Microsoft End of Support in 2026

The year 2026 marks a critical turning point for millions of users and businesses worldwide that use Microsoft products. With the end of technical support scheduled for several of its most popular products, organizations face important strategic decisions that will directly affect their cybersecurity, productivity, and technology budget. In this comprehensive article, we will analyze in depth what Microsoft's End of Support (EOS) exactly means, which products will be affected, what the real risks of continuing to use unsupported software are, and what alternatives exist to keep your technology infrastructure secure and up to date.

The deadline is approaching rapidly, and early planning can mean the difference between a smooth transition and a potentially devastating security crisis. Microsoft has established clear policies regarding the lifecycle of its products, and understanding them thoroughly will allow you to make informed decisions that benefit both your organization and your budget.

What Does Microsoft End of Support Exactly Mean?

When Microsoft announces the end of technical support for one of its products, this means the company will stop providing security updates, vulnerability patches, free or paid technical support, and online content updates. The product in question will continue to work, but it will be exposed to increasing security risks as new vulnerabilities are discovered and exploited by cybercriminals.

Microsoft uses two important terms that should be clearly distinguished. The end of mainstream support means that feature updates and warranty requests are no longer available, although security updates continue. On the other hand, the end of extended support represents the complete cessation of any type of update, including critical security ones. It is this second scenario that poses the greatest risk to organizations.

Key Differences Between Mainstream and Extended Support

Microsoft's mainstream support typically lasts five years from the product launch. During this period, users have full access to security updates, performance improvements, new features, and comprehensive technical support. Organizations can request design changes and new functionalities, and Microsoft actively responds to reported technical issues.

Extended support begins where mainstream support ends and generally extends for another five additional years. During this phase, Microsoft continues to provide critical security updates but no longer offers functional improvements, free incident support, or design changes. Organizations can purchase paid support for specific incidents, but options are more limited and costly.

Once extended support ends, the product enters a state that Microsoft calls out of support. This means there will be no more updates of any kind, and any discovered vulnerability will remain unpatched indefinitely. It is precisely this scenario that will affect several important products in 2026.

Microsoft Products Losing Technical Support in 2026

The year 2026 will be particularly significant due to the quantity and relevance of products reaching their end of support. Many organizations still heavily depend on these versions, making transition planning absolutely critical. Below, we detail the most important products that will be affected.

Windows 10: The End of an Era

Without a doubt, the most significant product losing support in 2026 is Windows 10. Microsoft has confirmed that October 14, 2025 marks the end of support for Windows 10 Home and Pro, but the repercussions of this decision will extend deeply throughout 2026, as millions of users and businesses will need to complete their migrations during that year. With an installed base of hundreds of millions of devices worldwide, this transition represents one of the biggest technological changes of the decade.

Windows 10 was released in July 2015 and quickly became the most widely used operating system in the world. Its longevity and stability have caused many organizations to postpone upgrading to Windows 11, especially those with older hardware that does not meet the requirements of the new operating system. The reality is that many perfectly functional computers will not be able to run Windows 11 due to the requirements for TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and specific processors.

Microsoft has introduced the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10, which will allow organizations to continue receiving critical paid security updates for an additional period. However, this program has a significant cost that increases each year, making it a temporary solution rather than a long-term strategy.

Microsoft Office 2016 and Office 2019: Productivity at Risk

Microsoft Office 2016 reached its end of extended support on October 14, 2025, but again, the practical implications will extend throughout 2026. Office 2019, for its part, will also follow a similar path. These versions of the world's most widely used productivity suite will become vulnerable as cybercriminals discover and exploit new vulnerabilities in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Access.

The risk with unsupported versions of Office is particularly high due to the nature of the documents these applications process. Word and Excel files frequently contain macros and active content that can be attack vectors. Without regular security patches, every document received from external sources becomes a potential entry point for malware and ransomware.

Organizations using Office 2016 or 2019 should seriously evaluate migrating to Microsoft 365, which offers continuous security and feature updates, or consider purchasing perpetual licenses for more recent versions such as Office 2021 or the upcoming Office 2024.

Exchange Server 2016 and Other Enterprise Products

Exchange Server 2016 will reach its end of extended support in October 2025, with consequences extending throughout 2026. For organizations that depend on Exchange for their business communication, this represents a significant risk. Email servers are frequent targets of cyberattacks, and unsupported versions are particularly vulnerable.

Other enterprise products that are also affected include specific versions of SQL Server, SharePoint Server, and Skype for Business. Each of these products fulfills critical functions in business infrastructure, and their exposure to unpatched vulnerabilities can have devastating consequences for business continuity.

Companies using these on-premises products should seriously consider migrating to Microsoft 365 or Azure cloud versions, or upgrading to the most recent versions with active support.

Security Risks of Using Unsupported Microsoft Software

Continuing to use Microsoft software without technical support exposes organizations to a series of security risks that increase exponentially over time. Understanding these risks in depth is essential for making informed decisions about your update strategy.

Unpatched Vulnerabilities: An Open Door for Attackers

Security vulnerabilities are constantly being discovered in all types of software. When Microsoft provides active support, these vulnerabilities are regularly patched through the Windows Update process and other update distribution tools. However, once a product loses support, these vulnerabilities remain open indefinitely.

