Microsoft confirms Office LTSC 2021 support ends October 2026, urging businesses to move to Microsoft 365 or LTSC 2024.
Microsoft is shutting down several of its products this year, including, but not limited to, the Access Database Compare tool, Publisher, and Outlook Lite on Android. Now, Microsoft has reminded customers that another suite of apps is set to retire this year, and also suggested an alternative.
Office LTSC 2021 suite and the standalone applications that it comprises of are facing the chopping block on October 13, 2026. As is common in these scenarios, these pieces of software will continue to function but they will not receive any security fixes, patches for bugs, or technical support from Microsoft. What this also means is that if you face any sort of issue, such as a break in compatibility, you are not guaranteed any assistance from Microsoft.
The Redmond tech giant has suggested multiple upgrade paths for small businesses and large enterprise organizations. For the former entities, those with fewer than 300 seats, the following are viable alternatives as long as you are OK with being connected to the cloud:
• Microsoft 365 Business Premium
• Microsoft 365 Business Standard
• Microsoft 365 Apps for business
Meanwhile, larger organizations should consider the following:
• Microsoft 365 E3
• Office 365 E3
• Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise
These Microsoft 365-powered versions of Office applications offer better security, management capabilities, and compliance. In addition, it also includes Copilot integration, can be installed on multiple devices per user, and dynamic updates that keep you always updated.
However, for those who are more comfortable with the on-premises variant of Office and want to continue down that path, Office LTSC 2024 is still an option. This is the most recent version of on-prem Office for commercial LTSC customers and also includes new versions of Visio and Project. Do choose your migration path carefully though, because Office LTSC 2024 will reach end of support on October 9, 2029.
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