Critical Update: Microsoft Office 2016 and 2019 End of Support
Prepare Your Business: Office 2016 and 2019 Support Ending October 2025 – Understanding Your Upgrade Options
Critical Update: Microsoft Office 2016 and 2019 End of Support
The Countdown Begins: Important End of Support Dates
Microsoft has established clear end of support dates for its older Office versions, with Office 2016 and Office 2019 both reaching end of support on October 14, 2025. This deadline is approaching quickly, and organizations still using these versions need to start planning their transition strategy now.
What Does End of Support Actually Mean?
When Microsoft Office reaches its end of support, Microsoft will no longer provide several critical services:
- Technical support for issues
- Bug fixes for discovered problems
- Security fixes for newly discovered vulnerabilities
Using products after they reach end of support leaves your organization vulnerable to potential security threats, productivity losses, and compliance issues.
The Impact on Current Office 2016 and 2019 Users
Continuing to use Office 2016 or 2019 after the support deadline carries significant risks:
While your trusty Microsoft Office apps may continue to open and function in a basic sense, they will increasingly be exposed to cybersecurity vulnerabilities and performance issues. This move isn’t isolated. It’s part of a broader strategy where Microsoft is synchronizing its support timelines—tying the end-of-support for Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10 to the very same date that Windows 10 itself will no longer be supported. In essence, if you’re still using Windows 10 with legacy Office versions after October 2025, you’re effectively operating on a ticking time bomb.
For businesses, the implications are particularly serious:
- Without timely patches, vulnerabilities in unsupported software become open doors for malware and ransomware attacks. Microsoft’s explicit warning that unsupported software could lead to “performance and reliability issues” isn’t just corporate double-talk—it’s a call to action.
- Businesses, especially those in regulated industries, must adhere to strict compliance standards. Running unsupported software can result in audit failures and hefty fines, making a strong case for upgrading.
Microsoft’s Recommendation: Upgrade to Microsoft 365
Microsoft strongly recommends migrating to Microsoft 365, their cloud-based subscription service:
The key benefits of Microsoft 365 include:
- Microsoft 365 is a cloud-based subscription service that combines best-in-class productivity apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint with powerful collaboration, security, and AI-driven tools. With Microsoft 365, you keep the familiar apps your team already relies on, enhanced with the simplicity, flexibility, and security of the cloud.
- At its core, Microsoft 365 is not just a rebranded Office suite—it’s a comprehensive, cloud-based productivity platform designed for continuous innovation and security enhancement. Some key advantages include:
- Continuous Updates: Unlike perpetual licenses that remain static, Microsoft 365 subscribers receive regular feature enhancements and crucial security patches. This means you’re always armed with the latest tools and defenses, protecting your work against emerging threats.
- Cloud Integration: With seamless file synchronization on OneDrive and robust cloud storage options, your documents are accessible anywhere, anytime. This is particularly important in today’s hybrid work environments.
How CinchOps Can Help with Your Transition
As the October 2025 deadline approaches, CinchOps is here to help your organization make a smooth transition from Office 2016 or 2019 to Microsoft 365. Our expert team can assist with:
- Assessing your current environment and readiness for migration
- Developing a customized migration plan that minimizes disruption
- Implementing secure deployment strategies tailored to your organization’s needs
- Training your staff on new features and capabilities
- Providing ongoing support during and after the transition
Don’t wait until your Office software becomes a security liability. Contact CinchOps today to start planning your transition to Microsoft 365 and ensure your organization stays secure, compliant, and productive.
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