Microsoft Office End of Support Calendar (2010–2025)

Microsoft Office is one of the most widely used productivity suites in the world. Over time, each version of Office has a lifecycle—a period during which Microsoft provides updates, security patches, and technical support. However, that support does not last forever. If you're still using an older version of Office, it's essential to know when its support ends and what that means for you.

In this article, we’ll review the end-of-support dates for all Microsoft Office versions from 2010 to 2025, including popular editions like Office Home & Student, Office Professional, the long-term support LTSC versions, and even the subscription service Microsoft 365 (formerly known as Office 365).

We'll clearly explain the differences between mainstream and extended support, highlight the key changes and dates for each version, and give you recommendations on what to do when your Office version reaches its end of support. Don’t wait until you’re left without security updates! Keep reading to learn how to keep your software up to date and protected.

Standard Support vs. Extended Support: What Do They Mean?

Before we dive into specific dates, it’s important to clarify what types of support Microsoft offers for its traditional one-time-purchase Office products (non-subscription). Generally, Microsoft distinguishes between two phases of support for Office: Standard Support (also called “Mainstream Support”) and Extended Support.

• Standard Support: This is the initial period after the product’s release. It typically lasts around 5 years from the launch date. During this phase, Microsoft provides frequent updates, which may include feature improvements, bug fixes, and of course, security patches. Users can also access Microsoft technical support (assistance with issues) under the standard license terms. In other words, during these early years the product is fully supported: it occasionally receives new features and active bug fixes.
• Extended Support: After Standard Support ends, many Office products enter Extended Support for several more years (typically another 5 years for older versions). During Extended Support, no new features or improvements are released; the focus shifts to stability. Microsoft continues to provide critical security patches and major bug fixes, but no longer adds new functionality. Free technical support is more limited or not available (though businesses may have paid options). Essentially, Extended Support keeps the product secure and stable for a little longer, giving users time to plan their upgrade to a newer version.

Not all Office versions have received the same support duration. Older editions (like Office 2010, 2013, 2016) benefited from a full 10-year lifecycle (5 years of Standard Support + 5 years of Extended Support). However, Microsoft has adjusted this policy in more recent releases. For example, Office 2019 had a shorter total support span (around 7 years, ending in 2025), and Office 2021 will receive about 5 years of support with no Extended phase. These changes reflect Microsoft’s strategy to promote its Microsoft 365 subscription service, which provides continuous updates.

Now that we understand these concepts, let’s take a look at each version of Microsoft Office released over the last decade (2010 to 2021) and when its support ended or will end. Identify which version you have installed and check its end-of-support date to see if it’s time to update.

Office 2010 – End of Support in October 2020

The Microsoft Office 2010 version was released in 2010 and had a full support lifecycle. Standard Support for Office 2010 lasted five years and ended on October 13, 2015. After that date, Microsoft stopped adding improvements or new features to Office 2010, but continued to provide security updates under the Extended Support period.

The end of Extended Support for Office 2010 came on October 13, 2020. This is the key date: since then, Office 2010 has been officially unsupported. What does this mean in practice? Microsoft no longer provides security updates or patches for any of the Office 2010 applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.). It also no longer offers official technical support for any issues. In other words, Office 2010 is frozen in time: it will keep working if installed, but it becomes more vulnerable and less compatible as time goes on.

If you're still using Office 2010 in 2025, be aware that you’ve been running unsupported software for several years. This poses serious security risks, as any recent vulnerability or virus targeting flaws in Word or Excel will not be fixed in your version. Additionally, as operating systems evolve (Windows 10, Windows 11, etc.), you may encounter compatibility issues when opening or editing modern documents. Our recommendation: plan an upgrade to a more recent version of Office as soon as possible. Switching to Office 2021 or subscribing to Microsoft 365 will give you an up-to-date environment with current support and security patches. Don’t wait until a major issue occurs because of outdated software.

Office 2013 – End of Support in April 2023

Microsoft Office 2013 was released in January 2013 and followed a similar support cycle of 5 years of Standard Support plus 5 years of Extended Support. Standard Support for Office 2013 ended on April 10, 2018. From that date onward, this version stopped receiving new features or design changes, and Microsoft focused on maintaining its stability and security during the Extended Support phase.

The end of Extended Support came recently, on April 11, 2023. Since that day, Office 2013 no longer receives updates or security patches. Microsoft officially ended support for Word 2013, Excel 2013, PowerPoint 2013, Outlook 2013, and the rest of the suite's applications. This means that any individual or business still using Office 2013 has since been operating with unprotected software vulnerable to new threats and without official assistance.

It's important to emphasize that Office 2013 received regular stability and security improvements throughout its lifecycle. However, once that phase ended, it is not safe to continue using it indefinitely. In fact, Microsoft has warned that using Office 2013 beyond April 2023 increases exposure to security risks and functional issues as systems evolve. If your home or workplace is still using Office 2013, now is the time to upgrade to a supported version. Consider switching to Office 2021 if you prefer a one-time purchase, or explore Microsoft 365 if you want continuous updates and always the latest version. This way, you'll remain supported and avoid issues caused by the lack of updates.