Cybercriminals are fully aware of Microsoft's end-of-support schedules and frequently hold back discovered vulnerabilities to exploit them once support has ended. This means that the risk of attack increases dramatically immediately after the end-of-support date.

Zero-day attacks, which exploit unknown vulnerabilities, are particularly dangerous on unsupported systems. While systems with active support will eventually receive patches for these vulnerabilities, unsupported systems will remain vulnerable forever.

Ransomware and Malware: Growing Threats

Ransomware has become one of the most costly and disruptive threats for organizations of all sizes. Attackers specifically seek out vulnerable systems to infiltrate, encrypt critical data, and demand ransoms that can reach millions of euros. Unsupported Microsoft systems are prime targets for these attacks.

The WannaCry case in 2017 perfectly illustrates this risk. This devastating ransomware primarily affected unpatched Windows XP and Windows 7 systems, causing estimated damages of billions of dollars worldwide. The exploited vulnerability had been patched by Microsoft months earlier, but many organizations had not applied the update.

With Windows 10 losing support, and millions of devices potentially remaining unpatched, security experts anticipate a significant increase in ransomware attacks specifically targeting these vulnerable systems.

Regulatory and Legal Compliance Implications

Beyond the technical security risks, using unsupported software can have serious legal and regulatory compliance implications. Regulations such as GDPR in Europe, HIPAA in the United States for the healthcare sector, and PCI DSS for payment processing, require organizations to implement reasonable security measures to protect sensitive data.

Using unsupported software can be interpreted as a lack of due diligence in data protection. In the event of a security breach, organizations that were using outdated software may face significantly higher fines and greater legal liability.

Many commercial contracts and cyber insurance policies also include clauses requiring the use of actively supported software. Non-compliance with these clauses can result in the invalidation of insurance coverage or the breakdown of important business relationships.

Migration and Upgrade Strategies for 2026

Facing the end of technical support for multiple Microsoft products in 2026, organizations must develop and implement effective migration strategies. Early planning is key to minimizing disruptions and controlling costs.

Current Technology Inventory Assessment

The first step in any successful migration strategy is to conduct a complete inventory of all systems and applications using Microsoft products that will lose support. This includes identifying all installations of Windows 10, Office 2016 and 2019, Exchange Server 2016, and other affected products.

This inventory should include information about the underlying hardware, especially in the case of Windows 10, as many older computers will not meet the requirements for Windows 11. Identifying these computers early allows for planning their replacement or considering alternatives such as extended security updates.

It is also important to identify software dependencies. Many business applications may have specific operating system or Office version requirements that must be considered during migration planning.

Available Upgrade Options

For operating systems, the most straightforward option is upgrading to Windows 11 for computers that meet the hardware requirements. For computers that do not meet these requirements, options include hardware replacement, participation in the paid extended security updates program, or considering alternative operating systems such as Linux for specific use cases.

For the productivity suite, the main options are a Microsoft 365 subscription, which offers continuous updates and access to the latest versions of applications, or the purchase of perpetual licenses for Office 2021 or later versions. Each option has its own advantages in terms of cost, functionality, and flexibility.

For enterprise products like Exchange Server, migrating to Exchange Online as part of Microsoft 365 is often the safest and most efficient long-term option, although some organizations may prefer to upgrade to more recent versions of on-premises Exchange Server for compliance or technical preference reasons.

Budget Planning and Cost Control

Migrating from unsupported Microsoft products can represent a significant investment, especially for large organizations. However, this investment should be compared to the potential costs of a security breach, which can include ransomware payments, lost productivity, reputational damage, regulatory fines, and recovery costs.

There are various strategies for controlling migration costs. Phased implementation allows the investment to be spread over time, prioritizing the most critical or vulnerable systems. Microsoft's volume licensing programs offer significant discounts for larger organizations.

Another increasingly popular option is the acquisition of second-hand software licenses through authorized distributors. This perfectly legal alternative allows you to obtain original Microsoft licenses at prices considerably lower than the traditional market, offering an economical solution without compromising legality or regulatory compliance.

Licendi: Your Ally for Microsoft Licenses at Competitive Prices

In this context of mandatory transition to new versions of Microsoft software, finding solutions that allow you to upgrade your technology infrastructure without compromising your budget becomes an absolute priority. This is where Licendi positions itself as the smart choice for businesses and professionals seeking original Microsoft licenses at truly competitive prices.

Licendi is a store specializing in the sale of second-hand software licenses, operating completely legally within the framework established by European case law on the trade of used software. The Court of Justice of the European Union has repeatedly confirmed that the resale of software licenses is perfectly legal when certain requirements are met, and Licendi guarantees compliance with all these requirements in every transaction.

Advantages of Purchasing Your Licenses at Licendi

The main advantage of Licendi is the significant economic savings it offers compared to purchasing new licenses directly from Microsoft. Customers can obtain savings of up to 70% on products such as Windows 10, Windows 11, Office 2019, Office 2021, and other Microsoft enterprise solutions. These savings can make a substantial difference in any organization's technology budget.

