includes ERP and CRM platforms such as:
- Dynamics 365 Business Central
- Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations
- Dynamics 365 Sales
- Other Third-party ERP, HR, or finance systems with Excel/Outlook integration
For example, many ERP solutions generate reports directly into Excel or automate workflows via Outlook plugins. As Office 2016 and 2019 fall further out of sync with cloud service standards, key integrations may fail, templates may break, and important reporting or document-generation features may stop functioning.
Feature Degradation Over Time
New Microsoft 365 capabilities like real-time co-authoring, new data connectors in Excel, or updated file format handling may be completely unavailable or unstable on older Office clients. This leads to inconsistent user experiences and missed productivity gains.
Evolving Security Standards May Block Older Clients
Modern services enforce secure protocols such as OAuth 2.0, TLS 1.2+, and Modern Authentication. Legacy Office versions may not support or enforce these standards reliably, putting your organisation at risk of connectivity loss or compliance failures.
Reduced Control for IT Teams
Older Office clients don’t support the full range of admin tools, policy enforcement, or endpoint visibility offered through Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Endpoint Manager. This makes it harder to manage licensing, apply security controls, or enforce compliance across your environment.
If your business relies on Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365, or any Office-integrated solution, staying on Office 2016 or 2019 is not just a support issue, it is a growing operational and business risk.
Security and Compliance Risks
Continuing to use Office 2016 or 2019 after the 14 October 2025 deadline introduces significant security and compliance concerns, particularly for businesses handling sensitive data or operating in regulated industries.
Unpatched Vulnerabilities is an Open Door for Attackers
After end-of-support, Microsoft will no longer issue security updates for these Office versions. Any new vulnerabilities discovered will remain permanently unpatched. Cybercriminals are known to target unsupported software precisely because it won’t be fixed, making Office 2016 and 2019 a growing liability for your organisation.
Increased Risk of Malware, Phishing, and Ransomware
Unsupported Office applications are more susceptible to threats like malicious macros, weaponised documents, and email-based exploits. Without ongoing security improvements, even basic actions like opening an email attachment or Excel report can pose a threat to your network.
Non-Compliance with Industry Standards
Many compliance frameworks, including ISO 27001, APRA CPS 234, and GDPR-equivalent law, require that systems and software be fully supported and patched. Using outdated software can:
- Trigger audit failures
- Breach contractual obligations
- Invalidate cyber insurance claims
For industries such as finance, healthcare, or government, this can lead to legal exposure, fines, or reputational damage.
Increased Scrutiny from Cyber Insurers and Regulators
Cyber insurance providers are tightening their requirements and running unsupported Office software after 2025 may void coverage or raise premiums. Regulators are increasingly focused on software hygiene as part of business risk assessments.
No Support = No Safety Net
Post-October 2025, if an Office-related security incident occurs, your IT team is on its own. There will be no escalation path to Microsoft, no hotfixes, and no guidance. This lack of vendor support can severely hinder response and recovery efforts during a breach.
Sticking with Office 2016 or 2019 isn’t just outdated, it is risky. From ransomware threats to compliance gaps, unsupported software poses a real danger to your business operations and your reputation.
Your Upgrade & Migration Options
With Office 2016 and 2019 approaching end-of-life, organisations need to evaluate upgrade paths that align with their operational needs, security requirements, and long-term IT strategy. Microsoft has several options, whether you’re ready to move to the cloud or prefer to stay with a perpetual license model.
Option 1: Migrate to Microsoft 365
Microsoft’s top recommendation is to transition to Microsoft 365 plan, which provides:
- Always up-to-date Office apps (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc.)
- Seamless cloud integration with OneDrive, Teams, and SharePoint
- Advanced collaboration and co-authoring tools
- AI-powered features (including Microsoft Copilot, for eligible plans)
- Cross-device usage on PC, Mac, mobile, and web
- Modern security and compliance tools
This subscription-based model is ideal for organisations that value flexibility, regular updates, and a cloud-first approach. It also simplifies licensing, as one per-user licence covers multiple devices.
