Office 2021 end of support (October 13, 2026): what it means and what to do
Office 2021 doesn't stop working on October 13, 2026. It stops getting security updates. Here's what that means for you and how to choose what to do next.
Updated 7 October 202601The short version
- Date: Microsoft's support for Office 2021 ends on October 13, 2026. The same date applies to Office LTSC 2021, Visio 2021 and Project 2021.
- Your apps keep working. Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook still open, and your files are not affected.
- Activation keeps working. An Office 2021 key still installs and activates after that date.
- What stops: security fixes, bug fixes and technical support from Microsoft.
02Why security updates matter
Office opens files that come from outside: email attachments, downloads, shared documents. Attackers often use flaws in Office apps to get in through a booby-trapped file. After October 13, 2026, new flaws found in Office 2021 are no longer fixed, so the risk grows over time, especially for Outlook and for files from people you don't know.
03Your three options
| Keep Office 2021 | Office 2024 | Microsoft 365 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How you pay | Already paid | One time | Every month or year |
| Security updates | Ended October 13, 2026 | Until October 9, 2029 | As long as you subscribe |
| Works offline | Yes | Yes | Needs to go online regularly |
| Best for | Offline PCs, basic use | Most home and office users | Several devices, cloud storage |
04Option 1: keep using Office 2021
Reasonable if the PC is mostly offline, or you only write documents and spreadsheets yourself. Keep Windows up to date, keep Microsoft Defender on, and be careful with attachments from unknown senders.
05Option 2: move to Office 2024
Office 2024 is also a one-time purchase, with no subscription, and Microsoft supports it until October 9, 2029. It replaces Office 2021 on the same PC and opens all your existing files. See Office 2024 vs Office 2021 for what changed, or get Office 2024 Professional Plus.
06Option 3: switch to Microsoft 365
A subscription that always has the latest version, plus OneDrive cloud storage and use on several devices. It costs more over a few years. Compare both in Office 2024 vs Microsoft 365.
07How to upgrade from Office 2021 to Office 2024
- Save your work and close all Office apps.
- Uninstall Office 2021 in Settings > Apps > Installed apps. Your documents stay where they are.
- Install Office 2024 from the download link in your key email, then activate it. Follow how to install and activate Office.
- Outlook keeps your mail if your account is IMAP or Exchange. If you use a POP account, back up your .pst file first.
Bought Office 2021 from us recently and want to move to Office 2024? Contact us and tell us your order number.
