Obtaining Zero-Day Patches for Microsoft Office Post-Support Expiration

As Microsoft transitions its user base away from older versions of Office, significant updates are being implemented, particularly regarding Office 2016 and 2019. With official support for these products scheduled to end, many users are left searching for alternatives to maintain system security.

Ending Support for Office 2016 and 2019

Support for Office 2016 and Office 2019 is set to conclude on October 14, 2025. After this date, users will no longer receive crucial security and feature updates, which can lead to increased vulnerability, especially to zero-day exploits—threats that are actively exploited before the developer is even aware of them. Typically, developers rush to provide security patches for such vulnerabilities within a few days.

To keep your Office programs secure, migrating to either Office 2024 or a Microsoft 365 subscription is advisable. Alternatively, consider exploring free Office alternatives. Fortunately, there’s an innovative solution that allows you to circumvent these upgrades: 0Patch.

Utilizing 0Patch for Security Updates

Developed by Acros, a cybersecurity company based in Slovenia, 0Patch offers a unique service by delivering micropatches that protect against both existing and potential vulnerabilities in Microsoft Office, even after official support has ceased.

These micorpatches are applied seamlessly, requiring no system restarts or disruptions. Unlike typical updates that may alter functionality, 0Patch focuses exclusively on maintaining your Office suite’s security. Starting in October, free security patches will be extended to Office 2016 and 2019 users. Notably, these micropatches are intended for application in the system’s memory, leaving the original Microsoft binaries unchanged.

0Patch has built a strong reputation for its proactive approach to security, often providing timely patches for legacy software—sometimes ahead of the original developers.

Steps to Install the 0Patch Agent

0Patch features both free and premium subscription plans. To begin, register for a complimentary account. No credit card information is required for initial sign-up; simply fill out a brief questionnaire regarding your intended use of the service.

Once you’re logged in and the dashboard appears, navigate to the left sidebar and select Resources, followed by 0Patch Agent for Windows to download the necessary desktop manager.

Install the downloaded 0Patch Agent for Windows and log in with your account credentials. Once logged in, you’ll automatically start receiving free patches for any outstanding vulnerabilities. If you do not upgrade, your access will remain limited to free patches. However, the dashboard will indicate any premium patches available for potential upgrade.

All updates will occur in the background, and users will receive occasional notifications in the tray when new patches are implemented. Browse the Applications tab to see all applications receiving updates, and you can easily exclude any that you prefer not to patch by toggling them off.

Viewing applications available to patch.

As Microsoft’s support cessation approaches in October, it’s anticipated that the volume of Office patches from 0Patch will remain minimal.

To monitor all available patches, click on the Patches tab, where you can also disable individual patches if desired.

Managing 0Patch Micropatches

Maintaining the desktop application’s presence is crucial for continuous updates; removing it will halt all security patch applications for Microsoft Office and any other patched applications.

If you encounter issues with Office or any patched apps, you may want to disable 0Patch temporarily for troubleshooting. Access the desktop application, navigate to the Dashboard tab, and set the Agent Status to Disabled. A warning will appear regarding the suspension of patches; confirm by clicking Disable. Should you wish to enable it again, simply toggle the agent back on, and all security patches will resume.

For every login to the 0Patch web portal, a list of active and inactive agents touching your account can be viewed. The free version permits patching on up to 10 devices.

Access to Premium Patches

With the free tier, users gain access to crucial zero-day patches not only for Microsoft Office but also for numerous older software titles. This free license is limited to personal and non-commercial applications. Upgrading to a premium subscription is necessary for additional vulnerabilities. Pricing details are available in euros, translating to approximately $29/year for the Pro plan and $41/year for the Enterprise plan.

The subscription cost not only covers Microsoft Office 2016 and 2019; it additionally offers security updates for Office 2010, 2013, multiple Windows 10 versions, Windows 11 v21H2, Adobe Reader, 7-zip, among others. One license encompasses all these patches.

A complimentary 30-day trial is available, allowing you to assess your system’s patch needs accurately. This option proves to be a cost-effective solution compared to upgrading to newer software or purchasing a new device, particularly for users who may need to maintain functionality for a few more years.

As Microsoft outlines its update strategy for Windows 10—potentially incurring additional costs for users—consider downloading the necessary ISO files before they are removed.0Patch may provide essential support to ensure your continued safety while using Windows 10 and Office 2016 or 2019.

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