IT for everyone #32 | Microsoft Office 2021 End of Life: what now?

As a user of Microsoft Office 2021, I recently received a news update stating that this Office product will reach its “End of Life” in October 2026. I can imagine that such an announcement might cause panic for many people. Does this mean we will no longer be able to use Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook? Will it suddenly stop working on that date? One reassurance upfront: that will not be the case.

The difference between Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Office

First of all, what was the difference again between Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Office 2021? Although the names are often used interchangeably, there are significant differences. These are some characteristics that set the two products apart.

The Microsoft 365 product works through a monthly or yearly subscription. You always receive the newest Office versions, the latest security updates, and extra features such as larger cloud storage and AI integrations. You can also use the product on multiple computers. For people who only want to write an occasional letter, this product may be the least attractive option — you’re tied to ongoing costs.

To avoid ongoing costs, Microsoft Office is a good solution. You pay once for a license — a permanent license. Depending on which Office package you buy, you generally receive Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. Unlike Microsoft 365, Microsoft Office can only be used on one computer.

What many people don’t know: if your computer unexpectedly breaks, you can activate a legal retail license on your new computer. Only cheap OEM licenses are usually tied to a single device.

What does “End of Life” mean?

When a Microsoft product reaches “End of Life,” you can interpret this as the end of support. For Microsoft Office, this means that starting October 2026, no more security updates will be provided. You can continue using the product for as long as you want.

However, this does not mean you can use the product indefinitely without issues. There is always a chance that future Windows updates or new file formats may cause compatibility problems over time. In the long run, the product becomes increasingly vulnerable. It is therefore advisable to already consider switching to, for example, Microsoft Office 2024.

To avoid this problem, Microsoft 365 may seem like a good alternative. Unfortunately, this is not entirely true. It’s correct that you don’t use a fixed version, meaning you receive continuous support and security updates. But even within Microsoft 365, products can disappear or be replaced. This is happening, for example, with Microsoft Publisher, which will be removed from the Microsoft 365 package in October 2026.

What does this mean for you?

For the average home user, there is no reason to panic. A legal standalone Office 2021 license will continue to work for now. It is wise, however, to think ahead about switching at some point. A new Office 2024 license is often available for just a few tens of euros. Make sure to pay close attention to where you purchase your license — there are plenty of sellers out there looking to scam people.

Do you use multiple computers, work heavily in the cloud, or want to be guaranteed the latest security updates? Then Microsoft 365 may be a safer and more practical choice in the long term.

If you have any computer questions