A few days ago, Microsoft started reminding customers that Microsoft Office 2013 is nearing the end of support, advising them to upgrade to a newer version. According to the company, Microsoft Office 2013 will reach the end of support in April 2023 , and users should use a newer version to reduce their exposure to bugs and other security.
Users will still be able to use all Office 2013 apps, but they will not be secure.
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“ After five years of Mainstream Support and five years of Extended Support, Office 2013 will reach the end of extended support on April 11, 2023. After that date, security for Office 2013 will no longer be available updates ,” Microsoft told customers.
Therefore, since no new updates will be released, using Office 2013 after April 2023 may increase users'/organizations' exposure to security risks or affect their ability to meet compliance obligations.
The end of support automatically means that Microsoft will stop providing many services to users, including technical support, bug fixes, and security patches to address new security vulnerabilities. In addition, users will no longer be able to download Office 2013 from Microsoft's website.
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How can Office 2013 users upgrade?
The available upgrade options for Office 2013 are Microsoft 365 Apps, the subscription version of Office, and Office LTSC 2021.
Microsoft 365 Apps comes with many Microsoft 365 and Office 365 enterprise and business plans and allows users to install full versions of Office applications on multiple devices.
Office LTSC 2021 is sold through a volume license agreement and can only be installed on one computer per license.
Before you decide, keep in mind that Microsoft 365 Apps is regularly updated with new features. In contrast, Office LTSC 2021 has the same features it had on its release date, September 2021.
"Please start upgrading to Microsoft 365 Apps, which is designed to receive regular updates and will help you stay up to date by receiving security and our latest features," Microsoft said.
“Alternatively, if your organization requires a static, unchanging product, consider moving to Office LTSC 2021,” the company added.
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Office 2013 upgrade plan
According to Microsoft, Office 2013 users should explore their options for upgrading before the end of support, and then prepare an upgrade plan ( more information about moving to Microsoft 365 can be found here).
The company says: “Because Microsoft 365 Apps comes with many enterprise Microsoft 365 (and Office 365) plans, you should review the capabilities of your current plan as part of planning an upgrade to Microsoft 365 Apps.”
Source: Bleeping Computer
