View in browser
Two circular emblems flank the words "TECHNOACTIVISM" and "TECHNOLOGY FOR LIBERATION, PRIVACY FOR ALL" against a gradient orange and yellow background.

SECURITY ADVISORY

Brief:


Legacy versions of Microsoft 365 (Office 2019 and Office 2021 — Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) will stop working on MacOS devices starting July 13, 2026.


Affected Systems:

  • MacOS

What Does This Mean to Me:


These products have lapsed beyond Microsoft’s support window. The digital certificate that controls MacOS and iOS M365 upgrades will be expiring. These products must be either updated or replaced.


What to Do Now:


If you have a Mac with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or Outlook, verify the product version of M365.


Here’s how:

  1. Open Microsoft Word (or Excel, PowerPoint, or Outlook).
  2. From the menu bar at the top of the screen, click Word (or the app's name).
  3. Select About Word.
  4. A window will appear showing your version number (for example, Microsoft Word Office 2019, Office 2021, Office 2024, or Microsoft 365).
  5. If the window says Office 2019 or Office 2021, make sure you've installed the latest Office updates. Older installations may be affected by Microsoft's July 13, 2026 licensing certificate expiration if they haven't been updated.
  6. If it says “Office 2024” or “Microsoft 365 Subscription”, you're generally in good shape as long as Office is kept up to date.

If the product is fully updated and reports Office 2019, you have two options:

  1. Uninstall Office 2019 and purchase a M365 subscription so you may download the latest version.
  2. Uninstall Office 2019 and purchase a stand-alone version of Microsoft Office 2024 for the Mac.
  3. I recommend option one.

If the product is fully updated and reports Office 2021:

  1. You’re okay for now.
  2. The update will have applied the latest security certificate and will remain supported through October 13, 2026.
  3. After that date, you should plan to either obtain a M365 subscription or purchase a stand-alone version of Office 2024 for the Mac.
  4. Again, I recommend obtaining a M365 subscription.

How We Can Help:


If you need help verifying versions or walking through a M365 subscription purchase and install, just book 30 minutes with us. Our scheduler’s in the tagline below.

A portrait of Russell Mickler, a technoactivist, is presented in a circular frame against a light background with text.

TECHNOACTIVISM

Privacy. Empowerment. Community. Resilience.


Technoactivism is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization

www.technoactivism.org | Scheduler | Privacy Policy


webcontact@technoactivism.org