Today, October 14, 2025, support ends for all Office 2016 and 2019 suites, standalone apps, and servers. This includes:
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Office suites | |
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Office applications |
Access 2016, Access 2019, Excel 2016, Excel 2019, OneNote 2016, Outlook 2016, Outlook 2019, PowerPoint 2016, PowerPoint 2019, Project 2016, Project 2019, Publisher 2016, Publisher 2019, Skype for Business 2016, Skype for Business 2019, Visio 2016, Visio 2019, Word 2016, Word 2019 |
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Productivity servers |
Exchange Server 2016, Exchange Server 2019, Skype for Business Server 2015, Skype for Business Server 2019 |
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Windows |
What happens when a product reaches end of support?
After a product's support period ends, Microsoft no longer provides:
- Security fixes for vulnerabilities that are discovered and that may make devices, apps, or servers more directly exposed to security breaches.
- Bug fixes for issues that are discovered that may impact the stability and usability of the product.
- Technical support for problems that may occur.
Continuing to use products after their end of support can negatively impact organizational security, compliance, and productivity. Migrations can take time, so we recommend starting your upgrade to supported versions of these products as soon as possible.
Find specific guidance by product
Microsoft is committed to helping you make the transition to a supported configuration. Here is an overview of our recommendations and alternative options.
- Office 2016 and 2019 suites and applications
Recommended upgrade path: The best option is to upgrade to Microsoft 365 E3, Office 365 E3, or Microsoft 365 Business Standard. Your organization will gain access to both Microsoft 365 Apps and Exchange Online, which together offer a comprehensive suite of productivity tools along with cloud-based email services.
Alternative path: If your organization doesn’t use the full Microsoft 365 suite, upgrade to Microsoft 365 Apps to get desktop, web, and mobile versions of applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. The apps can be installed on up to 5 PCs, 5 tablets, and 5 phones per user, and updates are applied automatically.
On-premises options: If your organization requires an on-premises solution because your devices cannot – or cannot yet – move to the cloud, upgrade to Office LTSC 2024. This version is designed for devices that can’t accept feature updates or connect to the internet, yet Office LTSC still provides the latest features and updates for Office applications without requiring a subscription or cloud integration.
Complete guide: Click here for specific guidance on how to plan your move.
- Exchange Server 2016 and 2019
Recommended upgrade path: The best option is to upgrade to Microsoft 365 E3, Office 365 E3, or Microsoft 365 Business Standard. Similar to an upgrade from Office 2016 or 2019, your organization will gain access to both Microsoft 365 Apps and Exchange Online, which together offer a comprehensive suite of productivity tools along with cloud-based email services.
Alternative path: Upgrade to Exchange Online to maintain cloud-based access to email, calendar, contacts, and tasks. Migrating to the cloud with Exchange Online is the best and simplest way to retire your Exchange Server deployment, as well as benefit from new features such as advanced generative AI technologies that are available in the cloud but not on-premises.
On-premises options: If your organization requires an on-premises solution, upgrade to Exchange Server Subscription Edition.
Complete guide: Click here for specific guidance on how to plan your move.
- Skype for Business 2016 and 2019
Recommended upgrade path: The best solution is to migrate to Microsoft Teams, which offers many of the same core features as Skype, along with enhanced collaboration and productivity tools. If your organization also has Microsoft 365 Copilot or chooses Teams Premium, everyone in your organization can benefit from new features that are available in the cloud but not on-premises, such as advanced generative AI technologies that provide meeting summaries.
On-premises options: If your organization requires an on-premises solution, upgrade to Skype for Business Server Subscription Edition.
Complete guide: Click here for specific guidance on how to plan your move.
- Project 2016 and 2019
Recommended upgrade path: The best option is to upgrade to Planner and Project Plan 3 to get full-feature web and desktop apps with advanced project management capabilities. This version will equip your organization with the Planner app in Microsoft Teams, Planner for the web, and the Project desktop client.
Alternative path: Upgrade to a Microsoft 365 plan to get Planner in Microsoft 365, which allows for basic project planning and task management on the web. It’s a straightforward way to track tasks and progress.
On-premises options: If your organization requires an on-premises solution, upgrade to Project 2024, which provides project management options without a subscription, but does not offer collaboration tools or other advanced features. Each license is valid for only one PC.
Complete guide: Click here for specific guidance on how to plan your move.
- Visio 2016 and 2019
Recommended upgrade path: The best option is to upgrade to Visio Plan 2, which includes Visio for the web and the always up-to-date Visio desktop app for up to 5 PCs. Users can also create, view, edit, and collaborate on Visio files directly in Microsoft Teams using the Visio app.
Alternative path: Upgrade to any Microsoft 365 plan to get Visio in Microsoft 365, which is the web-based version of Visio. It offers basic viewing and editing compared to Visio Plan 2, yet it also allows for real-time collaboration, commenting, and sharing within the web app and in Microsoft Teams.
On-premises options: If your organization requires an on-premises solution, upgrade to Visio 2024. This version offers professional diagrams with ready-made templates, shapes, icons, sticky notes, and infographics. Each license is valid for only one PC.
Complete guide: Click here for specific guidance on how to plan your move.
For more information about end-of-support dates, policies, and continuous support, see the Microsoft Lifecycle Policy page.
We’re always here to help
If you’d like additional hands-on assistance with your migration to the cloud, consider engaging Microsoft FastTrack, a Microsoft support service. Or fill out this form to get in touch with sales and have a specialist demonstrate how Microsoft 365 and our other cloud solutions can benefit your organization.
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