As Microsoft ends support for Office 2016 and Office 2019, millions of users face an important decision, stick with their trusted software, move to Microsoft 365, upgrade to Office 2024, or switch to a free alternative. While your current Office apps will still work, they’re now more vulnerable without security updates. Here’s what you can realistically do next to stay secure and productive.
To recap, a lot happened on 14 October 2025 or 28 days ago
Office 2019 for Windows security updates ended
Office 2016 extended support ended
14 October 2025 is the same end date as Windows 10 regular support. See All your choices before the end of Windows 10
What now?
Neither version of Office will stop working. The ‘end support date’ passed without any change in how Office 2016 or Office 2019 works.
From now on, the software won’t receive any updates to block newly discovered security bugs. That means Office 2016/2019 will become increasingly at risk as time goes by. That risk is increased if you’re using an unsupported version of Windows (like Windows 10 without extended support).
It’s a gradually increasing risk not a simple end date.
Your real options
Microsoft wants anyone on Office 2016 or 2019 to buy either a subscription to Microsoft 365 (the Microsoft preference) or Office 2024. No surprise there.
In reality here’s what you can do ..,
Do Nothing
Keep using Office 2016 or Office 2019, at least for the moment.
Eventually you should move to newer software, but you have time to decide and find a good deal.
Use oPatch
0Patch is a service which adds security patches to unsupported software like Office 2016 and Office 2019. It inserts “micropatches” that work behind the scenes when the software is running, rather than changing the original program files.
See Keep Vintage Microsoft Office Alive: Zero‑Day Patches to the Rescue
Microsoft alternatives
Switching to Microsoft 365 subscription or Office 2024 is easy. Just install the new software and it should transfer most settings across automatically. But always get a backup first. All Office 2016/2019 documents, sheets and decks are compatible with the newer Microsoft Office software.
There are also the browser-based versions of Word, Excel and PowerPoint available to everyone for free starting at https://office.com All you need for the “online” versions of the Office apps is a modern browser and a good Internet connection.
Beyond Microsoft
There are alternatives to Microsoft Office that are compatible with Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents.
LibreOffice – A comprehensive, free, and open-source office suite with a wide range of tools, including Writer, Calc, and Impress. It’s the successor to OpenOffice and is backed by a non-profit organization.
WPS Office – Known for its user-friendly interface that closely resembles Microsoft Office. It offers extensive features and templates, with good compatibility for Microsoft Office files.
Apache OpenOffice – A community-driven, open-source suite that is free to use and compatible with Microsoft Office documents
FreeOffice – A complete office suite with a word processor, spreadsheet, and presentation programs that are highly compatible with Microsoft Office file formats. It is known for its ease of use and seamless compatibility.
