Office 2021 support ends on 13 October: how to prepare without rushing into a purchase

Microsoft ends support for Office 2021 on 13 October 2026. Its notice says the apps may continue working, but they will stop receiving bug fixes and security fixes. The company also rules out an extension and extended security updates for this version. Microsoft Support: End of support for Office 2021.

What this means if you still use Office 2021

The date concerns maintenance of the software. Opening a document successfully afterwards does not establish that it is secure. Once fixes end, a vulnerability discovered later may remain unresolved in that version. It is worth preparing a transition even if you see no error while working. Microsoft Support: End of support for Office 2021.

Microsoft’s lifecycle listing covers Home and Student and Home and Business for Windows and Mac, as well as Professional. Having Word or Excel installed does not identify your licence: versions supplied with Microsoft 365 and other one-off editions also exist. Microsoft Lifecycle: Office 2021.

First, identify what you have

On Windows, open Word or Excel and go to File → Account. Look for the name under Product Information. On a Mac, open Word → About Word and check the version and licence type. If the information is insufficient, consult the associated account or whoever manages the installation; do not infer the product from a build number alone. Microsoft Support: About Office — version identification.

If your workplace or educational institution manages the installation, ask IT about its upgrade plan. Changing it without coordination could interfere with the organisation’s licences, add-ins or procedures. Microsoft Support: End of support for Office 2021.

Two ways to keep using Microsoft apps

Microsoft 365 uses a subscription. Before signing up, check whether the plan includes the desktop apps you need, how many devices it covers and the renewal cost. A shared brand name does not guarantee identical features across plans. Microsoft Support: Try or buy Microsoft 365.

Office 2024 offers a one-off purchase for one computer. It may suit someone who wants to avoid recurring payments, provided the edition includes their apps and supports their system. The purchase does not automatically include a future major release or indefinite support. Check usage terms and device requirements separately. Microsoft Support: Try or buy Microsoft 365 Microsoft Support: Office 2024 and Office LTSC 2024 FAQ.

What the free options offer

Microsoft provides Word, Excel and PowerPoint in a browser with a Microsoft account. This may suit everyday documents and online work. However, some features differ from the installed apps: Excel for the web does not run VBA macros. A workbook that relies on that automation needs a different solution or adaptation. Microsoft: Free Microsoft 365 Online Microsoft Support: Excel browser and desktop differences.

LibreOffice is a free, open-source suite that includes Writer, Calc and Impress. It is another desktop option. Its documentation explains that Excel VBA code may need changes. Check compatibility with the files you actually use, particularly if they contain automation or complex layouts. The Document Foundation: LibreOffice LibreOffice Calc Guide 24.8: Macros.

A practical check before you decide

As editorial advice, make a backup and prepare a test folder. Include a document with tables and page breaks, a workbook with formulas and a presentation with the elements you normally use. Work on copies so that the originals are preserved.

Open each copy in your chosen alternative, make a small change, save and reopen it. Check formula results, page layout and fonts. If you rely on a macro, verify that particular task: a file opening does not confirm that its automation works. For shared documents, ask the recipient to check a copy without sensitive information.

Also check operating system support, the terms for using cloud services and installation requirements. An Office upgrade alone does not address every security or compatibility condition on the computer.

The cost includes the transition

From an editorial perspective, a useful comparison starts with essential tasks: working offline, keeping macros, collaborating or delivering documents in a required format. Learning time and potential file adjustments add to the purchase or subscription cost. Listing those needs first can help avoid a rushed purchase or a migration that interrupts work.