What Windows end of support means for Office and Microsoft 365
Applies To
Office 2024 Office 2021 Office 2019 Office 2016 Microsoft 365 admin Click2Run Microsoft 365 for WindowsImportant:
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Support for Windows 8 ended on January 12, 2016, and support for Windows 8.1 has ended on January 10, 2023. Learn more
Microsoft 365 apps are no longer supported on Windows 7, Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 now that these operating systems have reached their end of support dates. To avoid performance and reliability issues, we recommend that you move to a newer version of Windows.
If you're an IT Pro responsible for deploying Office in an enterprise, you should see Windows 7 end of support and Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise, Windows 8 end of support and Microsoft 365 Apps or Windows 8.1 end of support and Microsoft 365 Apps.
Select the Microsoft 365 or Other Office versions tab below to learn more about what you need to do for your version of Office.
Microsoft 365 and the Modern Lifecycle Policy
Microsoft 365 is governed by the Modern Lifecycle Policy which requires customers to stay current as per the servicing and system requirements for the product or service, including using Microsoft 365 on a Windows operating system that is currently in support.
Using Microsoft 365 on older, unsupported operating systems may cause performance and reliability issues over time. As a valuable Office subscriber, we want to continue to provide a stable Office experience. Therefore, if you're using Microsoft 365 on a computer running Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 8.1, we strongly recommend you move to a supported Windows operating system.
Once you move to a supported Windows operating system all Microsoft 365 feature and security updates will resume as usual. At this time, you can run an Office update to make sure you have the latest version.
Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Microsoft 365
Support for Windows 7 ended on January 14, 2020 and Windows 8 went out of support on January 12, 2016. Devices running either version of Windows no longer receive security updates. Therefore, if you're using Microsoft 365 on a computer running Windows 7 or Windows 8 and are configured for automatic updates, you'll no longer receive updates for the Office apps, including feature, security, and other quality updates.
Support for Windows 8.1 ended on January 10, 2023. After that date, if you're running Microsoft 365, you'll no longer receive updates for the Office apps; this includes feature, security, and other quality updates.
In order to continue to receive Microsoft 365 product updates, we recommend upgrading Windows to a supported operating system.
If you're not ready to upgrade at this time, Office on the web is an available alternative.
Note: If your computer is managed by your work or school, consult with your IT Help Desk or IT admin about how to upgrade. Follow your organization's recommendations for how to transfer your files and apps.
Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and other versions of Office
Non-subscription versions of Office, such as Office Home & Student, Office Home & Business, or Office Professional Plus, will continue to be fully supported based on the Fixed Lifecycle Policy. However, Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 8.1 no longer receives security updates, leaving it vulnerable to security threats.
If you're running Microsoft Office on a Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 8.1 PC, we recommend upgrading to a supported operating system.
The following table shows the supported versions of Office and Windows operating system.
|
Windows OS |
Office 2016 volume licensed version |
Office 2016 retail version |
Office 2019 |
Office LTSC and Office 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Windows 7 |
Supported (with exceptions*) |
Not supported |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Windows 8 |
Supported (with exceptions*) |
Not supported |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Windows 8.1 |
Supported (with exceptions*) |
Not supported |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Windows 10 |
Supported |
Supported |
Supported |
Supported |
|
Windows 11 |
Supported |
Supported |
Supported |
Supported |
*These versions of Office will continue to be supported so long as they are within the Microsoft Lifecycle Policy. The exception to this is if you’re running Office on Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, and we determine your issue is caused or related to one of those out of support operating systems, and not an issue with Office. In this case, your problem won’t be supported.
Upgrade from Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 8.1
To maintain the reliability and stability of Microsoft 365, we strongly recommend you take advantage of the latest hardware capabilities by moving to a new PC with Windows 11. PCs have changed substantially since Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1 were first released. Today’s computers are faster, more powerful, and sleeker—plus they come with Windows 11 already installed.
Most Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 8.1 devices will not meet the hardware requirements for upgrading to Windows 11, as an alternative, compatible PCs can be upgraded to Windows 10 by purchasing and installing a full version of the software. Before investing in a Windows 10 upgrade, please consider that Windows 10 will reach its end of support date on October 14, 2025.
For help with finding a new PC that fits your needs and budget, see Help me choose a PC.
If you've purchased a new Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC, but need help with transferring your files, see Getting ready for the Windows 11 upgrade or Moving to a Windows 10 PC.
See also
End of support for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1
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