Microsoft ends Office 2021 support in 2026 with no extensions

Microsoft is ending support for Office 2021 on October 13, 2026, leaving users who rely on the perpetual license version vulnerable to security risks. The company has announced that there will be no extensions or additional security updates, marking a stark contrast to its handling of Windows 10, which received an extra year of support. This decision impacts both consumers and businesses, as Office LTSC 2021 for enterprises will also lose support on the same date.

Without updates, Office 2021 users will face increased exposure to malware, spyware, and other malicious software. They will no longer receive technical support, bug fixes, or security patches, potentially affecting compliance and cyber insurance requirements. Microsoft has advised users to upgrade to Office 365 or purchase the newer Office 2024 one-time version to stay protected.

Accrued Consulting, an independent Microsoft 365 consulting firm, highlighted the risks of running unpatched Office clients alongside cloud-based services like Exchange Online and Teams. The firm warned that unsupported Office versions create avoidable security vulnerabilities and complicate support and compliance efforts. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has emphasized the benefits of subscriptions, suggesting a future model combining subscriptions with usage limits and metering due to the rising costs of artificial intelligence.