access to documents when support ends

Question

Will access to documents be available when support ends?

Answer 1

Dear @Tom Bushold, 

I understand your concern regarding access to your files after product support ends. Yes, you will still have full access to your locally saved documents. When Microsoft ends support for a product (such as an older version of Microsoft Office or Windows), your existing files (Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations, etc.) are not deleted or locked. They remain stored on your local drive or cloud storage, and you can continue to open, edit, and save them.

What End of Support Means for Your Documents

• Local Documents: Any file saved on your hard drive, flash drive, or local network remains accessible. You can open them using existing installed Office applications, free web versions (Office for the Web), or compatible third-party viewers.
• Cloud Documents (OneDrive / SharePoint): Files stored in OneDrive or SharePoint remain accessible as long as your Microsoft account or subscription remains active.
• Application Functionality: Installed Office applications will continue to launch and open files. However, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates, bug fixes, or technical support for the software.

Important Recommendations

• Keep Backups: Ensure your important files are backed up locally or to cloud storage like OneDrive.
• Consider Upgrading: While your documents remain safe, running unsupported software exposes your device to security vulnerabilities. Upgrading to a supported version of Microsoft 365 or Office ensures your system stays secure.

For more details on Microsoft’s lifecycle policies, you can refer to the official Microsoft Lifecycle FAQ.

Please let me know if you have any further questions or if you are asking about a specific Microsoft product.

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