Office 2016 and Office 2019 – End of Support in October 2025

Office 2016 and Office 2019 are two different versions, but they share one key date: both will reach end of support on October 14, 2025. While each has its own release timeline, Microsoft has aligned the end of life for Office 2016 and 2019 on the same day. Let’s look at the details of each:

• Office 2016: Released in 2015, its Standard Support ended on October 13, 2020. Until then, it received 5 years of full updates. It then entered the Extended Support phase, during which it has only received security updates. This Extended Support is scheduled to end permanently on October 14, 2025, marking the completion of Office 2016’s 10-year lifecycle.
• Office 2019: Released in September 2018, it served as the one-time purchase version during the early Office 365 era. Its Standard Support ended on October 10, 2023 (5 years after release). After that, Microsoft stopped adding improvements and only delivers security patches until the end of its Extended Support on October 14, 2025. Unlike Office 2016, which had a full 5 years of Extended Support, Office 2019 will have a shorter total support span (about 7 years in total, ending in 2025 alongside Office 2016).

What does October 2025 mean for Office 2016/2019 users? As of that date, neither version will receive further security patches or updates. In the second half of 2025, using Office 2016 or 2019 will be equivalent to using outdated and potentially insecure software. Also note that Microsoft stopped guaranteeing full compatibility between Office 2016/2019 and Microsoft 365 cloud services as of October 2023, so connectivity issues may already be occurring.

If you're still using Office 2016 or 2019 in 2025, there's still time—but you shouldn’t delay the decision. The ideal approach is to use 2024 and early 2025 to plan your migration. You can choose Office 2021 as the next perpetual license version, or even better, subscribe to Microsoft 365 to always have the latest version. Upgrading will ensure continuity in improvements (such as new productivity features and better compatibility with Windows 11) and, most importantly, keep you protected with ongoing security patches. Microsoft has made it clear there will be no extensions or emergency support for Office 2016/2019 after October 2025—so that date is a hard deadline.

Office 2021 – Support Until October 2026

The Office 2021 version is the most recent available as a one-time purchase (traditional perpetual license) for users who don’t want a subscription. It was released in October 2021, alongside Windows 11, and includes applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and more—with all modern features up to that point. Microsoft adopted a shorter support model for Office 2021 compared to previous versions. Instead of the classic 10 years, Office 2021 follows the Modern Lifecycle Policy, meaning it receives 5 years of support from release, without a clear distinction between standard and extended support. In practice, Microsoft will continue maintaining Office 2021 until its official retirement date on October 13, 2026.

Until that date in 2026, Office 2021 users will continue receiving security updates and critical fixes as needed. That said, you shouldn’t expect Office 2021 to receive any major new features beyond what it included at launch—Microsoft reserves innovations for its cloud-based service. However, you can rest assured that if you purchased Office 2021 (whether the Home & Student 2021, Home & Business, or Professional edition), your software will remain compatible and secure until late 2026.

It’s important to plan ahead for what to do when Office 2021 reaches its end of support in 2026. Although that’s still a few years away, Microsoft has already confirmed that support will not be extended beyond that date. When the time comes, you’ll need to assess the available options in 2026: there may be a newer perpetual version (if Microsoft releases something like Office 2025 or 2026), or you might consider making the full transition to the Microsoft 365 platform. For now, if you’re using Office 2021, you’re covered in the short to medium term—but be sure to mark that October 2026 date as the definitive end of support.

Office LTSC 2021 – The Long-Term Support Version

Office LTSC 2021 deserves a special mention, as it often causes confusion. LTSC stands for Long Term Servicing Channel, a special edition of Office 2021 designed primarily for businesses with specific needs. Essentially, Office LTSC 2021 offers the same core experience as Office 2021 but frozen in time—no new features are added—making it ideal for corporate environments that require maximum stability and cannot accommodate frequent changes.

In terms of timing, Office 2021 LTSC was released in September 2021, and its lifecycle is aligned with the standard 2021 version: Microsoft commits to supporting it (primarily with security updates) for 5 years. Office LTSC 2021 will reach end of support on October 13, 2026, just like the regular commercial edition. After that date, neither the LTSC Standard edition nor the LTSC for Mac will receive any more patches.

In summary, if your organization uses Office LTSC 2021, keep in mind that “long-term” doesn’t mean beyond 2026; it actually shares the same support deadline as the standard edition. The recommendation is the same: plan your next Office upgrade before the end of 2026, whether that means switching to a future LTSC release (if one exists) or migrating to Microsoft 365 or another current licensing model.

Expected Support Timeline for Office 2024

Microsoft released Office 2024 with a similar model to Office 2021, offering a shorter support period compared to older versions like Office 2010 or 2013. In line with its recent policy, Microsoft Office 2024 will follow a total support lifecycle of approximately five years, with no clear distinction between standard and extended support, much like the strategy applied to Office 2021.

