On October 7, Microsoft recommended that small and midsize businesses consider Microsoft 365 Business Standard or Microsoft 365 Business Premium as Office 2021 approaches its stated October 13, 2026, support end. The recommendation appeared in a post on Microsoft’s Japan blog, which framed shared files, email, meetings, and access management as groundwork for possible future AI use.

Microsoft’s recommendation for small and midsize businesses

Microsoft’s October 7 post points businesses toward two subscription plans: Microsoft 365 Business Standard and Microsoft 365 Business Premium. Its case for migration connects shared work tools and managed access to preparing for potential AI use; that is Microsoft’s rationale for the recommendation.

NeoTeo previously covered the October 13 Office 2021 support deadline in its earlier article. The October 7 post adds Microsoft’s business migration recommendation to that approaching deadline.

What Office 2021’s support end changes

Microsoft’s support page states that support for Office 2021 ends on October 13, 2026. Microsoft gives the same date for Office LTSC 2021.

The apps may continue to function after support ends. Microsoft will stop providing security fixes, bug fixes, software updates, and phone or chat support. It also says there will be no support extension or extended security updates program for Office 2021.

Who is affected and what Microsoft recommends next

The deadline applies to the Office 2021 editions for home users and to Office LTSC 2021, the separate version used by organizations. Microsoft’s guidance depends on how you use Office:

  • At home: Microsoft says home users can move to a newer Office version. It identifies Office 2024 as its newest one-time-purchase option. Upgrading from a one-time-purchase version requires buying the latest version; Microsoft says these versions install on one device and receive security fixes during their supported period, but not new features or other Microsoft 365 benefits.
  • At work or school: If your Office installation is managed by your organization, Microsoft says to contact its IT help desk.
  • For organizations using Office LTSC 2021: Microsoft recommends Microsoft 365 Apps, or Office LTSC 2024 for organizations not ready to move to the cloud.