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As we step into 2025, it’s important to stay on top of technology updates and lifecycle changes. Microsoft has officially announced the End of Life (EOL) for several major products, including Windows 10, Office 2016, and Office 2019. If your business uses these tools, now is the time to start planning for the next phase. Let’s dive into what these changes mean and what steps you should take to ensure your systems remain secure and functional.
Windows 10 EOL: What You Need to Know
End of Life for Windows 10 is set for October 14, 2025. This means Microsoft will no longer provide security updates, bug fixes, or technical support for the operating system after this date. While Windows 10 has been a reliable and widely used OS since its release in 2015, all good things must come to an end — and Windows 10 is no exception.
Why Should You Care?
Without ongoing updates, Windows 10 devices will become more vulnerable to cyber threats and security risks, making them an attractive target for hackers. This is especially critical for businesses that handle sensitive data and rely on secure systems. Continuing to use Windows 10 past its EOL date could result in:
Security vulnerabilities: No patches for known flaws or new threats.
Compliance risks: Many industries have compliance requirements for up-to-date software, and using an unsupported OS may put your company at risk.
Software incompatibility: New software, including updates to Microsoft applications and third-party tools, may no longer support Windows 10.
What Can You Do?
Transitioning to Windows 11, the latest version of Microsoft’s OS, is the most straightforward solution. Windows 11 offers enhanced security features, improved performance, and a more modern user interface. If your hardware meets the requirements, upgrading to Windows 11 will ensure that your systems remain secure and compatible with future updates.
For businesses with extensive IT infrastructures, migration planning and employee training will be essential steps in a smooth transition to the new operating system. We have already started implementing this for our contract clients as we speak
End of Life for Office 2016 and Office 2019: Time to Upgrade Your Productivity Tools
Both Office 2016 and Office 2019 will reach their End of Life in 2025. While Microsoft doesn’t specify an exact date for these products, Office 2016’s support will end on October 13, 2025, while Office 2019’s end date is set for October 14, 2025 — the same day as Windows 10’s EOL.
What’s at Risk Without Support?
Without regular updates or patches for Office 2016 and 2019, users will face similar risks as with Windows 10. This includes:
Security vulnerabilities: As Microsoft ceases updates, Office applications become more susceptible to exploits and malware.
Lack of new features: Without ongoing updates, you won’t benefit from the latest tools, features, or improvements that Microsoft adds to its software suite.
Compatibility issues: Newer file formats or features may not work properly with outdated Office versions, creating a barrier to seamless collaboration.
What Should You Do?
Microsoft is now focusing on Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365) as the future of productivity software. Microsoft 365 is a subscription-based service that provides always-up-to-date versions of Office apps, along with cloud storage, collaboration tools, and enhanced security features. Migrating to Microsoft 365 not only ensures that you have the latest features, but also benefits from:
Cloud-based collaboration: Share and collaborate on documents in real-time, no matter where you are.
Automatic updates: Stay up-to-date with the latest features and security patches, without worrying about manual updates.
Advanced security: Enjoy features like data encryption, multi-factor authentication, and secure file sharing.
If you prefer traditional, standalone Office products, Office 2021 may be a suitable alternative. However, keep in mind that Office 2021 will also eventually reach its own EOL, so it’s worth considering a longer-term move to Microsoft 365 (if not already there!)
How to Prepare for the End of Life
To minimise disruption and ensure a smooth transition as Windows 10, Office 2016, and Office 2019 reach their EOL, its essential to know what on your system is running these systems. At DASH - feel free to reach out and book some time with us and we can get a plan in place.