Office 2021 End of Support: What to Do Now
On 13 October 2026, Microsoft ended support for Office 2021 and Office LTSC 2021. Your programs keep working – but there are no more security updates. Here you can read what this means in practice and which options you have now.
What does the end of support mean?
Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook from Office 2021 still start normally after the cut-off date. Your files are kept and your licence remains valid. What stops is Microsoft's maintenance:
- No more security updates: newly discovered vulnerabilities will no longer be fixed. This is especially risky with Outlook and with files you receive by email.
- No bug fixes and no new features.
- No more technical support from Microsoft. There is no paid extended security update programme for Office 2021 like the one for Windows 10.
In shortFor a PC without internet access or for occasional work with your own files, Office 2021 may be enough for a while. If you open emails and attachments every day or use Office at work, you should upgrade.
Which Office versions are affected?
| Version | End of support | Status today |
|---|---|---|
| Office 2016 | 14 October 2025 | no more updates |
| Office 2019 | 14 October 2025 | no more updates |
| Office 2021 / LTSC 2021 | 13 October 2026 | no more updates |
| Office 2024 / LTSC 2024 | October 2029 | supported |
| Microsoft 365 | ongoing, as long as the subscription is active | supported |
Your options at a glance
1. Upgrade to Office 2024 (one-time purchase)
Office 2024 is the current one-time purchase version: pay once, no subscription, with security updates until October 2029. For most people who have been using Office 2021, this is the most direct route – it works practically the same way.
2. Switch to Microsoft 365 (subscription)
With Microsoft 365 you always have the latest version, OneDrive cloud storage (Single 1 TB, Family 2 TB shared), and you can use Office on several devices at the same time. In return, you pay every year. We compare which option suits you better in detail in Microsoft 365 or Office 2024?.
3. Keep using Office 2021 for now
This is allowed and it works. If you do, be especially careful to open attachments only from trusted sources, and keep Windows itself up to date.
How to upgrade to Office 2024
- Back up your files: your documents are kept when you switch. A backup never hurts, though.
- Uninstall Office 2021: via Settings → Apps. Two Office versions side by side often cause activation problems.
- Restart your PC.
- Install and activate Office 2024: step by step in our guide to installing Office 2024.
Outlook usually takes over your accounts and settings automatically. If something doesn't work, our activation help or our email support will assist you.
Frequently asked questions
Does Office 2021 still work after 13 October 2026?
Yes. The programs still start and your licence remains valid. There are simply no more security updates or bug fixes.
Do I need to convert my files?
No. Office 2024 uses the same file formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx) and opens all files from Office 2021 without conversion.
Can I use my Office 2021 key for Office 2024?
No. An Office 2021 key only activates Office 2021. For Office 2024 you need a separate licence.
How long will Office 2024 be supported?
Microsoft supports Office 2024 and Office LTSC 2024 with security updates until October 2029.
What about Office 2019 and Office 2016?
Support for both already ended on 14 October 2025. The same applies here: the programs keep running but no longer receive updates.
