Microsoft Office 2016 is a powerful and popular version that officially reached its End of Support (EOS) on October 14, 2025. Many users and businesses are still using this version. If you’re using Office 2016, it’s an ideal time to upgrade to a newer version or buy a new license key.

This article will guide you on what EOS means, why you should consider upgrading from outdated Office software, the best alternatives, and affordable upgrade options. Please keep reading to explore with us!

When Does Office 2016 Support End?

Using Microsoft software, users will get two types of support from Microsoft:

1. Mainstream support: The mainstream support for Office 2016 ended in October 2020. It includes:

• Incident support
• Security updates support
• The ability to request no-security updates

2. Extended support: The extended support for Office 2016 until 14 October 2025. It comprises:

• Security updates
• Paid programs

What Does Office 2016 End of Support Mean?

We already shared what kinds of support are available for Microsoft product users. Therefore, when a software reaches the end of its life, the software stops receiving updates from Microsoft, such as security updates, bug fixes, and more. This situation is getting worse; it can even pose problems like cyberattacks and technical issues.

If you’ve a business and you’re using Microsoft Office 2016 after the EOS period, you can face these kinds of issues:

• Risk of losing sensitive data
• Compromise system integrity
• Increase maintenance costs

Which Microsoft Office Versions are Still Supported?

MS Office 2016 is about to complete its service lifecycle. If you want to keep the business or data on secure software, you must upgrade or buy a new version. Though Office 2019 was released later than 2016, it will reach the End of Support on 14 October 2025. So, the million-dollar question is, which Microsoft Office versions are still supported? Here are these:

1. Office 2021: one-time purchase and lifetime activation.
2. Office 2024: Microsoft’s latest perpetual license key with advanced features and functionalities.
3. Office 365: Subscription model.

What Problems Could You Face Using an Expired Office Suite?

If you want to continue using Office 2016 after its end of life, your device could expose various potential issues. Explore what those are:

Security Risks: When software becomes outdated, it will be an easy target for malicious attacks. Cyber criminals are always looking for vulnerabilities in outmoded software. Without regular updates from Microsoft, Office 2016 will be an easy target for attackers.

Update Issues: If you’re using an EOS Microsoft software, you will not receive any new features or security updates. It causes disruptions in regular workflows.

Compliance issues: Using unsupported software can cause problems with industry rules. This includes GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), and PCI-DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard). It can expose your company to several penalties.

No Technical Support: The most concerning issue is that you won’t get any technical support from Microsoft. If something goes wrong, you have to fix those issues on your own, and Microsoft is not liable to help you.

How Could You Overcome the Limitations of Using Office 2016?

Multiple versions are available to deliver excellent performance with long-term support. Here are some recommendations to overcome the limitations of Office 2016 EOS and how to scale up with top-class security for businesses or organizations:

Option 1: Upgrade to Newer Microsoft Office Versions

Upgrading to newer versions like Microsoft Office 2021 and Office 2024 is the best decision that you can make. Both versions have improved features and capabilities compared to Office 2016, but Office 2024 offers more advanced features that users need. Office perpetual licenses offer traditional options without a subscription model and provide security updates for several years.

Note: Want to upgrade to Microsoft Office 2021 or Office 2024, click on the product names to get the exclusive price. Educate yourself with a comprehensive guide for Office 2021 activation and Office 2024 activation through Msckey.

Option 2: Switch to Microsoft Office 365

Need more flexibility using Microsoft Office? Switching to Microsoft 365 from Office 2016 can be a game-changing decision to protect data or business and escalate productivity. It offers cloud storage benefits, the latest features with continuous updates within your subscription costs. Also, having the flexibility to work remotely and access your work from any device makes you very efficient.

Option 3: Alternative Free Tools

If you don’t want to upgrade to newer Microsoft Office versions or switch to Microsoft 365, several free alternative tools are available. Google Workspace or LibreOffice delivers simple task management with good data protection.

Difference Between Office 2016 vs Office 2021 vs Microsoft 365

Best Deals for Upgrading from Microsoft Office 2016

Msckey is a reputable and reliable online reseller that is authorized by Microsoft. It offers genuine license keys at a competitive price. If you’re upgrading from Office 2016 to Office 2021 and Office 2024 or switching to an Office 365 Lifetime account, visit Msckey to get it at the best prices.

Why Buy from Msckey?

• Instant delivery of the license key after purchase.
• Easy payment system and available reputable payment methods
• Complete instructions to install and activate
• 30-day replacement warranty
• Free technical support 24/7.

Final Thoughts

Undoubtedly, Office 2016 is one of the best Office versions of Microsoft and has served us very well. It’s an ideal time to upgrade to an unsupported software or switch to a subscription model. If you want a familiar experience with Microsoft software, Office 2021 and Office 2024 are great options. Switching to a subscription model can also provide better security and performance. Don’t compromise data security for an unsupported Office suite. Choose a perpetual Office suite or an Office 365 subscription today!

FAQs

1. Is it possible to use Office 2016 after EOS?

Yes. You can use Office 2016 after the end of support, but this situation reveals a security weakness and creates compatibility issues. 

2. Which one is better across Office 2021, Office 2024, and Microsoft 365?

Choosing a specific version depends on users’ demand. If you need a classic Office version with regular security updates, Office 2021 and Office 2024 are an ideal deal. Alternatively, Microsoft 365 provides continuous feature updates and access to the latest tools.