Microsoft Office 2019, a popular suite of productivity software, is designed to provide users with robust tools for creating, editing, and collaborating on documents, presentations, and spreadsheets. One common question among users is: how long is Office 2019 supported?
Microsoft offers two types of support for its software: mainstream support and extended support. Understanding these phases can help you determine the longevity of Office 2019's support.
Office 2019 Mainstream Support
During the mainstream support phase, Microsoft provides regular updates, including new features, security updates, and non-security updates. This phase typically lasts for five years from the date of the software's initial release.
For Office 2019, mainstream support began on October 22, 2018, and is scheduled to end on October 14, 2023. This means that users can expect regular updates and new features until this date.
Office 2019 Extended Support
After the mainstream support phase ends, Microsoft enters the extended support phase. During this period, Microsoft only provides security updates to address vulnerabilities. No new features or design changes are introduced.
For Office 2019, extended support is set to begin on October 15, 2023, and will last until October 13, 2026. This means that users can still expect security updates for their Office 2019 software for an additional three years after mainstream support ends.
Office 2019 and Microsoft's Modern Lifecycle Policy
It's essential to note that Microsoft has transitioned to a modern lifecycle policy for its newer software releases. This policy provides customers with more predictable and longer-term support. However, Office 2019 follows the classic lifecycle policy, as it was released before this transition.
Under the modern lifecycle policy, mainstream support lasts for five years, and extended support lasts for an additional five years. This means that newer Office versions, such as Office 2021 and Office LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel), will have a total of ten years of support.
What Happens After Extended Support Ends?
Once the extended support phase ends, Microsoft no longer provides any updates, including security updates, for the software. This means that users may be vulnerable to security threats and may not be able to use the software with newer operating systems or hardware.
To ensure continued support and access to new features, users can upgrade to a newer version of Office, such as Office 2021 or an Office 365 subscription, which follows the modern lifecycle policy and offers more frequent updates and new features.
In summary, Office 2019 will be supported until October 2026, with mainstream support ending in 2023. After that, users can expect security updates until the extended support phase ends. To stay protected and up-to-date, consider upgrading to a newer version of Office once the extended support phase for Office 2019 concludes.