Microsoft Workplace 2016 and Workplace 2019 are nearing the tip of their assist cycles. In the event you’re nonetheless operating any functions from these packages, it’s most likely time to improve to a more moderen Workplace package deal, a Microsoft 365 subscription, or another like LibreOffice.
Microsoft printed a weblog publish at present reminding people who assist for Workplace 2016 and Workplace 2019 will finish on October 14, 2025, precisely six months from now. The variations of Phrase, Excel, PowerPoint, and different functions in these packages will now not obtain safety patches, bug fixes, or technical assist.
Workplace 2016 and Workplace 2019 ought to proceed working after that date, however future updates to macOS and Home windows might trigger incompatibility points. That threat appears low for Home windows, although—even Office 2003 still works on Windows 11.
Microsoft’s Improve Choices
In the event you’re nonetheless utilizing the outdated Workplace apps, you may have a couple of choices for migrating to extra trendy variations. In the event you’re okay with all of your paperwork going into cloud storage, you may use OneDrive for free with the web-based variations of Phrase, Excel, and PowerPoint. You get 5GB of storage free of charge, and the Microsoft 365 Basic plan for $2/month (or $20/12 months) bumps that as much as 100 GB of storage.
The most suitable choice for most individuals is Microsoft 365, which incorporates the native Workplace apps for Home windows and Mac, the cloud-based net apps, the cell Workplace apps, and 1TB of cloud storage. You get new options and bug fixes for so long as the subscription stays energetic, however you lose entry to the apps if you happen to cease paying. It prices $100/12 months for one individual, or $130/12 months for a household of as much as repair folks.
There’s additionally the Microsoft Office 2024 package, if you happen to simply need the desktop apps with out cloud storage or a recurring subscription. It really works identical to the Workplace 2016 and 2019 editions, although the included apps have modified over time. The common ‘Dwelling’ model solely consists of Phrase, PowerPoint, and Excel, whereas the ‘Dwelling & Enterprise’ model provides Outlook and OneNote.
Microsoft Workplace 2024
Achieve everlasting entry to Phrase, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote with the Workplace Dwelling 2024 bundle. It is not a one-to-one substitute for a Microsoft 365 subscription, because it lacks some apps and doesn’t embrace characteristic updates, nevertheless it’s a one-time buy, so it is superb for individuals who simply want the fundamentals.
Microsoft Writer and Microsoft Entry usually are not included in any model of Workplace 2024. In the event you nonetheless depend on these apps, you’ll must hold the older variations put in.
The Non-Microsoft Options
It is likely to be value making an attempt LibreOffice as an alternative choice to Microsoft Workplace. LibreOffice has its personal doc format that gives the most effective compatibility, however it could additionally open Workplace recordsdata with restricted success—some Phrase formatting or Excel capabilities may not be accessible. The default interface is near Workplace 2003, however you may switch to the tabbed interface that appears extra just like the ribbon design in newer Workplace variations. LibreOffice has come a good distance from the OpenOffice days.
In the event you’re on a Mac, Apple’s personal Pages, Keynote, and Numbers apps are first rate alternate options. There’s WPS Office, which can also be appropriate with Microsoft Workplace recordsdata and has a well-recognized interface. Google’s Docs, Sheets, and Slides apps are additionally nice for many use instances, however they depend on storing all of your paperwork within the cloud, identical to with enhancing Workplace recordsdata in OneDrive and net browsers.