Trends
Microsoft reminder: Support for Office 2016 and 2019 ends next year
Microsoft ends support for older Office apps and servers by Oct 2025, urging migration to cloud-based options due to security risks.
Headline
Microsoft ends support for older Office apps and servers by Oct 2025, urging migration to cloud-based options due to security risks.
Context
Microsoft has announced that as of October 2025, older versions of Office applications and servers will cease to receive security updates, coinciding with the end of support for Windows 10 . Specifically, Office 2016 and Office 2019 suites, along with related productivity servers such as Exchange Server 2016 and 2019, as well as Skype for Business Server 2015 and 2019, will no longer receive security fixes, bug fixes, or technical updates after this date.
Evidence
Pending intelligence enrichment.
Analysis
Also read: What AI voice generator is everyone using? Also read: Generative AI in the pharmaceutical industry Mariana Prudencio , senior product marketing manager at Microsoft, emphasised the potential security risks, productivity losses, and compliance issues that businesses may face if they continue to use these products beyond the support deadline. To mitigate these risks, Microsoft is urging customers to transition to cloud-based options, such as Microsoft 365 E3, or to consider the Office Long-Term Servicing Channel, which extends support until 2026.
Key Points
- Microsoft has announced the end of support for older versions of Office applications and servers by October 2025, aligning with Windows 10’s end of support.
- Businesses using Office 2016, Office 2019, and related productivity servers risk security vulnerabilities, productivity losses, and compliance issues post-support.
- Microsoft urges migration to cloud-based options like Microsoft 365 E3 or Office Long-Term Servicing Channel, while smaller businesses may rely on third-party security tools or opt for standalone Office suites.
Actions
Pending intelligence enrichment.
