End of support for Office 2016 and 2019: everything you need to know

Microsoft has officially announced the end-of-support timelines for Office 2016 and Office 2019, two long-standing staples in enterprise IT environments.

For IT professionals and business leaders alike, this requires planning and preparation now, to avoid operational risks and security exposure. In this article, Nathan Charles, Head of Customer Experience at OryxAlign, explores what’s happening, what it means, and what you should do next.

Key dates: when support ends

Microsoft has outlined the following timelines: Extended support for both Office 2016 and Office 2019 ends on October 14, 2025. 

It’s important to note that neither version will be supported for connecting to Microsoft 365 services (like Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, or OneDrive for Business) beyond this date. This means businesses that rely on older Office apps in a Microsoft 365 environment may start experiencing degraded functionality, even before the final support cutoff. 

What does "end of support" mean? 

When Microsoft software reaches the end of its support lifecycle, it no longer receives security updates, leaving your organisation vulnerable to emerging threats. In addition, there are no bug fixes, performance improvements, or technical support from Microsoft. Lastly, you will no longer receive compatibility assurances, especially with evolving Microsoft 365 cloud services. 

For IT departments, this creates substantial risk, particularly around cybersecurity, compliance, and end-user experience. 

Risks of doing nothing

Failing to upgrade from Office 2016 or 2019 could lead to:

• Data breaches due to unpatched vulnerabilities.
• Regulatory non-compliance, especially under standards like ISO 27001, GDPR, or Cyber Essentials.
• Reduced productivity, as users face compatibility and performance issues.
• Operational downtime caused by unsupported integrations or broken workflows with Microsoft 365. 
  
  

Next steps: what should you do now? 

To avoid disruption and maintain a secure, efficient workplace, IT teams should take the following action: 

1. Audit your office estate 
Start by identifying which endpoints still run Office 2016 or 2019. Use Microsoft Endpoint Manager or a similar asset management tool to generate a full inventory. 

2. Evaluate licensing and upgrade paths 
Transitioning to a cloud-first model is recommended. Your options include:

• Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise: the subscription-based version with continuous updates.
• Office LTSC 2021: a volume-licensed, one-time purchase for environments where connectivity is limited (note: this also has an end-of-support date in 2026). 

Microsoft 365 is the preferred option for long-term agility and cloud compatibility. 

3. Plan a phased rollout 
Use pilot groups to test the new environment before full deployment. Ensure mission-critical systems are fully compatible with the latest Office apps. 

4. Educate end users 
Change management is just as important as technical migration. Provide training on new features in Microsoft 365, and ensure users understand the reasons for the upgrade. 

5. Engage a trusted IT partner 
OryxAlign can help plan and execute your migration strategy with minimal disruption. From licensing guidance to deployment and user training, we provide a fully managed, future-ready transition. 

Looking ahead

The end-of-support deadlines for Office 2016 and 2019 are fast approaching. Acting now helps you avoid last-minute panic, ensures a smoother user experience, and strengthens your organisation’s security posture. 

Need help with your office upgrade?

At OryxAlign, we specialise in guiding businesses through seamless IT transitions. If you’d like expert support upgrading to Microsoft 365 or reviewing your software lifecycle management, get in touch with us today at hello@oryxalign.com.