Starting October 14, 2025, Microsoft will no longer offer technical support for Office 2016 and Office 2019. There will be no extensions or additional security updates. What does this mean? Your Office apps will continue to work, yes... but with some significant risks.
What happens when support for Office 2016 and Office 2019 ends?
After that date, Microsoft will no longer fix bugs, send security patches, or provide support if something goes wrong. In other words:
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No more updates to protect you from viruses, malware, or cyberattacks.
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No more support by phone, chat, or email.
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And much of the online help content will also be removed.
In short: you will still be able to use Word, Excel, or PowerPoint as usual, but your system will be more vulnerable, and you will not have Microsoft backing you up if something goes wrong.
Why is it a good idea to upgrade now?
If you continue to use an older version of Office, it is important to know that without regular security updates, your system becomes increasingly vulnerable to all kinds of digital threats: ransomware, phishing emails, data breaches, and more. Cyberattacks often take advantage of just that: software without patches or up-to-date defenses.
In addition, if you work for a company that must comply with security or privacy regulations (such as in the financial, legal, or healthcare sectors), using outdated software can get you into compliance trouble.
The good news is that upgrading to Microsoft 365 E3 not only keeps you protected, but also reduces maintenance costs and frees you from having to chase down updates on your own.
Microsoft 365 E3: Much more than just an update
Forget about thinking of this as “just another new version of Office.” Microsoft 365 E3 is a complete evolution of the workplace, designed for what's coming: automation, advanced security, and an environment that is much more prepared to work with artificial intelligence.
With this solution, companies can:
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Automate repetitive tasks and business processes
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Simplify IT management
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Eliminate duplicate or unnecessary tools
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And create a more secure, efficient, and innovative work environment
And that's not all... If you're already on Microsoft 365, you can also access Copilot Chat at no additional cost, a secure artificial intelligence chat accessible directly from the web. It's ideal for helping you find information, write content, answer questions, or simply save time in your day-to-day work. Sounds good, right? Upgrading isn't just a matter of security, but an opportunity to improve how you work, save time, and prepare for what's next.
Read more: Microsoft 365 Copilot: New Design and New Features
How do I upgrade Office 2016 or Office 2019 to a newer version?
Upgrading is quite simple. Microsoft gives you several options, either by purchasing a newer version of Office or switching to a subscription such as Microsoft 365, which automatically updates with improvements and extra protection.