Key End of Support Dates for Office 2016, 2019 Apps & Productivity Servers

This post applies to:

·     Office 2016, Office 2019 Applications: Access 2016, Access 2019, Excel 2016, Excel 2019, OneNote 2016, Outlook 2016, Outlook 2019, PowerPoint 2016, PowerPoint 2019, Project 2016, Project 2019, Publisher 2016, Publisher 2019, Skype for Business 2016, Skype for Business 2019, Visio 2016, Visio 2019, Word 2016, Word 2019

·     Productivity Servers: Exchange Server 2016, Exchange Server 2019, Skype for Business Server 2015, Skype for Business Server 2019

What Does End of Support Mean?

All of the above applications and servers (including Office 2016, Office 2019) will reach the end of support (EOS) on October 14, 2025. After this end date, Microsoft will no longer provide security fixes, bug fixes, or technical support. Using products after end of support leaves your organization vulnerable to potential security threats, productivity losses, and compliance issues.

What Microsoft Recommends

Microsoft recommends migrating devices running end of support products to the cloud with Microsoft 365 E3 to stay continuously supported. Microsoft 365 E3 includes familiar Microsoft 365 apps—such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and more—along with online services like SharePoint and Exchange.

Microsoft 365 E3 is a comprehensive solution that not only includes the familiar Microsoft 365 apps but also offers a range of additional capabilities:

·       Foundational Zero-Trust: Helps secure identities, devices, and applications against threats.

·       Streamlined Endpoint Management: Provides IT administrators with management tools and enhanced user experience for employees.

·       Productivity and collaboration: Promotes collaboration across your organization, fostering new ways of working.

Other Options for Disconnected Environments

Microsoft knows there is not a “one-size-fits-all” approach to how to manage EOS. This is why they also offer other solutions to help with customer unique needs:

·       For devices that need to remain disconnected or are not yet ready to move the cloud, we launched Office Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC). This version of Office was designed for devices that can’t accept feature updates or connect to the Internet. Note that Office LTSC 2021 will reach the end of support on October 13, 2026.

·       To continue running Exchange Server on-premises, the next version of Exchange Server will ship in H2 of 2025. Microsoft recommends customers to move to Exchange Server 2019 now. The next version of Exchange Server will be released before Exchange Server 2019 (and Exchange Server 2016) reach end of life, and customers can do an in-place upgrade from Exchange Server 2019 to the next version.

Additional Resources from Microsoft

Below are some other steps you can take to begin preparing your organization for Office 2016 and Office 2019 end of support:

·       Read the upgrade guidance for an overview of how to move from Office 2016 or Office 2019 to Microsoft 365 Apps.

·       Consider engaging Microsoft FastTrack, a Microsoft support service for moving to Microsoft 365 E3.

·       Use the new Total Economic Impact™ of Microsoft 365 E3 study to build your case for reducing cost and complexity with Microsoft 365.

·       Use the Microsoft 365 ROI Calculator to estimate your ROI for moving to Microsoft 365 or ask your Microsoft representative to help you tailor your custom potential ROI of adopting Microsoft 365.

Source: Key End of Support dates for Office 2016, 2019 Apps & Productivity Servers – Microsoft Tech Community