Upgrading to Office Home and Student: Understanding Support End Dates and Security Updates

Microsoft Office is a popular productivity suite used by millions of individuals around the world. The company provides support for its software products in various forms, including mainstream support, extended support, and security updates. In this article, we'll explore the concept of upgrading Office Home and Student, focusing on the end dates for support and security updates.

Mainstream Support End Dates

The mainstream support end date is October 13, 2020, which means that after this date, Microsoft will no longer provide mainstream support for Office 2016 for Windows. Mainstream support typically lasts for a period of five years, during which time the company provides regular bug fixes, security updates, and new features.

Extended Support End Dates

Office 2019 for Windows, on the other hand, has an extended support end date of October 14, 2025. This means that Microsoft will continue to provide security updates and bug fixes until this date. However, it's essential to note that Office 2019 for Mac does not receive extended support.

Security Updates

Office 2016 for Windows will continue to receive security updates until October 14, 2025. Similarly, Office 2019 for both Windows and Mac will receive security updates until October 13, 2026. Office 2021, available through a Microsoft 365 subscription, is always kept up-to-date with the latest software.

Organizations may be able to purchase Extended Security Updates after the support period ends, just like they can with Windows 7. However, it's crucial to understand that security updates are only provided during the extended support period.

In summary, Office Home and Student users should be aware of the end dates for mainstream support and security updates. If you're using an older version of Office, such as Office 2016 or Office 2019 for Mac, it's essential to upgrade to a newer version or consider purchasing Extended Security Updates if necessary.

For individuals who are still receiving at least extended support, their version of Microsoft Office is still getting security updates. However, once the mainstream support period ends, the software will no longer receive new features or bug fixes, but security updates will continue until the end of the extended support period.

In conclusion, understanding the support end dates and security update schedules for Office Home and Student can help individuals make informed decisions about upgrading their software to ensure they have access to the latest features and security patches.

Upgrade office home and student