Office licenses 2016 and 2019 out of support

Microsoft Office is a staple for productivity, but like all software, its versions eventually reach end of support (EOS). For Mac users, Office 2016 and Office 2019 are either already out of support or nearing the end of their lifecycle. This means no more security updates, bug fixes, or technical assistance from Microsoft—leaving your system vulnerable to cyber threats and compatibility issues.

In this article, we’ll explore:

• What “out of support” means for Office 2016 & 2019 on macOS 
• Key risks of using unsupported Office versions 
• Alternatives for Mac users (Microsoft 365, Office 2024, or third-party options) 
• How to check your Office version and upgrade safely

1. Office 2016 & 2019 Support Status on macOS

📅 Office 2016 for Mac – Already Out of Support

• End of Support Date: October 13, 2020 (for most editions)
• What This Means:
  • No more security updates (leaving your Mac vulnerable to exploits).
  • No bug fixes or performance improvements.
  • No technical support from Microsoft.
  • Compatibility issues with newer macOS versions (e.g., macOS Ventura & Sonoma).

⚠️ Exception: Some volume-licensed versions of Office 2016 (e.g., for businesses) had extended support until October 14, 2025, but this is rare for individual users.

📅 Office 2019 for Mac – End of Support late last year

• End of Support Date: October 10, 2023 (for mainstream support)
• Extended Support (Security Updates Only): Until October 14, 2025
• What This Means:
  • No new features or non-security updates 
  • Security patches only until October 2025.
  • Potential compatibility issues with future macOS updates.

🔹 Key Takeaway: If you’re still using either Office 2016 or Office 2019, you’re already at risk. No security updates or bug fixes along with compatibility issues.

2. Risks of Using Unsupported Office Versions on macOS

🔒 Security Vulnerabilities

• No security patches = higher risk of malware, ransomware, and data breaches.
• Hackers actively target unsupported software because vulnerabilities are no longer fixed.
• Example: A zero-day exploit in Word or Excel could allow attackers to steal sensitive data.

⚠️ Compatibility Issues with macOS Updates

• New macOS versions (Ventura, Sonoma, and beyond) may break Office 2016/2019.
• Features like AutoSave, real-time collaboration, and cloud sync may stop working.
• Printing, file saving, or plugin compatibility could fail.

📉 Lack of Technical Support

• Microsoft will not help if you encounter crashes, activation issues, or bugs.
• No official documentation for troubleshooting.

💰 Potential Compliance & Legal Risks

• Businesses using unsupported software may violate compliance regulations (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA).
• Some industries require up-to-date software for security audits.

3. What Should Mac Users Do? (Upgrade Options)

If you’re still on Office 2016 or 2019, here are your best upgrade paths:

🔹 Option 1: Microsoft 365 (Subscription-Based)

Best for: Users who want always-up-to-date Office apps with cloud features.

✅ Includes:

• Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, OneDrive (1TB storage)
• Real-time collaboration (co-authoring)
• AI-powered features (Copilot, Editor, Ideas in Excel)
• Automatic updates (no more end-of-support worries)
• Works on Mac, iPad, iPhone, and Windows

❌ Downsides:

• Recurring cost (84.99/year for Personal plan).
• Requires internet for some features.

🔹 Pricing:

• Microsoft 365 Personal ( 84.99/year)
• Microsoft 365 Family ( 104.99/year up to 6 people)
• Microsoft 365 Premium (189.99/Year)

🔹 How to Upgrade:

1. Go to Microsoft 365 for Mac
2. Sign in with your Microsoft account.
3. Choose a plan and download the latest version.

🔹 Option 2: Office 2024 (One-Time Purchase)

Office 2026 is due out Oct this year

Best for: Users who prefer a one-time purchase and don’t need cloud features.

✅ Includes:

• Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote
• No subscription required (pay once, use forever)
• Supports macOS Ventura & Sonoma
• 3 years of security updates (until October 2029)

❌ Downsides:

• No automatic updates (you’ll need to buy the next version when support ends).
• No cloud storage (OneDrive is limited).
• No AI features (Copilot, advanced Editor tools).