Option 2: Upgrade to a Newer Perpetual Licence (Office 2021 or LTSC 2024)
For organisations that prefer a traditional, one-time-purchase approach (e.g. for air-gapped systems or cost-control reasons), Microsoft offers:
- Office 2021 — supported until 13 October 2026
- Office LTSC 2024 — supported until 9 October 2029
These versions receive security updates during their lifecycle but do not include new features or cloud-first enhancements. They are best suited for:
- Workstations in isolated environments
- Devices that require long-term software stability
- Businesses not ready for a cloud transition
Do note that LTSC editions are typically licensed via Microsoft Volume Licensing and are not recommended for general-purpose or heavily collaborative environments.
Email and Server Integration: Don’t Forget Exchange
If your organisation uses Exchange Server 2016 or 2019, those versions also reach end-of-support on 14 October 2025. You should evaluate:
- A move to Exchange Online as part of Microsoft 365
- Or an upgrade to the next version of Exchange Server (expected late 2025)
Ignoring server-side dependencies could lead to broader email and calendaring disruptions, so include these in your overall Office upgrade plan.
Migration Tools and Support
Microsoft offers a range of tools to simplify your transition:
- Office Deployment Tool (ODT) for large-scale installations
- Microsoft FastTrack (for eligible subscriptions) to support cloud onboarding
- Microsoft 365 Admin Centre for license management and user provisioning
- Compatibility Checker to flag issues with older documents, macros, or add-ins
Start by assessing your organisation’s current needs, user types, and budget to choose the right migration path. If you are not sure of which migration path to go for or need tailored advice, contact us for assistance.
What IT Teams Should Do Now
The October 2025 deadline may seem distant, but upgrading your organisation’s Office environment, especially across multiple users and systems, takes time, testing, and coordination. Here’s how IT teams can prepare now to avoid last-minute disruption.
1. Audit Your Current Office Installations
- Audit your current office installations
- Identify product editions, license types (retail, volume, OEM), and usage patterns.
- Flag any departments, teams, or systems with dependencies on these versions.
2. Assess Compatibility with Line-of-Business Systems
- Check for integrations with ERP, CRM, or finance platforms.
- Review critical Excel macros, Access databases, or Outlook plugins in use.
- Engage relevant vendors to ensure newer Office versions are fully supported.
3. Test New Office Versions in Pilot Groups
- Deploy Microsoft 365 Apps or Office 2021/2024 to a small set of users.
- Validate document formatting, mail rules, macros, and shared resources.
- Gather feedback to refine deployment approach and user training.
4. Review Hardware and OS Requirements
- Ensure all devices meet system requirements for the new version
- Coordinate with Windows 10 end-of-support (also 14 Oct 2025) and consider simultaneous upgrades to Windows 11.
5. Prepare Training and Change Management Materials
- Equip users with training guides or links to Microsoft learning resources.
- Highlight key improvements and new features to encourage adoption.
- Address common concerns early, such as file saving locations (e.g. OneDrive vs local drives).
6. Plan Deployment Rollout
- Define phases: pilot, early adopters, general rollout, clean-up.
- Use deployment tools like Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager, Group Policy, or the Office Deployment Tool.
- Schedule upgrades to minimise downtime - consider after-hours or staged rollouts.
7. Back Up Data and Settings
- Ensure emails, PST files, templates, and macros are backed up before uninstalling old versions.
- Document custom configurations or registry changes that may need to be reapplied.
8. Decommission Legacy Office Versions
- Once users have migrated, fully remove Office 2016 and 2019 from all endpoints.
- Disable legacy installer access to prevent reinstallations.
- Confirm all usage of unsupported versions is phased out before the support cut-off.
Start early and stay organised. The most successful IT transitions are the ones that don’t leave upgrades to the last minute. Treat software lifecycle management as a continuous process, not a reactive scramble.
Do you have questions about outdated Microsoft Operating Systems & Microsoft Office Application? Get free expert advice from FUJIFILM MicroChannel! Schedule a call back today. No pressure, just helpful insights from our experienced team.
Get Free ConsultationStill running Office 2016 or 2019?
The end of support for Office 2016 and 2019 on 14 October 2025 is more than a routine software update, it is a critical inflection point for IT leaders, business owners, and security teams. Continuing to use these versions after the deadline means accepting real and growing risks: from unpatched vulnerabilities and broken integrations to compliance failures and potential data breaches.
Support has officially ended, and every day you delay increases your exposure to security and compliance risks. Talk to us today for guidance on upgrading to Microsoft 365 or Office LTSC 2024 and protecting your organisation’s data, workflows, and users.
