The clock is ticking for legacy Microsoft products. As Microsoft prepares to end support for Windows 10 in October 2025, the company is also pulling the plug on Office 2016, Office 2019, Outlook, and Exchange. For individuals and businesses still relying on these tools, this marks a critical turning point. Without official updates, security fixes, or compatibility improvements, staying on these older versions could expose users to risks and disruptions. Let’s break down what this means and explore your options going forward.
When Does Support End?
Microsoft has officially announced that October 14, 2025 will be the end of support for:
- Microsoft Office 2016 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
- Microsoft Office 2019
- Microsoft Outlook (standalone client)
- Microsoft Exchange 2016 and 2019
After this date, these versions will no longer receive security patches or technical support, leaving users vulnerable.
What Are Your Options?
1. Upgrade to Microsoft 365 (Recommended by Microsoft)
Microsoft is strongly encouraging users to switch to its cloud-based subscription model.
- Microsoft 365 Personal: $99.99/year (1 user)
- Microsoft 365 Family: $129.99/year (up to 6 users)
This plan includes always up-to-date versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneDrive storage, and access across multiple devices. For those who want to continue using Outlook as their primary email client, Microsoft 365 is essentially the only path forward.
2. Switch to Free Alternatives
If you don’t want to move to a paid subscription, there are reliable free options:
- LibreOffice – Open-source office suite compatible with Word and Excel files.
- Google Workspace (Free Edition) – Online apps like Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides.
- Thunderbird – A free and powerful email client, widely regarded as the best Outlook alternative.
⚠️ Note: Microsoft also offers a free lightweight Outlook app, but it lacks many features and isn’t recommended for professional use.
3. For Businesses: Migrating from Exchange
If your company uses Microsoft Exchange 2016 or 2019, support will also end on October 14, 2025. Microsoft advises migrating to Exchange Server Subscription Edition (SE) or transitioning to Exchange Online as part of Microsoft 365.
Delaying migration could expose organizations to major security risks, compliance issues, and downtime.
Why Is Microsoft Doing This?
The move isn’t surprising. Microsoft is aggressively pushing its subscription-based ecosystem, aiming to standardize updates, increase recurring revenue, and provide seamless cloud integration. But for users, it means one thing: you’ll need to upgrade—or risk being left behind.
Conclusion
If you’re still running Office 2016, Office 2019, Outlook, or Exchange 2016/2019, the end of support in October 2025 should be on your radar now. Whether you choose to upgrade to Microsoft 365, switch to a free alternative, or migrate your business email infrastructure to Exchange SE or Exchange Online, planning ahead is crucial. Don’t wait until the last minute—make the switch before support ends to stay secure, productive, and future-proof.
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