Seriously? Office 2016 & 2019 Are Officially *Dead*

Oh, for the love of all that is holy. Microsoft has finally pulled the plug on support for Office 2016 and Office 2019. As of October 14th, 2023, they’re officially telling you to shove off if you’re still clinging to those relics. No more security updates, no more bug fixes – just a whole lot of potential vulnerabilities waiting to get exploited. And guess what? If you’re paying for extended support, that ends in *another* year. A YEAR! Then it’s complete and utter abandonment.

They want you on Microsoft 365, obviously. It’s the subscription model, because why *sell* you something when you can bleed you dry monthly? The article helpfully points out that businesses still using these versions are basically asking for trouble. Like, duh. They’re practically begging hackers to waltz right in.

So yeah, upgrade. Now. Unless you enjoy playing Russian roulette with your data. Don’t come crying to me when your spreadsheets get ransomware-locked because you were too cheap/lazy/stupid to move on. I warned you.

And don’t even *think* about asking for help from Microsoft after the support ends. They won’t give a damn. You’re on your own, pal.

Source: Microsoft Office 2016 and Office 2019 Have Reach End of Support

Related Anecdote (Because I Feel Like Being Miserable)

I once had to deal with a sysadmin who refused to upgrade his company’s Windows XP machines. “It just *works*,” he said, blissfully ignorant of the gaping security holes. Predictably, they got hit with a nasty piece of malware that took down their entire network. Spent three days cleaning up the mess while he whined about how “the new system is too complicated.” Some people are determined to learn things the hard way. And I get to watch.

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