🔹 Pricing:

• Office Home & Student 2024( 119.99, no Outlook)
• Office Home & Business 2024 (149.99, includes Outlook)

🔹 How to Upgrade:

1. Visit Microsoft Office 2024 for Mac
2. Select the version you need.
3. Download and install.

🔹 Option 3: Free & Open-Source Alternatives

If you don’t want to pay for Microsoft Office, consider these free alternatives:

Alternative	Pros	Cons
LibreOffice	Free, open-source, supports .docx/.xlsx	Less polished UI, no Outlook
Apple iWork (Pages, Numbers, Keynote)	Free for Mac users, sleek design	Limited advanced features, no Outlook
Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides)	Free, cloud-based, real-time collaboration	Requires internet, less powerful than Office
OnlyOffice	Free, supports Office formats	Some features require a paid plan

🔹 Best for: Users who rarely use Office or need a budget-friendly solution.

🔹 Option 4: Keep Using Office 2019 (With Caution)

If you must stay on Office 2019:

• ✔ Enable automatic updates (if available).
• ✔ Use a strong antivirus (like Bitdefender or Malwarebytes).
• ✔ Avoid opening suspicious files (especially from email).
• ✔ Backup important documents in case of corruption.

⚠️ Not recommended for businesses or users handling sensitive data.

4. How to Check Your Office Version on Mac

Before upgrading, verify which version you’re using:

1. Open any Office app (Word, Excel, etc.).
2. Click Word/Excel/PowerPoint in the top menu bar.
3. Select About [App Name].
4. Check the version number (e.g., 16.xx for Office 2019, 15.xx for Office 2016).

🔹 If you see:

• 15.xx → You’re on Office 2016 (unsupported).
• 16.xx → You’re on Office 2019 (unsupported).

5. How to Upgrade Safely

🔹 Step 1: Back Up Your Data

• Save important files to OneDrive, iCloud, or an external drive Time Machine.
• Export Outlook emails (if using Outlook) to a .pst file ( a bit OTT). If you use Time machine will do this automatically.

🔹 Step 2: Uninstall Old Office Version

might be required to resolve legacy issues

1. Open Finder > Applications.
2. Drag Microsoft Office 2016/2019 to the Trash.
3. Empty the Trash.

🔹 Step 3: Install the New Version

• For Microsoft 365: Download from Microsoft’s website.
• For Office 2022: Purchase and download from Microsoft Store.

🔹 Step 4: Activate & Migrate Data

• Sign in with your Microsoft account.
• Re-import Outlook data (if needed).
• Test all apps to ensure compatibility.

6. Final Recommendations

User Type	Best Option	Why?
Home Users	Microsoft 365 Personal	Always updated, cloud storage, AI features
Students	Microsoft 365 (with student discount)	Free or discounted plans available
Businesses	Microsoft 365 Business	Security, compliance, team collaboration
Budget Users	Office 2024 or LibreOffice	One-time purchase or free alternative
Power Users	Microsoft 365 + Copilot	AI-powered productivity tools
Apples Office Package	Keystone, Numbers and Pages	Comes with all new machines once bound to Apple ID its yours for life no extra costings.

7. Conclusion: Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

Using Office 2016 or 2019 on macOS today is increasingly risky. While the software may still function, it operates without a safety net—no updates, no fixes, and no guarantees.

For both security and productivity, upgrading is less about staying current and more about avoiding preventable problems.

🚀 Next Steps:

✔ Check your Office version (About [App Name]). ✔ Back up your data before upgrading. ✔ Choose Microsoft 365 for the best security & features (or Office 2024 if you prefer a one-time purchase). ✔ Uninstall the old version to avoid conflicts.

By upgrading now, you’ll protect your Mac from security threats, ensure compatibility with future macOS updates, and gain access to the latest productivity tools.