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According to the latest update, this means users of this version will no longer receive updates—both capability updates and security updates. Because of that, continued use of Office 2021 will be unsafe past that date. Microsoft plans to end support for Office 2021 once and for all on October 13th, 2026.
In a fresh development, as the publisher explains in this blog post, 0patch will provide Office 2021 with unofficial security updates for up to three years (and possibly longer if there’s sufficient demand). However, if you still wish to continue using Office 2021 after support ends, you can do so with 0patch.
In a fresh development, back when Microsoft ended support for Windows 10, the publisher stepped in and promised updates for Windows 10 until 2030. Although the official end of extended Windows 10 support has been postponed once again, 0patch continues to provide its own updates for critical issues. You may already be familiar with 0patch.
In a fresh development, not only do these micropatches help to patch vulnerabilities and resolve issues, but they can also be removed in case of errors and bugs. 0patch operates with what are known as “micropatches.” These micropatches don’t require direct access to Office 2021’s code, but instead integrate their own code fragments externally.
In a fresh development, although the publisher provides select updates free of charge to private users, it’ll cost €24.95 per year per PC for the full range of security updates. For business customers, the price is €34.95. 0patch is a promising way to continue using Office 2021, but it’s not completely free.
The report highlights that not sure which one is right for you? See our guide to choosing Microsoft 365 or Office 2024. If you don’t use 0patch, Microsoft’s recommendation is to either switch to Microsoft 365 or Office 2024.
In a fresh development, that’s still the responsibility of Microsoft, although they’re unlikely to be of much help once official support ends. Note: 0patch doesn’t offer traditional support for the programs being patched.
In a fresh development, this article originally appeared on our sister publication PC-WELT and was translated and localized from German.
The report highlights that after studying communication science, she went straight into a job at PCMagazin and Connect Living. Since then, she has been writing about everything to do with PCs and technology topics, and has been a permanent editor at our German sister site PC-WELT since May 2024. Laura is an enthusiastic gamer as well as a movie and TV fan.