Important:
- Support for Windows 8 ended on January 12, 2016. Learn more
- Microsoft 365 Apps is no longer supported on Windows 8. To avoid performance and reliability issues, we recommend that you upgrade your operating system to Windows 10 or download Windows 8.1 for free.
- If you’re an IT Pro responsible for deploying Office in an enterprise, you should see Windows 8 end of support and Microsoft 365 Apps.
Microsoft 365
Microsoft 365
Microsoft 365 is governed by the Modern Lifecycle Policy which requires customers to stay current as per the servicing and system requirements for the product or service, including using Microsoft 365 on a Windows operating system that is currently in support.
Using Microsoft 365 on older, unsupported operating systems may cause performance and reliability issues over time. As a valuable Office subscriber, we want to continue to provide a stable Office experience.
Windows 8 and Microsoft 365
Windows 8 went out of support on January 12, 2016 and no longer receives security updates. Therefore, if you’re using Microsoft 365 on a computer running Windows 8 and are configured for automatic updates, you will no longer receive updates for the Office apps after Version 2004 (see What version of Office am I using?). This includes feature, security, and other quality updates.
In order to continue to receive Microsoft 365 product updates, we recommend updating to Windows 8.1 for free, or preferably Windows 10.
For information on updating to Windows 8.1 see Update to Windows 8.1 from Windows 8.
If you’re not ready to upgrade at this time, Office on the web is an available alternative.
Note: If your computer is managed by your work or school, consult with your IT Help Desk or IT admin about how to upgrade. Follow your organization’s recommendations for how to transfer your files and apps.
How to get Windows 10
Windows 10 is available for purchase to upgrade an existing PC, however, PCs have changed substantially since Windows 8 was first released eight years ago. For help with finding a new PC that fits your needs and budget, see Help me choose a PC and Why Windows 10 computers?
If you’ve purchased a new Windows 10 PC and need help with transferring your files, see Moving to a Windows 10 PC.
Other Office versions
Windows 8 and other versions of Office
Non-subscription versions of Office, such as Office Home & Student, Office Home & Business, or Office Professional Plus, will continue to be fully supported based on the Fixed Lifecycle Policy. However, Windows 8 itself no longer receives security updates, leaving it vulnerable to security threats. If you’re running Microsoft Office on a Windows 8 PC, recommend updating to Windows 8.1 for free, or preferably Windows 10.
The following table shows the supported versions of Office and Windows operating system.
| Windows OS | Office 2010 | Office 2013 | Office 2016 | Office 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windows 7 | Supported (with exceptions*) | Supported (with exceptions*) | Supported (with exceptions*) | N/A |
| Windows 8 | Supported (with exceptions*) | Supported (with exceptions*) | Supported (with exceptions*) | N/A |
| Windows 8.1 | Supported | Supported | Supported | N/A |
| Windows 10 | Supported | Supported | Supported | Supported |
*These versions of Office will continue to be supported so long as they are within the Microsoft Lifecycle Policy. The exception to this is if you’re running Office on Windows 7 or Windows 8, and we determine your issue is caused or related to one of those out of support operating systems, and not an issue with Office. In this case, your problem won’t be supported.
How to get Windows 10
Windows 10 is available for purchase to upgrade an existing PC, however, PCs have changed substantially since Windows 8 was first released eight years ago. For help with finding a new PC that fits your needs and budget, see Help me choose a PC and Why Windows 10 computers?
If you’ve purchased a new Windows 10 PC and need help with transferring your files, see Moving to a Windows 10 PC.