If your small business is still running on Microsoft Office 2016 or 2019, you’re not alone — many companies stick with what’s familiar. But with end-of-support dates approaching or already behind us for these versions, sticking with outdated Office software could be putting your business at risk. Here’s why now is the time to upgrade — and how doing so can actually save you money and headaches down the line.
1. Security Risks Are No Joke
Once Microsoft ends support for a product, it stops providing security updates — even if major vulnerabilities are discovered. That means your outdated Office apps can quickly become a weak link in your cybersecurity defenses. For small businesses, which are often prime targets for cyberattacks, this is a risk you simply can’t afford.
🔐 Real-world risk: A single phishing email or unpatched vulnerability in Outlook or Word could expose customer data, disrupt operations, or trigger compliance issues.
2. Compatibility Issues Are Already Happening
As Office 2016 and 2019 age, compatibility with newer file formats, cloud services, and even Windows 11 is becoming more of a problem. Features like Microsoft Teams and OneDrive work best (and in some cases, only) with Microsoft 365 or newer versions of Office.
⚠️ Frustration alert: That spreadsheet your vendor sent? It might not open correctly. That SharePoint link from a partner? It may not integrate cleanly. It adds up.
3. You’re Missing Out on Powerful Productivity Tools
Modern Microsoft 365 plans come with cloud-powered features that simply aren’t available in older Office versions. Features like real-time co-authoring, AI-powered tools (like Microsoft Copilot), and advanced Excel data types are changing the way businesses work — and you’re missing out.
⏱️ Save time with tools that automate tasks, streamline collaboration, and help you do more with less.
4. Microsoft 365 is Built for Small Business Flexibility
Upgrading doesn’t have to mean buying expensive software outright. With Microsoft 365, you pay a predictable monthly or yearly fee — and get always up-to-date apps, 1TB of cloud storage per user, Microsoft Teams, and more.
💡 Bonus: It scales as you grow. Need to add a new employee? It’s as simple as assigning them a license.
5. Avoid the Rush and Downtime Later
The closer you get to the end of support, the more urgent — and disruptive — upgrading becomes. By acting now, you can plan the migration on your own schedule, train your team, and avoid last-minute emergencies.
Final Thoughts:
For small businesses, staying competitive means staying current. If you’re still relying on Office 2016 or 2019, upgrading isn’t just a tech decision — it’s a business decision. Modern tools like Microsoft 365 can help you work smarter, stay secure, and prepare for what’s next.
Need help making the switch?
We help small businesses assess their needs and migrate with minimal disruption. Contact SandStorm IT today to get started making the switch!