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Office 2021 loses security updates on 13 October: your options
The short version
Microsoft ends support for Office 2021 on 13 October 2026, with no extension. The apps may keep working, but they will no longer get security fixes, updates or technical help from Microsoft.
What happened
Microsoft says there will be no extension and no extended security updates for Office 2021. After the date, it will stop providing bug fixes, security fixes, phone and chat support. Most of its online help pages will be retired.
Home versions such as Home & Student and Home & Business can still be used, but Microsoft recommends upgrading. If your Office is managed by an IT department or admin at work, Microsoft says they will likely have their own upgrade plan.
One-off purchase versions once had about ten years of support. Office 2021 gets five.
Why it matters to you
The apps may keep working after the date, but any security flaw found later in Office 2021 will stay unfixed.
There is also a cost decision. Microsoft points to Office 2024, a one-off purchase, or Microsoft 365, which is a subscription. Free alternatives exist, but they may lack features you rely on.
What to do
Check which Office version you run, then decide before 13 October whether to buy Office 2024, move to Microsoft 365 or try a free suite such as Google Docs or LibreOffice.
ZDNET cautions against staying on Office 2021 without support, in case serious security flaws appear. If an IT department or admin looks after your computers, ask for their plan.
Sources
Researched and written by our automated news system.
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