Technology changes quickly. People are always looking for the latest tech with the most advanced features. Companies on top of the market stay on top by looking for the next innovative idea.
A company like Microsoft depends on research and development to keep its offerings relevant. They frequently update their software with the newest features available.
When new versions of Windows or Office come out, the older versions slowly become obsolete. You may be wondering: Can I use my older version of the software when a new version becomes standard? If so: for how long?
Below find the answers to the above questions. You can also reference the core Microsoft product chart to determine when support will cease for your particular software.
When does Microsoft support end?
Some people will download the latest operating system or Office version available. In contrast, other consumers will sit back and wait until the most recent version has any bugs worked out.
In the meantime, Microsoft supports their previous Office or Windows versions for a specific amount of time. This grace period allows customers to enjoy their older software versions without feeling pressured to get the latest model. For example, Office 2013 end of life takes place of April 11, 2023. Hence, there is time before you will have to replace your core software.
Microsoft provides about ten years of support for its products. They offer two levels of support: mainstream and extended.
What does mainstream support encompass?
Mainstream support offers the most robust service updates. During this period, product features and design updates are available. Also, you will have access to complimentary support that came with the software license.
The initial support you get when you purchase Office or Windows will fall under the mainstream subtype.
Mainstream support end dates
Review the following list to see when mainstream support ends for your Windows and Office programs.
| Windows 10: October 13, 2020 |
| Office 2013: April 10, 2018 |
| Office 2016: October 13, 2020 |
| Windows 2016 server: January 11, 2022 |
| Windows 2019 server: January 9, 2024 |
What do you receive with extended support?
Microsoft offers extended support during the final years of the product’s life. At this time, your software will not receive cosmetic or functional updates. What you will receive are security updates.
Security patches are essential for your software to work flawlessly. They keep your system’s security tight. Without extended support, your software becomes vulnerable to intrusive bugs and hackers.
Extended support end dates
This list features Windows and Office products that are facing the end of their extended support.
| Windows 8/ 8.1: January 10, 2023 |
| Windows server 2012/2012 R2: January 10, 2023 |
| Windows 10: October 14, 2025 |
| Office 2013: April 11, 2023 |
| Office 2016: October 14, 2025 |
| Windows 2016 server: January 12, 2027 |
| Windows 2019 server: January 9, 2029 |
A word about Microsoft service packs
When focusing on the lifecycle of your products, you need to consider service packs updates. Sometimes failing to complete updates will hamper the longevity of your product’s life.
After Microsoft replaces a service pack with another, the first service pack will expire after two years. The new service pack will adopt the product’s original lifecycle expiry date while the previous will end two-year later, no matter what the product’s initial expiry date was.
Problems with using outdated software
Upgrading your Microsoft can be a costly affair. For this reason, many put off buying the latest version of a program. Other people do not like change. If individuals are comfortable with a software product, they sometimes do not want to learn a new system with different menus and features.
Prevailing wisdom suggests something broken does not need fixing. When it comes to software, the adage may not give the best advice. While it is true that your program may be working well, it is also true the lower version may not support newer types of programs.
Developers tend to take advantage of new features and plan their programs accordingly. It means a program may require more advanced prerequisites. For example, if you have a lower version of Windows installed, you may not have the ability to play a new game or app.
Microsoft Lifecycle
Microsoft Lifecycle has a search page that helps Microsoft product users find a date when their software or services will no longer receive updates. It will also indicate which service packs need updating. This search button helps you maintain your program’s life expectancy by giving you all the latest support information.
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