The countdown is already on: the October 14 This marks the end of support for the classic editions of Microsoft's office suite, which are still installed on millions of computers. From that date on, those who continue to use them will do so without security patches or official support, with the resulting increased exposure to bugs and vulnerabilities.
This doesn't mean they'll stop working overnight; they'll still open documents and spreadsheets normally, but without No updates, bug fixes, or technical supportThe company is doubling its commitment to Microsoft 365 as the preferred path, while for environments that require local installation it offers the option of Office LTSC 2024.
What changes on October 14
From that day on, the affected suites will no longer receive security patches, fixes and supportThe scope includes both the complete suite and its individual applications: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Publisher or OneNote, as well as components such as Visio and Project in their corresponding editions, and there are alternatives such as SoftMaker Free Office.
The date also coincides with the end of life cycles of other products from the company. In the server sector, Exchange Server (2016 and 2019) and Skype for Business Server (2015 and 2019) are entering the retirement phase. For these, Microsoft contemplated programs Extended Security Updates (ESU) in a limited way; however, there are no extensions planned for the desktop editions of Office.
For all practical purposes, the software will continue to run, but any vulnerabilities discovered after this date will remain unpatched and stability issues will not be resolved. Microsoft supportIn regulated or audit-required environments, this change may have compliance implications.
Impact on Windows 10 and compatibility
Support for Windows 10For organizations that need some leeway, Microsoft offers three additional years of security through ESU (with an increasing annual cost). This detail is key when planning for system and application coexistence.
In particular, the company has indicated that Microsoft 365 Apps It won't be supported on Windows 10 after its end of support, except on computers enrolled in the ESU program. If you're going to keep Windows 10 during the transition, it's a good idea to confirm this before rolling out changes on a large scale.
There is also a platform exception: in the ecosystem Windows ARM, the local edition of Office is aligned with Windows 11, so it's a good idea to check compatibility before deciding on an upgrade path.
Recommended migration options
Redmond's preferred route is the jump to Microsoft 365, although for those who prefer local alternatives there are options such as FreeOffice. Among its advantages, the apps are updated automatically, incorporate advanced functions (including the Copilot AI) and can be installed on up to five PCs, five tablets and five mobile phones per user, facilitating hybrid work.
The push to the cloud comes with experience changes: Microsoft has tested configurations that save by default in OneDrive documents created in Word, with the intention of extending it to Excel and PowerPoint, to reduce data loss and facilitate access from any device.
For those who need to remain on-premises, the alternative is Office LTSC 2024, focused on environments with stability, control, or disconnection requirements. It maintains local installation and a defined support cycle (planned until October 2029 for its editions), in exchange for giving up some of the collaborative and AI capabilities of the cloud. It is also possible to deploy solutions such as LibreOffice Online.
In terms of reference costs, in Spain Microsoft 365 business plans start at around €6,72 per user/month (without taxes), while the Personal plan for individuals is around € 10 per month or €99 per year. Each organization will need to assess the price, requirements, and adoption deadlines.
Risks of continuing as before and good practices
Continuing with the classic editions after the date is possible, but it means assuming increasing risks: Exposure to new unpatched vulnerabilities, decreasing compatibility with recent services and standards, and potential impacts on regulatory compliance. As an alternative to supported software, there are stable versions such as new version of LibreOffice.
Some third-party companies offer mitigation solutions or unofficial patches to maintain older versions, although it is advisable to carefully evaluate their technical, legal and support implicationsIn critical environments, it is advisable to move to supported platforms.
Concrete steps to prepare for the transition
Start with your inventory: Check which edition and channel you have installed by opening Word or Excel and going to File > Account (or Help)This information will tell you where you're starting from and what upgrade paths are available.
Define a phased plan: separate critical equipment, validate add-ons, macros and custom solutions, and decide who migrates to Microsoft 365 and who needs Office LTSC 2024. Includes pilot testing, deployment windows, and a rollback plan, and check out the new version of LibreOffice.
Don't forget the system: if you keep Windows 10, consider hiring ESU or set a schedule to upgrade to Windows 11. Compatibility between system and applications (especially Microsoft 365 Apps) depends on it.
Strengthens protection: active multi-factor authentication In Microsoft 365, review storage and retention policies and establish off-site backups. Operational security also includes training and basic access controls.
With the horizon of October 14 already in sight, the priority is to anticipate: inventory, choose a destination (cloud or local), coordinate the operating system and reserve resources to reach the date with everything planned and without surprises.
