While it is still possible to buy older versions of Microsoft Office, such as Office 2016, there are a few important things to keep in mind:
1. Microsoft’s Official Policy on Older Versions
- Microsoft Office 2016 and other older versions, such as Office 2013, are no longer available for direct purchase from Microsoft’s official website. Microsoft has phased out these versions as part of their focus on Microsoft 365, which is the subscription-based service that provides the latest Office apps with ongoing updates.
- However, Microsoft Office 2016 is still supported with security updates (for now) but will eventually be phased out in favor of newer versions. This means it will no longer receive any further updates after the end of support date.
2. Purchasing Older Versions from Third-Party Sellers
Although Microsoft no longer sells Office 2016 directly, you can still find new or used copies of older versions of Microsoft Office, such as Office 2016, Office 2013, or even Office 2010, from third-party retailers or online marketplaces like:
- Eshoptech.org (trusted source for software deals)
- Amazon
- eBay
- Authorized resellers who still have stock of these versions
Be cautious when buying from third-party sellers to ensure you’re getting a legitimate copy and not an illegal or pirated version.
3. Risks of Using Older Versions
- End of Support: As Microsoft moves forward with newer versions, older versions like Office 2016 eventually lose official support, which means no more security updates or bug fixes. This can make your system vulnerable to security risks.
- Compatibility Issues: Older versions may not be fully compatible with newer operating systems, like the latest versions of Windows or macOS. Certain features and integrations may also be missing or malfunctioning due to lack of updates.
- Limited Features: Older Office versions do not include the latest features available in newer versions, such as real-time collaboration in Microsoft Word and Excel, cloud integration, and other productivity tools available with Microsoft 365.
4. Alternative: Microsoft 365
If you’re considering buying Microsoft Office 2016 but are concerned about missing features or security risks, Microsoft 365 might be a better alternative. With Microsoft 365, you get:
- Always up-to-date Office apps
- 1TB of OneDrive storage
- Access to Office apps across multiple devices (PC, Mac, tablets, phones)
- Cloud-based features like Teams, Outlook, and SharePoint for real-time collaboration
Conclusion
While Office 2016 is no longer available directly from Microsoft, you can still find it from trusted third-party resellers. However, keep in mind that buying an older version may come with security and compatibility risks. If you want the latest features and ongoing updates, consider switching to Microsoft 365 for a more flexible and future-proof solution.
For reliable and affordable options, check out Eshoptech.org, where you can find Microsoft Office products, including both older versions and the latest releases.
