Office 2021 End of Support on Windows: What to Do
Support ended on October 13, 2026. On Windows, Office 2021 keeps running, but it no longer gets security fixes. Here's how to decide what's next.
Quick Answer
- ✓Office 2021 may keep working, but Microsoft has stopped security fixes, bug fixes and support, with no extension.
- ✓The Mac lockout didn't apply here. We found no reports of the same bug on Windows as of late October 2026.
- ✓For most regular Office users, Office Home 2024 or Microsoft 365 is the simple answer. Free options suit lighter use.
What changed on October 13, 2026?
Microsoft ended support for Office 2021 and says there's no extension or extended security update program. Its last Windows updates came out on that date. Microsoft also says the apps may continue to function, but warns about security risks. Your license hasn't expired, and your documents are fine.
You may have read that Office 2021 stopped working on Mac. That was a separate bug in a Mac update, which Microsoft has since fixed, and we found no matching Windows reports as of late October. If you're also on Windows 10, note that Office 2021 is unsupported there too, though Windows 10 itself has extended updates available into October 2027.
How to decide what to do
Think about how often you use Office.
You use it every day
Buy Office Home 2024 or subscribe to Microsoft 365. Microsoft listed them at $179.99 and from $99.99 a year in October 2026.
You use it now and then
Try a free suite. LibreOffice covers documents, spreadsheets and presentations offline.
You only make quick fixes
FileHop opens and edits .docx, .xlsx and .pptx files for free, alongside its other file tools.
You keep Office 2021 for now
Keep Windows updated, take care with attachments from strangers, and use a current browser and antivirus.
If your copy is managed by your work or school, ask your IT team before changing anything. Business users have different options, such as Office LTSC 2024.
Free ways to keep working
None of these is identical to Office, but each is useful.
LibreOffice
A complete free office suite that works completely offline. Complex Office layouts can shift.
Microsoft 365 on the web
Free basic versions of Word, Excel and PowerPoint in your browser, with a Microsoft account. Files live in the cloud.
FileHop
A free file browser that edits Office files for quick changes. It can't run macros, create charts or show comments.
Your options, compared
Prices from Microsoft's site in October 2026.
| Option | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Keep Office 2021 | Nothing more | Short term, with care |
| Office Home 2024 | $179.99 one-time | Regular use, no subscription |
| Microsoft 365 Personal | $99.99 a year | Latest features |
| LibreOffice | Free | Full suite on a budget |
| FileHop | Free | Quick edits and file tools |
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Office 2021 support end?
October 13, 2026, on Windows and Mac.
Will Office 2021 stop working on Windows?
Microsoft says the apps may continue to function. We found no lockout reports on Windows as of late October 2026.
Is it safe to keep using it?
Risk grows over time, since security holes won't be fixed.
Is there an extended support option?
No. Microsoft says there's no extension.
Can I still install Office 2021?
If you have the license and installer, it may still work, but with no support you're on your own if something goes wrong.
What's the cheapest replacement?
LibreOffice and FileHop are free, and Microsoft's web apps are free with an account.
Can FileHop replace Office?
For quick edits, often. Not for macros, new charts or comments.
Does this affect Microsoft 365?
No. Microsoft 365 is a separate product and keeps updating.
A free way to edit Office files
Open and fix Word, Excel and PowerPoint files on Windows and Mac.
Download FileHop Free