Time to upgrade!
Microsoft advised customers to switch to a newer version to reduce their exposure to security risks as its Office 2013 version is approaching its end support by April 2023.
End support means that users will no longer receive Office 2013 software updates from Microsoft Update or receive phone or chat technical support. There will be no further updates to support content and most online help content will be retired. Also, users will no longer be able to download Office 2013 from the Microsoft website.
The tech company will stop providing several services to Office 2013 license owners, including technical support, bug fixes, and security patches for new issues once the end of support is reached.
What Will Happen to Microsoft 2013 After April 2023?
After April 2023, all of the Office 2013 apps will continue to function. However, users could expose themselves to serious and potentially harmful security risks.
In a statement, Microsoft told customers that after five years of "mainstream support," and an extra five years of "extended support," Office 2013 will never have neither kind of support come 2023. Per the Fixed Lifecycle Policy, security updates for Office 2013 will no longer be available at that time.
"After Office 2013 reaches the end of support, Microsoft won't provide any new security updates, and the continued use of Office 2013 after April 2023 may increase your organization's exposure to security risks or impact your ability to meet compliance obligations," Microsoft said.
Another issue is customers connecting Microsoft 365 with an Office 2013 client might experience performance or reliability issues because Office 2013 is no longer a supported client since October 2020.
Microsoft 2013 Users' Options for Upgrade
Microsoft recommended to users to upgrade to Microsoft 365 Apps, the subscription version of Office that comes with many Microsoft 365 and Office LTSC 2021.
Microsoft said that clients can upgrade to Microsoft 365 Apps, which are designed to receive regular updates, and will help users stay current by getting security updates and Microsoft's latest features.
The Microsoft 365 Apps come with many Microsoft 365 and Office 365 enterprise and business plans. Users can install full versions of Office apps on multiple devices.
According to Microsoft, alternatively, if an organization requires a static, unchanging product, consider moving to Office LTSC 2021.
Office LTSC 2021 is sold via a volume license agreement as a one-time purchase. It can only be installed on one computer per license.
Microsoft 365 Apps are updated regularly with new features while Office LTSC 2021 has the same features it came with on its launch date, in September 2021.
Users should prepare an upgrade plan after exploring their options and deciding to switch to a newer version on compatible devices such as system requirements for 365 Apps and LTSC 2021.
"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," Microsoft explains.
Microsoft 365 can be downloaded for free by students and educators at eligible institutions. This included Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and now Microsoft Teams, plus additional classroom tools. Users just have to use their valid school email address.
Related Article: Microsoft Finally Responds To Outcry, Allows Office 2013 To Transfer Computers