Therefore, if Office 2024 was officially released in the second half of 2024, we can estimate that its full support cycle will last until around the end of 2029. During these five years, Office 2024 will receive ongoing security updates and stability fixes, though major new features will likely be limited in favor of Microsoft’s subscription model (Microsoft 365).

What Does the Five-Year Limited Support Mean?

The reduced length of official support means that, as a user, you’ll need to plan your next upgrade or migration in advance. By choosing a perpetual license like Office 2024, you gain some stability for a decent period—but not for the long haul. Once Office 2024 reaches its end-of-support date (likely in 2029), it will no longer receive security patches or compatibility updates, gradually exposing you to cybersecurity risks and potential issues with future Windows versions or cloud services.

Practical Recommendations for Office 2024

If you’ve just purchased or are planning to purchase Office 2024, our recommendations are:

• Keep your software updated regularly with all updates provided by Microsoft during the support cycle.
• Start planning your future upgrade early, whether it’s to another perpetual version that may be released later, or consider switching to Microsoft 365. This subscription option ensures continuous updates and ongoing support.
• If you’re undecided between Office 2024 and Microsoft 365, carefully consider which model best fits your needs: one-time purchase versus recurring subscription with ongoing improvements.

In short, Office 2024 is a solid and modern choice if you prefer a perpetual license. However, given the trend toward shorter lifecycles and the growing dominance of subscription models, planning your next step in advance will be essential to avoid surprises down the road.

Microsoft 365 (Office 365) – A Continuous Update Model

We’ve talked about traditional Office versions, but you’ve likely heard of Microsoft 365 (formerly called Office 365). Unlike the versions discussed above, Microsoft 365 does not have a fixed end-of-support date, because it’s a subscription-based service with continuous updates. With Microsoft 365, you pay a monthly or annual subscription that gives you access to the latest version of Office at all times. Instead of receiving a major update every few years, you get small improvements and new features regularly via the internet.

In terms of support, this means that as long as your subscription remains active, you’ll always have an up-to-date and supported version of Office. Microsoft releases updates frequently (often monthly), including security patches and new features in the apps. There’s no 5- or 10-year lifecycle for this service, since the product is constantly updated without you needing to take any action. In short, with Microsoft 365, you no longer have to worry about end-of-support cycles. You’ll never need to worry about your Word or Excel “expiring,” as you’ll automatically receive the latest versions and improvements.

Microsoft 365 offers plans for personal, family, and business use, tailored to different needs. If you value always having the latest Office technology without needing to purchase new versions every few years, Microsoft 365 is a very attractive option. Many users and organizations have chosen this model to take advantage of its benefits and eliminate concerns about outdated versions reaching end of support.

What to Do When Your Version of Office Reaches End of Support

1. Don’t panic, but take action: Your apps won’t stop working overnight, but every day you use an unsupported Office version increases your risk. If your version is already out of support (e.g., Office 2010 or 2013), take this as a prompt to upgrade as soon as possible.
2. Choose your upgrade path: You have two main options to keep Office up to date:
   • Upgrade to the next version (perpetual license): If you’re using Office 2016 or 2019, for example, you can purchase Office 2021 (or the latest available version). You’ll get several more years of support without a subscription—ideal if you prefer a one-time payment and a stable software experience for the long term.
   • Switch to Microsoft 365: The alternative is to subscribe to Microsoft 365, which gives you the latest versions of all Office apps (plus benefits like cloud storage). You’ll always be supported, since the software stays permanently updated. It’s perfect if you prefer continuous improvements and want to avoid purchasing new versions in the future.
3. Back up and reinstall: Before upgrading, make sure to back up your important documents just in case. Then uninstall your old version, install your new Office (or Microsoft 365), and check that all your files open correctly. Modern Office versions maintain good compatibility with older file formats, so you should be able to continue working with your documents without issues.
4. Take advantage of what's new: Take some time to explore the new features. Recent Office versions include helpful upgrades (dark mode, collaborative tools, AI-powered features in Microsoft 365, etc.) that can make your life easier. Staying updated isn’t just about security—it’s also about productivity, so it’s worth discovering the tools now available to you.

Conclusion: Keep Your Office Up to Date and Free of Surprises

The Microsoft Office support landscape from 2010 to 2025 has evolved—from classic versions with 10-year lifecycles to a subscription model with continuous improvements. Knowing when your Office version reaches end of support allows you to plan ahead and make smart decisions before it’s too late. We’ve seen that Office 2010 and 2013 are already out (support ended in 2020 and 2023), that Office 2016 and 2019 will lose support in 2025, and even Office 2021 is set to expire in 2026. The good news is there’s always a way to stay current—whether by purchasing the next version or embracing the benefits of Microsoft 365.

Ultimately, keeping your software up to date is key to working with confidence. Not just to avoid security risks, but also to take advantage of the latest features and best compatibility with files and services. If you’ve discovered that your version of Office is approaching its end of support, take action and turn that change into an upgrade opportunity. In today’s fast-moving tech world, it’s not worth falling behind. Update, evolve, and keep your workflow secure. Your future digital self will thank you!