What Happens If You Keep Using Microsoft Office 2016 After End of Support?

Are you still using Microsoft Office 2016 Standard and wondering what happens now that official support has ended? If so, you’re not alone. Many businesses and individual users are asking, “Is it still safe to use Office 2016?” In this post, we’ll explore what end of support really means, the risks of continuing to use outdated software, and smarter alternatives to stay secure and compatible in today’s digital landscape.

What Does “End of Support” Mean for Office 2016?

Microsoft officially ended mainstream support for Office 2016 on October 13, 2020, and extended support ended on October 14, 2025. After this date:

• No security updates are released.
  
• No technical support from Microsoft.
  
• No bug fixes or patches.
  
• Compatibility with newer Windows versions and file formats may degrade.
  

Microsoft Office 2016 Standard users must now navigate a post-support environment — and that comes with significant challenges.

Risks of Using Microsoft Office 2016 After End of Support

1. ⚠️ Security Vulnerabilities

Without updates, Office 2016 becomes a growing security risk. Cybercriminals often target outdated software to exploit unpatched vulnerabilities. This can lead to:

• Data breaches
  
• Malware infections
  
• Ransomware attacks
  

According to CISA, using unsupported software increases exposure to cyber threats, particularly for organizations managing sensitive data.

2. Compatibility Problems

As newer versions of Windows and Microsoft 365 apps evolve, Office 2016 may fail to:

• Open new file formats
  
• Integrate with Microsoft Teams or SharePoint
  
• Work with cloud-based services like OneDrive
  

Eventually, even third-party tools will stop supporting Office 2016, limiting your ability to collaborate or automate workflows.

3. Regulatory and Compliance Risks

If you’re in a regulated industry (healthcare, finance, etc.), using unsupported software could put you out of compliance with industry standards such as:

• GDPR
  
• HIPAA
  
• PCI DSS
  

This could lead to fines or reputational damage if a data breach occurs.

4. Lack of Technical Support

If something breaks, you’re on your own. Microsoft no longer provides any technical assistance for issues related to Office 2016. This could lead to longer downtimes and increased IT costs.

Why Do People Still Use Office 2016?

Despite the risks, many users hold onto Office 2016 for reasons such as:

• Perpetual licensing (no subscriptions)
  
• Familiar interface
  
• Cost avoidance
  

However, the short-term savings may not be worth the long-term risks.

What Are Your Alternatives?

If you’re still using Office 2016, consider the following options:

Option 1: Upgrade to Microsoft 365

• Always updated with the latest features
  
• Cloud integration
  
• Secure and scalable
  

Option 2: Purchase a New Perpetual License

If you prefer a one-time purchase, consider upgrading to Office 2021, which will be supported until at least 2026.

Option 3: Explore Other Productivity Suites

Open-source or freemium alternatives include:

• LibreOffice
  
• Google Workspace
  
• Zoho Office Suite
  

These tools may suit users with lighter needs or tight budgets.

Conclusion: Don’t Let Outdated Software Hold You Back

Continuing to use Microsoft Office 2016 Standard after end of support puts your data, productivity, and compliance at risk. Whether you’re a business owner, IT professional, or casual user, it’s time to evaluate modern solutions that offer better security, support, and performance.

For more tech insights, licensing guides, and expert recommendations, visit softwarelicenses.net.