Microsoft is ending support for Microsoft 365 and Office apps installed through the Microsoft Store in December 2026. If you use Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, or other Office apps from the Store version, you will need to move to the Click-to-Run installation type to continue receiving security updates.
The change does not mean Office apps will suddenly stop opening after December. However, they will no longer receive security patches, leaving them more exposed to security flaws that could be discovered later.
Microsoft has already stopped delivering new feature updates to the Store-based Office apps. Those updates ended in October 2025. Security support is the next service to end, making the transition more important for anyone still using that installation method.
Microsoft Store Office Apps Are Reaching the End of Support
Microsoft has been encouraging people to move away from the Microsoft Store version of its Office suite for some time. The company now says that support for this installation type will fully end in December 2026.
That applies to Microsoft 365 Apps installed from the Microsoft Store, not necessarily every version of Office installed on a PC.
| Office installation type | Feature updates | Security updates |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Store Office apps | Ended in October 2025 | End in December 2026 |
| Click-to-Run Office apps | Continues | Continues |
| Traditional perpetual Office editions | Depends on product lifecycle | Depends on product lifecycle |
The important part is how your apps were installed. Two people may both use Microsoft 365, but one could have the older Store version while the other already uses Click-to-Run.
Why You Should Switch Before December
Security updates are essential because Office apps often handle files received through email, downloads, cloud storage, and workplace sharing platforms. A security flaw in Word, Excel, or PowerPoint can sometimes be used to deliver malware through a malicious document.
Once support ends, Microsoft will no longer patch those Store-based apps against newly discovered vulnerabilities.
That does not mean every old Office installation will become unsafe overnight. But using unsupported software becomes riskier over time, especially if you regularly open files from outside sources.
| Risk after support ends | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| No new security fixes | Vulnerabilities may remain unpatched |
| No feature improvements | Apps will miss future Microsoft 365 changes |
| Higher document-based malware risk | Office files are common attack targets |
| Possible compatibility issues | Future services may work less reliably |
| Less long-term support | Troubleshooting options may become limited |
For business systems, shared PCs, and devices that handle sensitive files, moving early is likely the safer option.
Click-to-Run Is Microsoft’s Preferred Office Installation Method
Microsoft wants affected customers to use Click-to-Run versions of Office. Unlike older installation methods, Click-to-Run allows you to open and use Office apps while the rest of the software finishes downloading in the background.
It also handles updates differently. Rather than requiring you to manually download large installer files and restart the system frequently, Click-to-Run can update components in the background.
This approach is designed to keep Office apps current without interrupting your work as often.
| Click-to-Run benefit | What it means |
|---|---|
| Faster first use | Apps can launch before every component is installed |
| Background downloads | Installation continues while you work |
| Automatic updates | Security fixes can arrive with less manual effort |
| Better Microsoft 365 support | Matches Microsoft’s current deployment model |
| Ongoing feature access | Keeps apps aligned with future updates |
How to Prepare for the Migration
Microsoft recommends using the Office Deployment Tool to move from the Microsoft Store installation type to Click-to-Run. The tool is aimed mainly at managed and business environments, but it can also help advanced home users deploy the correct Office version.
Before making changes, check which Office edition you have installed and confirm that your Microsoft 365 subscription or Office license remains active. You should also back up important documents and make sure you know your sign-in details.
The December 2026 deadline is still months away, but there is little reason to wait until the final weeks. Moving earlier gives you time to confirm that Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and any add-ins continue working properly after the switch.
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