All licenses sold by Licendi are 100% original and legal. Each license comes with the necessary documentation certifying its origin and legitimacy, providing complete peace of mind to buyers regarding regulatory compliance and software auditing.

The purchasing process at Licendi is simple, fast, and secure. Once the purchase is completed, customers immediately receive their product key along with clear instructions for activation. The support team is available to assist at every step of the process, ensuring a hassle-free shopping experience.

Catalog of Microsoft Products Available at Licendi

Licendi's catalog includes a wide range of Microsoft products that allow organizations to upgrade their infrastructure economically. Among the available products are the different editions of Windows 10 and Windows 11, including Professional and Enterprise versions for business environments.

In terms of productivity, Licendi offers Microsoft Office licenses in versions 2019, 2021, and other editions, both as individual licenses and in volume packages for businesses. This allows organizations to migrate from unsupported versions like Office 2016 to current versions with full support.

In addition to end-user products, Licendi also sells server licenses and other Microsoft enterprise solutions, providing a comprehensive solution for any organization's upgrade needs. The commercial team can advise on the best options according to each customer's specific needs.

Why Choose Licendi for Your Software Upgrade

Choosing Licendi means opting for a solution that combines legality, economic savings, and quality service. The company has years of experience in the software licensing market, having helped thousands of individual customers and businesses optimize their technology investments without compromising security or regulatory compliance.

Licendi's commitment to customer satisfaction is reflected in its warranty policy and personalized customer service. If you have questions about which licenses you need for your specific situation or how to migrate from your current products, the Licendi team is ready to advise you and find the optimal solution for your needs.

In the context of Microsoft's end of technical support in 2026, Licendi presents itself as the ideal partner to make the transition economically, legally, and efficiently. Don't wait for your software to become exposed to security vulnerabilities; act now and take advantage of the benefits Licendi can offer you.

Recommended Action Calendar for the Transition

To ensure a successful transition before the end of technical support, it is essential to establish a realistic action calendar that allows all necessary tasks to be completed without rushing or improvisation. Below, we present a recommended calendar that can be adapted to the specific needs of each organization.

Evaluation and Planning Phase

The evaluation phase should begin as soon as possible if it has not already started. During this phase, the goal is to complete the inventory of all affected systems, evaluate hardware compatibility with Windows 11, identify software dependencies, and establish a preliminary budget for the migration.

This is also the time to evaluate the different upgrade options available, compare the costs of the various alternatives including license providers like Licendi, and develop a detailed migration plan that includes timelines, responsible parties, and success criteria.

This phase typically requires between four and eight weeks depending on the size and complexity of the organization. The importance of proper planning should not be underestimated, as errors at this stage can result in additional costs and significant delays during implementation.

Progressive Implementation Phase

Implementation should be carried out progressively, starting with a pilot group that allows problems to be identified and resolved before the mass migration. This pilot group should include representatives from different departments and user profiles to ensure complete coverage of use cases.

Once the migration has been validated with the pilot group, implementation can proceed by departments or locations, prioritizing those systems that are most critical or exposed. It is important to maintain open communication channels with users to gather feedback and resolve issues quickly.

The implementation phase can extend over several months depending on the number of systems to be migrated. A gradual and well-managed implementation is preferable to a rushed migration that causes disruptions to normal business operations.

Consolidation and Verification Phase

Once the migration of all systems is complete, it is essential to perform a thorough verification to confirm that no systems remain unupdated. This includes network audits to identify any forgotten devices, verification of license activations, and confirmation that all systems are receiving security updates correctly.

This is also the time to document the lessons learned during the migration process, update standard operating procedures, and plan for future updates to avoid finding yourself in a similar situation in the future. Proactive software lifecycle management should become a permanent practice for the organization.

Finally, it is recommended to establish continuous monitoring processes that alert you to new Microsoft end-of-support announcements, allowing planning to begin well in advance for future upgrade cycles.

Conclusion: Act Now to Protect Your Infrastructure

Microsoft's end of technical support for key products in 2026 represents both a challenge and an opportunity for organizations. The challenge is obvious: millions of systems will become vulnerable if no action is taken. The opportunity lies in modernizing technology infrastructure, improving security, and potentially reducing long-term costs through intelligent planning.

The risks of ignoring these deadlines are too significant to be dismissed. Unpatched vulnerabilities, ransomware attacks, regulatory non-compliance fines, and lost productivity can cost organizations sums that far exceed the investment required for a timely upgrade.

The good news is that there are options for every budget. From Microsoft 365 subscriptions to perpetual licenses, to economical solutions like those offered by Licendi, every organization can find a viable path to upgrading. The important thing is to start planning now, while there is still time for an orderly transition.

Don't let your organization become another statistic among victims of preventable cyberattacks. Assess your current situation, explore your options, consider economical solutions like the licenses available at Licendi, and act before it's too late. Your cybersecurity and business continuity depend on the decisions you make today.

2026 is just around the corner. The question is not whether you should upgrade, but when you will start doing so. The sooner you begin the process, the more options you will have and the better prepared you will be to face this critical transition in the history of Microsoft software.