Microsoft’s support deadline for Office 2021 for Mac was October 13, 2026. Illustration: MacDigest.
Office 2021 for Mac reached the end of Microsoft support on October 13, 2026. The scheduled retirement covers the Home & Student and Home & Business Mac editions. The separate Office LTSC 2021 for Mac lifecycle lists the same end date.
Existing apps can still be used. Microsoft’s end-of-support guidance says Office 2021 will no longer receive security fixes, bug fixes or software updates, and phone and chat technical support have ended. Microsoft says there will be no extension or extended security updates.
Check which license you use
Open Word and choose Word > About Word from the menu bar. The dialog shows both the version number and the license type, as Microsoft’s version-identification guide explains. Check the license entry before deciding whether this deadline applies to your installation.
Choose a supported replacement
Microsoft still offers Office 2024 as a one-time purchase. Office Home 2024 and Office Home & Business 2024 cover one computer and receive fixes during their supported lifetime. Moving from Office 2021 requires a new license; a subscription is optional.
A Microsoft 365 plan that includes the Mac desktop apps is another route. Check the plan’s included apps before paying: Microsoft 365 Basic does not include desktop Word, Excel or PowerPoint. You may already have an eligible subscription through work or school.
Check your Mac before buying either option. Microsoft’s Office 2024 requirements include 4 GB of RAM and 10 GB of available storage, with support for the three most recent macOS versions. Review the current requirements for your chosen product, especially on an older Mac.
If work or school manages your Office installation, ask its IT team about the upgrade plan before replacing the license yourself.
