Microsoft will close official support for Office 2016 very soon and users of this version will no longer receive security updates, bug fixes, or technical assistance from Microsoft. Without official support, your Office 2016 will become vulnerable to security risks and compatibility issues. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Office 2016 End of Support, how it affects your business, and the best options available for you. So, continue reading to learn more about this topic.

What Does It Mean by Office 2016 End of Support?

Microsoft offers various support, including bug fixes, security updates, and technical assistance for its products. There are two main types of support offered: mainstream support and extended support. Office 2016 has already crossed its mainstream support, which ended in October 2020. The Extended support for Office 2016 will end on October 14, 2025. After that, your Office will no longer receive any updates from Microsoft.

What is the End of Extended Support for Office 2016?

Microsoft offers five years of mainstream support followed by five years of extended support for its products. MS Office 2016 will reach the end of its extended support period very soon. This extended support will provide security updates from Microsoft until October 14, 2025. After this date, Microsoft will discontinue all support for Office 2016. Therefore, if you are using Microsoft Office 2016, it is essential to upgrade to the newest Office version to continue receiving official support from Microsoft.

Issues That Will Happen After the End of Support for Office 2016

To use an outdated Office system without official support from Microsoft is dangerous for business or other operations. You might encounter some issues after the Office 2016 end of life:

Increased Security Risks: After the Office 2016 end of support, users will encounter heightened security risks. Without regular security updates from Microsoft, your Office productivity suite becomes an easy target for cyber attackers. Therefore, using unsupported software for business tasks can be very harmful to users.

Performance Degradation: If you are using the Office 2016 version after the end of support, you could face performance degradation due to a lack of updates and inefficiency.

Limited Compatibility: The digital world is growing fast and your older version has limited compatibility while working with the newer version. When sharing or opening files in different formats, your outdated version may encounter problems. Additionally, collaborating with others using the latest or cloud-based version can be more challenging.

Lack of Functionality: Using outdated software could make you less productive over time. Office 2021, Office 2024, and Microsoft 365 have various new features like cloud benefits, real-time working capabilities, and better collaboration, which you will miss out on in Office 2016.  

No Technical Support: Microsoft will end the official support for Office 2016 in October 2025 and users will not get any technical assistance after that date. So, the software will have to encounter downtime and face critical issues as time passes. 

How Will Office 2016 End Of Support Impact on Businesses?

If you still use Office 2016 for your business, you may face some issues after the end of the support period. Because businesses that are using unsupported software might have data security issues or other problems. So, here you can see how your business will be affected after the end of the support period:

• Using unsupported software may increase the risk of data breaches and cyber-attacks.
• This version is incompatible with updated systems or cloud solutions that disrupt workflows.
• The outdated Office software can increase downtime due to pending errors.
• Businesses have spent more maintenance costs and time to secure outdated systems. 

What are the Best Migration Options for You Now?

It would be a good decision to migrate your older Office 2016 version to a new one. You can migrate to this path for enhanced support and benefits:

Microsoft Office 2021

If you’re looking to migrate from Office 2016, consider upgrading to Microsoft Office 2021. This version offers several advantages over its predecessor, although it has fewer features than Microsoft 365. Office 2021 is available for a one-time purchase and has included security features for several years.

Microsoft Office 2024

Microsoft Office 2024 is the latest productivity suite to replace Office 2016. This new version includes advanced features such as real-time updates and collaboration tools, as well as AI-powered functionalities designed to enhance your productivity. You can upgrade from Office 2016 to this excellent productivity suite at an affordable price.

Microsoft Office 365

If you are looking for a flexible office suite, Microsoft 365 is an excellent choice. It offers all the advanced features and benefits that users need. When updates are available, Microsoft 365 automatically installs them at no additional cost. You can subscribe to this office suite on a monthly or yearly basis through Microsoft. However, at Mscdkeys, you can purchase a lifetime account access to Office 365 for 5 PCs or Macs at an affordable price.

FAQs

1. Can I continue using Office 2016 after the end of support date?

Yes, but it’s risky to use this version. So, you can migrate it to the newer Office version to safeguard your data and files.

2. Office 2021 vs Office 2024 vs Microsoft 365: Which is Better?

Choosing between Office 2024, Office 2021, and Microsoft 365 depends on your needs and working capacity. Office 2024 and Office 2021 are one-time purchases with lifetime activations, while Microsoft 365 offers monthly or yearly subscription options.

3. How can I migrate from Office 2016 to a newer version?

It’s a simple process; contact the Microsoft support center or your reseller. They will help you with their instructions. 

4. When will Microsoft Office 2016 close its official support?

The extended support ends on 14 October 2025.

Final Words

If you are a user of Microsoft Office 2016, you need to migrate your Office version before its extended support date ends. Otherwise, you will be facing security threats, compatibility issues, and functionality problems as well. So, migrate to a newer Office version that has available official support from Microsoft and provides you with the advanced tools for increasing productivity. Let us know your opinions in the comment section. Stay well.