Microsoft will end support for Microsoft Office 2010 in October 2020, meaning it will discontinue all support, including paid support as well as all updates, including security updates. However, between now and then the software is in an in-between phase in which Microsoft is still offering some support, and some updates.
What Does End of Life Mean?
End of life is the date after which an application is no longer supported by the company that makes it. After Office 2010 end of life, you could continue to use the software, but you would be doing so at your own risk. New computer viruses and other malware are being developed all the time and, without the security updates to fight them off, your data and your system might be vulnerable.
Why Is Office 2010 Support Ending?
The Office 2010 end of life cycle is similar to that of previous Microsoft Office versions. Microsoft states, “Microsoft Office 2010 has a support lifecycle during which we provide new features, software updates, security fixes, and so on. This lifecycle lasts for 10 years from the date of the product’s initial release.”
Upgrading to Office 2019
Microsoft Office 2019 was released in late 2018, and eventually, you’ll want to upgrade. How soon you do it is up to you but, of course, the sooner you do it, the sooner you can start enjoying the benefits of the new software suite, which include the latest visualization features, better security, and more powerful data analysis.
To install Office 2019 you’ll need to have Windows 10 as your operating system. Similar to Windows 10, Office 2019 will automatically update itself twice per year. This process ensures that you always have the most up-to-date versions of your operating system and software.
Upgrading to Office 365
Alternatively, you could upgrade to Office 365, which is the cloud version of Office. The advantages are that all your information is stored safely in the cloud, and you can use the software suite across multiple devices. The disadvantage is that it’s a subscription service that you must continue to pay for each year.
