Microsoft issues warning to Office 2016/2019 users about cloud migration as support soon ends

Microsoft Ends Support for Office 2016 and 2019: Key Migration Insights

In April 2024, Microsoft revealed a significant shift in its support strategy, announcing the discontinuation of updates for its Office 2016 and 2019 suites. This decision impacts a wide range of applications, including popular productivity tools such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Publisher, along with server products like Exchange Server and Skype for Business Server.

As of October 14, 2025, all support—including bug fixes, security updates, and technical assistance—will be terminated. Highlighting the urgency of this scenario, cybersecurity firm 0patch has stepped in, offering “micropatches”to maintain security for users of these outdated software versions; however, these updates come at a price.

Prepare for Migration: Microsoft’s Recommended Paths

With the deadline approaching, Microsoft is urging users to finalize their migration strategies. The company has outlined various options for businesses looking to transition away from these aging platforms.

Microsoft advocates for a move to its cloud solution, Microsoft 365, as the preferred alternative. Marketed as an “AI-ready”subscription service, Microsoft 365 includes innovative features like 365 Copilot. This integrated assistant allows users to perform advanced tasks, such as summarizing lengthy reports in Word or drafting marketing emails from brief notes, enhancing productivity and efficiency.

Benefits of Transitioning to Microsoft 365

By switching to Microsoft 365, users will gain access to continual updates, robust security features, and dedicated support—benefits that far surpass those available with on-premises versions of Office. Microsoft has been increasingly promoting cloud solutions, recently testing a feature that automatically saves Word documents to the cloud by default on Windows. This initiative aims to minimize the risk of data loss, with plans to extend similar functionality to PowerPoint and Excel by the end of the year.

Alternative Options for Non-Cloud Users

For those unable to connect to the internet or receive consistent feature updates, Microsoft offers an alternative route: the perpetual-license version known as Office LTSC 2024. This solution caters specifically to users who need a reliable office suite without transitioning to the cloud.

As the October 14 deadline looms, organizations should act swiftly to ensure a smooth migration to more secure and modern alternatives. Adapting to Microsoft’s cloud offerings or the latest LTSC version can significantly enhance productivity and security in today’s fast-paced digital environment.

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