Office 2021, Windows 11 24H2, and other Microsoft products reach end-of-life in 2026

[Daniel Sims]

Cutting corners: Microsoft's support clock is quietly reshaping the security landscape for millions of users. Even as Windows 10 continues to run on hundreds of millions of PCs, the company cut off standard security updates last year, with more products set to meet a similar fate soon. As Microsoft's update schedule rolls deeper into 2026, the looming end of support for Windows 11 SE and Office 2021 raises fresh questions about security, cost, and how long users can safely hold on to familiar software.

Microsoft's 2026 end-of-support documentation outlines a wide range of programs and Windows versions slated for retirement over the coming months. While these products will continue to function after support ends, users will no longer receive critical security updates.

Windows 11 24H2 is scheduled to reach end of life this October, one year after Windows 10 support ended.

Microsoft began automatically updating some devices to version 25H2 following its introduction last year, and that upgrade will soon become mandatory for users still on 24H2. The latest Windows 11 release introduces only minor changes.

The end of 24H2 support will also mark the end of Windows 11 SE, since it is the final Windows version compatible with the platform. Introduced in 2021 as Microsoft's response to ChromeOS, Windows 11 SE is a streamlined, cloud-focused operating system designed for low-cost education laptops.

The 23H2 releases of Windows 11 IoT Enterprise, as well as Windows 11 Enterprise and Education, will also stop receiving updates in November. At the same time, multiple editions of Windows Server 2022 will transition from "Mainstream Support" to "Extended Support" on October 13, continuing to receive free security updates.

In addition, the five-year support window for the standalone version of Microsoft Office 2021 expires on October 13. Office LTSC 2021 for Windows and Mac will reach end of life on the same date.

To continue receiving new features and critical security updates without subscribing to Microsoft 365, users will need to upgrade to the standalone version of Office 2024. Although deep discounts are frequently available for Office 2021, and the productivity suite is currently available for as little as $35, its successor remains significantly more expensive and has seen few meaningful price cuts.

A lifetime license for Office 2024 typically costs $150 but is currently priced at $120. Microsoft Word 2024 adds support for ODF 1.4, new collaboration features, and Document Recovery. Excel 2024 introduces new array functions for managing complex data and formulas, while PowerPoint 2024 adds voice recording, ink annotations, closed captions, and other video-related features.

Microsoft will also end support for the following products in 2026:

• Advanced threat Analytics 1.X (January 13)
• Dynamics 2016 (multiple dates)
• Infopath 2013 (July 14)
• Project Server 2016 (July 14)
• Project Server 2019 (July 14)
• SharePoint Designer 2013 (July 14)
• SharePoint Server 2016 (July 14)
• SharePoint Server 2019 (July 14)
• .NET 9 (May 12)
• .NET 8 LTS (November 10)
• PowerShell and PowerShell 7.4 LTS (November 10)

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Office 2021, Windows 11 24H2, and other Microsoft products reach end-of-life in 2026

 

[thewelshbrummie]

raises fresh questions about security, cost, and how long users can safely hold on to familiar software.

It doesn't, at least not based on the content of this article. Software becoming unsupported isn't new.

That Microsoft have reduced the length of support for single purchase copies of Office to 5 years only with no extended support (both 2016 and 2019 lost support 3 months ago in October)... that's something that should have been mentioned.

What I did notice is that 3 stories down on the homepage is... a Techspot "deal" for a $35 copy of the affected version of Office 2021 Pro while not mentioning that the 2024 offer is for the Home version.

 

[BobHome]

"A lifetime license for..." For what? Or is 5 years now considered a 'lifetime'?
(huh! there's be no college debt)

 

[SRB]

Did it ever occur to Microsoft to make Office (word processor, spreadsheet, etc.) less vulnerable by not connecting it to the web and AI? I bet no one would notice if they did. But where is the money in that?

 

[BadThad]

It doesn't, at least not based on the content of this article. Software becoming unsupported isn't new.

That Microsoft have reduced the length of support for single purchase copies of Office to 5 years only with no extended support (both 2016 and 2019 lost support 3 months ago in October)... that's something that should have been mentioned.

What I did notice is that 3 stories down on the homepage is... a Techspot "deal" for a $35 copy of the affected version of Office 2021 Pro while not mentioning that the 2024 offer is for the Home version.

Exactly, hell, I'm running the old, fully stand-alone Office 2010 and it WORKS GREAT for what I need it for. MS can cram the "upgrades" and "security fixes". I've literally run Office 2010 for 16 years now and NEVER had an issue or security problem - but I do not use Outlook, just word, excel, PP and sometime Publisher. They ALL work and are compatible with modern office versions. I will never in my lifetime need to "upgrade" to the bastardized web version!

 

[BadThad]

Did it ever occur to Microsoft to make Office (word processor, spreadsheet, etc.) less vulnerable by not connecting it to the web and AI? I bet no one would notice if they did. But where is the money in that?

Apparently not. I cannot stand the new versions of Office constantly feeding me pop-ups, banners and worthless, unhelpful prompts. I've been using spreadsheets for 40 years, I don't need a dumbaz 20 YO programmer trying to "help" me with his crappy, bloated code.