Office LTSC 2021: What options are available after support ends?
Office LTSC 2021 reaches end of Support on 13,2026. Its successors will be Office LTSC 2024, Microsoft 365, or a combination of both models. Which option is right depends primarily on how the respective workstations are used.
Office LTSC 2024 or Microsoft 365?
When migrating from Office LTSC 2021, there are two main models to consider: Office LTSC 2024 as a perpetual license or Microsoft 365 Apps on a subscription basis. A combination is also possible, for example, if individual user groups have different requirements for Office and cloud services.
Microsoft describes Office LTSC 2024 as the current on-premises version for commercial and public organizations. Unlike Microsoft 365 Apps, LTSC does not receive ongoing feature updates after release.
| Criterion | Office LTSC 2024 | Microsoft 365 Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Licensing model | Perpetual license / one-time purchase | Subscription |
| Deployment | Locally installed desktop applications | Desktop, web and, depending on the plan, mobile applications |
| Feature updates | No ongoing new features after release | Continuous feature updates |
| Cloud services | Not included with LTSC | Integrated depending on the Microsoft 365 plan |
| Licensing basis | Office LTSC volume licenses are generally licensed per device | Microsoft 365 Apps is generally licensed per user |
| Typical use case | Stable, controlled environments | Flexible workplaces and cloud scenarios |
| Cost structure | One-time purchase | Recurring costs |
| Support/lifecycle | Supported until October 10, 2029 | Ongoing support under the applicable subscription/plan |
Microsoft intends Office LTSC 2024 primarily for environments in which a long-term stable software release is required—such as on production systems, medical devices, or other systems where software changes must be controlled and, if necessary, revalidated. Microsoft 365 Apps, on the other hand, is designed for regular feature updates.
If you need collaboration tools, cloud storage, web apps, continuous development, and flexible, user-centric usage, you can include Microsoft 365 Apps in your comparison.
On the other hand, those who operate specific devices over an extended period with a stable set of features and do not need the additional cloud features still have Office LTSC 2024 as an on-premises option.
Hybrid Licensing: Not Every Workstation Needs the Same Model
In mixed IT environments, the decision does not have to be the same for all workstations. Perpetual licenses and Microsoft 365 can be combined based on usage.
- Mobile and hybrid work environments: If you work on multiple devices and use Microsoft cloud services for collaboration and data sharing, Microsoft 365 is often the better choice.
- Fixed office workstations: If you primarily need the classic Office applications on a fixed device, a perpetual license may be a better fit for your usage profile.
- Production and specialized devices: Here, a stable software version and compatibility with specialized applications, machines, or drivers are key. Before making the switch, it is therefore important to determine which current platform is technically suitable.
New or Used: What’s the Difference with Perpetual Licenses?
If a perpetual license is the right solution, the next step is to consider how to acquire it. In addition to new licenses, used Microsoft volume licenses be considered.
Used licenses can be financially attractive if the required version is available and the license’s origin and the necessary usage rights are clearly documented. However, purchasing a used license does not affect the Microsoft lifecycle: A used license receives the same support as a newly purchased license for the same product version.
For an EOL project, this means specifically: It is not the used license that solves the support issue, but rather the switch to a suitable version that is still supported. Only then does the question arise as to whether this version should be purchased new or used.
Which is more cost-effective: a perpetual license or Microsoft 365?
A simple extrapolation based on the purchase price and monthly subscription fee provides only a rough comparison. Over a period of ten or 15 years, neither user numbers nor requirements remain constant.
In the case of stable workstations with a long service life , a perpetual license can be economically attractive because, once purchased, there are no ongoing license fees for using the same version. For frequently fluctuating user numbers and a need for cloud services, Microsoft 365 (with the appropriate Microsoft 365 plan, including Microsoft 365) can leverage its more flexible cost structure.
In practice, this calls for a separate analysis: Which workstations will remain stable in the long term—and where do users, devices, or required services change regularly? On this basis, perpetual licenses and subscriptions can be meaningfully compared or combined.
You want to upgrade after the EOL of Office LTSC 2021 ?
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Here’s how to migrate from Office LTSC 2021 now
The starting point is your existing license inventory: Where is Office LTSC 2021 still in use, how are these workstations being used, and which Microsoft services are actually needed?
Based on this, you can determine which workstations will be equipped with Office LTSC 2024, Microsoft 365, or a combination of both models in the future.
This is followed by procurement and technical implementation. Before the rollout, add-ins, macros, and line-of-business applications in particular should be checked for compatibility with the new version of Office.
Frequently Asked Questions About Office LTSC 2021 EOL
Support for Office LTSC 2021 ends in October 2026. After that, Microsoft will no longer provide regular security updates, bug fixes, or regular technical support.
End of support does not deactivate existing installations. However, the software will continue to operate without regular security updates or manufacturer support. This can be particularly relevant in terms of security and compliance requirements.
According to Microsoft, Office LTSC 2024 will be supported through October 10, 2029. The perpetual license should be distinguished from the support period: The software can generally continue to be used after support ends, but will no longer receive regular security and quality updates.
Whether a specific edition is available as a used license depends on market supply. Another requirement is that the license’s origin can be traced with the necessary documentation. Therefore, you should first determine the version and edition you need and then check their availability.
Not necessarily. “Used” refers to a license that has already been placed on the market, not necessarily an outdated product version. For an EOL project, it is therefore important to distinguish between software version and the procurement channel must be distinguished.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this. For stable workstations with a long service life, a perpetual license may be a cost-effective option. If cloud services and the additional features of Microsoft 365 are actually needed, their benefits and costs must be factored into the comparison.
Yes, different user and device groups can be equipped with different models. This can be useful, for example, when mobile employees use Microsoft 365 while desktop workstations run Office LTSC.
Microsoft 365 licenses can also be purchased directly from Microsoft. A CSP partner also offers consulting on selecting and sizing the appropriate licenses, as well as support with deployment and ongoing management. This is particularly beneficial if licensing needs and user counts are adjusted regularly or if you’d like a personal point of contact in addition to the procurement process itself.
Conclusion: Not every office workstation needs the same replacement
For stable, on-premises workstations that do not require additional cloud services , Office LTSC 2024 is an obvious choice. Once you’ve decided on a perpetual license, you can then compare the options for purchasing a new license or a suitable used one.
For mobile workstations, collaboration via Microsoft cloud services, and continuously updated features , Microsoft 365 is a better fit for your usage profile.
When requirements are mixed, this doesn’t have to result in a company-wide “either/or” decision. Office LTSC and Microsoft 365 can be assigned to specific workgroup categories.
Which option is compatible with our existing license portfolio?
Office LTSC 2024, Microsoft 365, or a combination of both: The best way to determine which option makes the most sense from a business and technical standpoint is to assess your existing licenses and actual usage.
We’d be happy to assist you with this assessment and with comparing the appropriate procurement options.
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