Office 2021 will continue opening Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents after support ends. That is why the issue is easy to overlook. The programs appear unchanged and employees can keep working, but regular security patches and fixes for newly discovered problems will stop.
Microsoft lists October 13, 2026 as the end-of-support date for Office 2021 and Office LTSC 2021 products. Businesses using these versions should create an inventory and choose a replacement plan before that date rather than waiting for the first compatibility or security problem.
Find every Office version in use
The product name is visible in the Account section of Word or Excel. Manually checking one computer at a time is not enough for an organisation with several users. The inventory should include the device, version, activation method, business importance and add-ins in use.
Pay particular attention to computers running macros, accounting add-ins, Access databases, document scanners, document-management software and applications that automatically open Office files. Their migration needs to be tested before the wider rollout.
Should the business move to Microsoft 365?
Microsoft 365 is a common choice because it includes supported desktop applications, cloud services and user administration. For businesses already using Exchange Online, OneDrive or Teams, consolidated licensing may simplify management.
A subscription is not automatically the right answer for every user. Check which applications are needed, how many devices each person uses and whether the company needs additional cloud and security features. Different job roles may use different packages.
What if the company does not want a subscription?
Newer perpetual Office licences are available, but their lifecycle, included applications and transfer rights need to be reviewed. A one-time purchase does not remove the need for future planning. Perpetual licences also do not necessarily include the cloud services and administrative features provided by Microsoft 365.
Compare the cost over several years, the number of users and the way employees work rather than looking only at the initial price.
Test the migration with a small pilot group
Select users representing several roles, such as administration, finance, sales and management. Test Outlook profiles, signatures, archives, macros, templates, printing and integration with other business applications.
Back up important local files and settings before making changes. Continue in controlled groups so that an unexpected issue does not interrupt the entire company on the same day.
Do not forget old or rarely used computers
Office 2021 may remain on a spare laptop, meeting-room computer or device that is rarely switched on. These systems are easily missed and may later reconnect to the network with outdated software.
The inventory should include all devices, licence owners and old installation accounts. Remove unnecessary administrator privileges and verify that the operating system is still supported.
Do not wait until October
The greatest risk is not the software change itself, but a rushed migration. A company that starts early has time to test add-ins, compare licences and spread the cost. Waiting until the final week leaves a choice between a hurried rollout and unsupported software.
NBG TEAM helps businesses in Belgrade inventory Office installations, choose appropriate licences, configure Microsoft 365 and migrate email and user data. The objective is a controlled transition without unnecessary downtime or licences employees do not need.
Sources and further reading
For help with your specific business environment, see our business IT support service.
