Let’s State Facts Up Front: Microsoft Office 2016 and 2019 will reach end of support on October 14, 2025. After this date, these versions will no longer receive security updates, bug fixes, or technical support from Microsoft. While your Office applications will continue to function, using unsupported software exposes your organization to serious security risks, compliance issues, and potential productivity disruptions.

At ProActive Information Management, we're committed to helping our clients stay secure and productive, which is why we want to ensure you understand what this transition means for your business.

What Does "End of Support" Actually Mean?

When Microsoft ends support for Office 2016 and 2019, several critical changes will occur:

• No more security updates - Any vulnerabilities discovered after October 14, 2025, will never be patched
• No bug fixes - Software issues and glitches will remain unresolved
• No technical support - Microsoft will no longer provide phone, chat, or online assistance
• No new features - Your Office suite will be frozen in time while the world moves forward

Think of it like using an outdated road map in a rapidly changing landscape - you're likely to miss important security measures, optimizations, and compatibility improvements that keep your business running smoothly.

The Real Risks of Staying on Unsupported Software

Continuing to use Office 2016 or 2019 after the end of support isn't just about missing out on new features - it creates serious business risks:

Security Vulnerabilities

Without security patches, your Office applications become increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks. Malware, ransomware, and other threats often exploit unpatched software vulnerabilities. According to recent studies, 37% of organizations are still running these older Office versions, putting themselves at significant risk.

Compliance Issues

Many industries require the use of supported software to meet regulatory standards. Using outdated Office versions could result in compliance violations, potentially leading to fines or legal complications - especially critical for healthcare, financial services, and government organizations.

Compatibility Problems

As technology evolves, older Office versions will struggle to work with:

• New Windows operating system updates
• Cloud services like OneDrive and SharePoint
• Modern file formats and collaboration tools
• Third-party applications and add-ins

Productivity Disruptions

Without technical support, even minor issues can escalate into major productivity roadblocks. When something goes wrong with your Office installation, you'll be on your own to find solutions.

Your Upgrade Options: Choose Your Path Forward

The good news is that you have excellent options to ensure your organization stays secure and productive:

Microsoft 365 Business (Recommended)

This cloud-based subscription service offers the best long-term value and security:

• Always up-to-date - Automatic updates ensure you always have the latest features and security patches
• Enhanced collaboration - Real-time co-authoring, Teams integration, and cloud storage with OneDrive
• Advanced security - Built-in threat protection and data loss prevention
• Multi-device access - Use Office on PCs, Macs, tablets, and mobile devices
• Scalable licensing - Easy to add or remove users as your business grows
• 1TB OneDrive storage per user for secure file access anywhere

Office LTSC 2024 (For Specific Environments)

For organizations that cannot move to the cloud or need a one-time purchase:

• One-time purchase - No ongoing subscription fees
• Security updates - Receives security patches until October 2029
• Offline capability - Works without internet connectivity
• Limited features - No cloud integration or advanced collaboration tools

Why Act Now Instead of Waiting?

While October 2025 might seem far away, starting your upgrade process now offers several advantages:

Avoid the Rush

Don't wait until the last minute when everyone else is scrambling to upgrade. Early planning allows for:

• Better pricing negotiations
• Adequate time for user training
• Smooth migration without business disruption
• Proper testing of compatibility with your existing systems

Immediate Benefits

Upgrading to Microsoft 365 now means you'll start enjoying enhanced security, improved collaboration features, and better productivity tools right away.

At ProActive Information Management, we automatically manage security updates for our clients. When you upgrade to Microsoft 365, we ensure your systems stay current and secure without any effort on your part.

What We Recommend

Based on our experience helping businesses navigate technology transitions, here's our recommended approach:

Immediate Actions (Do This Week)

1. Inventory your current Office installations - Identify which devices are running Office 2016 or 2019
2. Assess your business needs - Determine which Microsoft 365 plan best fits your organization
3. Check system requirements - Ensure your hardware can support the latest Office versions
4. Review your budget - Plan for subscription costs and any necessary hardware upgrades

Planning Phase (Next 30 Days)

1. Choose your upgrade path - Microsoft 365 Business for most organizations
2. Plan your migration timeline - Spread the transition across departments to minimize disruption
3. Prepare your team - Schedule training sessions for new features and workflows
4. Back up important data - Ensure all critical documents and settings are safely preserved

Migration Best Practices

• Start with a pilot group - Test the new system with a small team first
• Migrate in phases - Don't try to upgrade everyone at once
• Provide adequate training - Invest time in helping your team adapt to new features
• Monitor and support - Be ready to assist users during the transition period

Take Action Today

The clock is ticking toward October 14, 2025, but you don't have to navigate this transition alone. At ProActive Information Management, we specialize in helping businesses upgrade their technology infrastructure safely and efficiently.

Get a FREE cybersecurity assessment to understand your current security posture and upgrade needs.

Next Steps

1. Contact our team to discuss your specific upgrade requirements
2. Schedule a consultation to review your current Office environment
3. Develop a customized migration plan that minimizes disruption to your business
4. Begin your upgrade with confidence, knowing you have expert support

Don't let the end of support for Office 2016 and 2019 catch you off guard. The organizations that start planning now will have the smoothest transition and the most time to take advantage of modern productivity tools that can transform how their teams work.

Remember, this isn't just about staying compliant - it's about positioning your business for future success with tools designed for today's collaborative, mobile, and security-conscious work environment.

Ready to upgrade? Contact our team at ProActive Information Management today, and let's ensure your business stays secure, productive, and ahead of the curve.