Microsoft Kill List: What Products Are Being Retired Next

Updated 6 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

Microsoft regularly retires older products and services to focus on newer technologies. The next items on the list include Windows 10 (end of support on October 14, 2025), Office 2016 and 2019 (end of support in October 2025), and Visual Studio 2019 (end of support on April 14, 2026). This article explains what these retirements mean for you, how to prepare, and what alternatives exist.

Background: Why Microsoft Retires Products

Microsoft follows a lifecycle policy that defines how long a product receives updates, including security patches and technical support. The goal is to encourage users to move to newer, more secure, and more capable versions. Retired products stop receiving security updates, which can expose users to vulnerabilities. Microsoft also wants to reduce the cost of supporting multiple versions and focus engineering efforts on current offerings.

Current Retirements and End-of-Support Dates

Here are the major products nearing or already at end of support:

Windows 10: End of support on October 14, 2025. After this date, no more security updates, bug fixes, or technical support for the consumer and most business editions. Extended Security Updates (ESU) are available for businesses for up to three years, but they cost extra.
Office 2016 and Office 2019: Both reach end of support on October 14, 2025. This applies to Office apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. No more security patches or feature updates. Microsoft 365 Apps remain supported and are the recommended alternative.
Visual Studio 2019: Mainstream support ended on April 13, 2021, and extended support ends on April 14, 2026. After that, no more updates, including security fixes. Visual Studio 2022 is the current version.
Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2: Already reached end of support on October 10, 2023. Extended Security Updates are available for up to three years, but they are a temporary measure.
Skype for Business Online: Retired on July 31, 2021, and replaced by Microsoft Teams.
Internet Explorer 11: Retired on June 15, 2022, for most Windows versions. Microsoft Edge is the replacement.

How to Check What’s Retiring and Plan Your Upgrade

If you are unsure whether a product you use is affected, follow these steps:

Go to Microsoft’s Lifecycle Policy page (search for “Microsoft Lifecycle Policy�).
Enter the product name and version to see its end-of-support date.
Check your own systems: open Settings > System > About (Windows), or File > Account (Office) to see the version you have.
If you are on a product that is retiring, plan an upgrade. For Windows 10, you can upgrade to Windows 11 for free if your hardware meets the requirements. For Office, consider moving to Microsoft 365 or a newer standalone version like Office 2021 or 2024.
For businesses, consider enrolling in Extended Security Updates if you cannot upgrade immediately, but treat it as a temporary bridge.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

One common misconception is that after end of support, the product will stop working. In most cases, the software will still run, but it will no longer receive security updates, making it increasingly vulnerable to malware and hacking. Another misconception is that Windows 10 will suddenly become unusable; it won’t, but using it after October 2025 is risky.

Another issue is hardware compatibility. Windows 11 requires a 64-bit processor, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB storage, and TPM 2.0. Many older PCs do not meet these requirements, so users may need to buy new hardware or use a workaround (not recommended for security). Similarly, Office 2019 and 2021 are tied to a specific Windows version; Office 2019 works on Windows 10 but not on Windows 11? Actually, Office 2019 is supported on Windows 11, but Office 2016 is not officially supported on Windows 11.

Costs and Alternatives

Upgrading can involve costs. Windows 11 is a free upgrade from Windows 10 if your PC meets the requirements. If not, you might need a new PC. Office 2021 or 2024 (standalone) costs a one-time fee, while Microsoft 365 is a subscription (typically $69.99/year for personal). For businesses, Extended Security Updates for Windows 10 cost $61 per device for the first year, doubling each year for up to three years. Visual Studio 2022 Community is free, while Professional and Enterprise require a paid license.

Alternatives to Microsoft products exist: for Office, you can use Google Workspace or LibreOffice; for Windows, you could consider Linux distributions, but that requires a learning curve and may not run all Windows software.

Safety and Security After End of Support

Using unsupported software is a security risk. Without security updates, newly discovered vulnerabilities remain unpatched, making your system an easy target. For example, a vulnerability in Windows 10 discovered after October 2025 will not be fixed for most users, leaving them exposed. To stay safe, you should:

Upgrade to a supported operating system and office suite.
Use a reputable antivirus and keep it updated.
Enable automatic updates for any software that still receives them.
Back up your data regularly.
For businesses, consider using Extended Security Updates for critical systems, but plan a migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Windows 10 stop working after October 2025?

No, it will continue to function, but it will no longer receive security updates. This means any new vulnerabilities discovered after that date will not be patched, increasing the risk of malware infections and data breaches.

Can I get Windows 11 for free?

Yes, if your PC meets the hardware requirements (TPM 2.0, 64-bit CPU, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB storage). You can check via the PC Health Check app. If your PC doesn’t meet the requirements, you can either buy a new PC or install Windows 11 using workarounds, but that is not recommended for security.

What is the difference between Office 2019 and Microsoft 365?

Office 2019 is a one-time purchase that includes classic apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, but it does not receive new features. Microsoft 365 is a subscription that includes the same apps plus additional services like OneDrive storage and Teams, and it receives regular feature updates.

Is it safe to use Office 2016 after end of support?

No, it will not receive security patches, so any vulnerabilities in the software will remain unpatched. This is especially risky if you handle sensitive data. Upgrade to a supported version like Microsoft 365 or Office 2021/2024.

What are Extended Security Updates (ESU)?

ESU is a paid program that provides critical security updates for up to three years after end of support. It is available for Windows 10 and Windows Server 2012/2012 R2. It is meant for businesses that need more time to migrate, not for consumers.

What happens to my files if I upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11?

Your files and settings are preserved during the upgrade. However, it’s always wise to back up your data before any major update. The upgrade process typically keeps your personal files, apps, and settings intact.

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