Quick answer: Support for Office 2021 ended on 13 October 2026. Your apps should still open, but Microsoft no longer provides security fixes, bug fixes or technical support, and there are no extended security updates. Plan a move to Microsoft 365 or a newer Office version.
Office 2021 was the “buy once” version of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. Its support window closed this month, and it applies to both the home editions and the business (LTSC) editions, on Windows and Mac. See the Microsoft end-of-support page for the consumer details.
Nothing breaks overnight. The risk builds slowly: new security flaws will go unpatched, and help articles will disappear. Readers in the US, UK, Canada, Australia and the EU are all affected, because Microsoft set one global end date.
What changed on 13 October 2026?
Microsoft says it will stop providing technical support, bug fixes and security fixes for Office 2021, including for vulnerabilities found later. It also says phone and chat support ends and most online help content will be retired, according to its Office 2021 end-of-support notice.
Microsoft states there will be no extension and no extended security updates. That is different from Windows 10, where a paid extended program exists (see our guide to Windows 10 security updates).
Which Office 2021 products are affected?
The list is wider than the main suite. Office Watch lists the retail and volume-licence versions of Office 2021 and Office LTSC 2021, plus the stand-alone apps: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Access, Publisher, Project and Visio. Skype for Business LTSC 2021 is also on the list.
The Microsoft 365 Message Center post MC1278920 covers the business side: Office LTSC 2021 suites and apps, Visio LTSC 2021 and Project LTSC 2021.
Will my Office 2021 apps stop working?
No. Microsoft says “all of your Office 2021 apps may continue to function.” It also warns that staying on the software could expose you to “serious and potentially harmful security risks.”
In practice, the main danger is email and documents. Outlook and Word handle files and links from strangers, so an unpatched flaw matters more there than in a rarely used app. Older software can also fall out of step with newer file formats and online services over time.
What are my options now?
At home
- Move to Microsoft 365. Microsoft recommends this on its consumer page. It is a subscription, so check the current price in your own country before you buy.
- Use a free option for light needs. If you only write the occasional letter or edit a spreadsheet, see our guide to using Microsoft Office for free.
- Keep Office 2021 for now. It still runs, but treat it as a short-term choice and be careful with attachments and links.
At work or school
Ask your IT team first. Microsoft tells organizations to begin upgrading to Microsoft 365 Apps. According to the Microsoft Lifecycle announcement, those who are not ready for the cloud can use Office LTSC 2024, described as the most recent supported on-premises version. The Message Center post says LTSC 2024 is supported until October 2029.
Microsoft’s guidance for smaller organizations (fewer than 300 users) points to Microsoft 365 Business Premium, Business Standard or Microsoft 365 Apps for business.
How do I check which Office version I have?
- Open Word or Excel.
- Go to File, then Account (on a Mac, open the app menu and choose About).
- Look for “Office 2021” or “Office LTSC 2021” under the product information.
If it says Microsoft 365, you have a subscription and are not affected by this deadline.
How should I plan the move?
Start with an inventory. List every PC or Mac that runs Office 2021 and note who uses Outlook for work email, since that is the most exposed app. Decide whether you want a subscription or are staying with software you own, and compare prices in your own country before buying, because they differ by region.
Before any upgrade, back up your documents and export anything stored only in a local Outlook file. Then install the new version, sign in and confirm that your templates, add-ins and macros still work. If a business app depends on an old add-in, test it on one machine first.
Small businesses and families can often move in stages: update the machines that handle email and external files first, and leave rarely used computers for later. Do not rely on cracked or unofficial copies as a cheap fix, because they cannot be updated safely.
Other Microsoft changes landing in October
The same month brings several other changes. Per Office Watch, Publisher stopped working for Microsoft 365 subscribers on 1 October (read our Publisher retirement guide), and the Word Similarity Checker was set to be removed on 3 October. Windows 11 24H2 also reached end of servicing for Home and Pro editions on 13 October.
Before you switch, review your other recurring charges too. Our guide to cancelling subscriptions on iPhone and Android helps you avoid paying twice. More stories like this are in the Apps and Software news and guides section.
Frequently asked questions
Is Office 2021 safe to use after 13 October 2026?
It will keep running, but it no longer gets security updates. Microsoft warns of potentially harmful security risks, so upgrading is the safer choice.
Will Microsoft offer extended security updates for Office 2021?
No. Microsoft states there will be no extension and no extended security updates.
What replaces Office LTSC 2021 for businesses that cannot use the cloud?
Microsoft points those customers to Office LTSC 2024, which it says is supported until October 2029.
Do I lose my files?
Microsoft does not say that files are removed. The change affects support and updates, not your documents. Keep a backup anyway.