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Is Upgrading from Office 2016 to Office 2019 or 2021 Free?
Question details
The user is inquiring whether the upgrade from a perpetual Microsoft Office 2016 license to a newer version, such as Office 2019 or Office 2021, is available for free.
- Product
- Microsoft Office 2016
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Deciding whether to upgrade an existing Microsoft Office 2016 installation to a newer version and evaluating the potential costs.
- Observed behavior
- Seeking clarification on Microsoft's licensing policy regarding free major version upgrades for perpetual Office software.
Check your current Microsoft account dashboard to verify your exact Office 2016 license type, as perpetual licenses differ significantly from subscription-based Microsoft 365 plans in terms of upgrade eligibility.
Purchase a Newer Perpetual License (Office 2021)
Since Office 2016 is a perpetual license with no free upgrade path, you must purchase a standalone license for a newer version.
Microsoft's perpetual licenses, such as Office 2016, 2019, and 2021, are one-time purchases that do not include free major version upgrades. Even if you received a promotional free upgrade in the past (like from Office 2013 to 2016), that policy does not extend to Office 2021.
Open your web browser and navigate to the official Microsoft Store website to browse current Office products.
Search for 'Office Home & Student 2021' or another edition that meets your needs, and click 'Add to cart'.
Sign in with your Microsoft account, finalize the one-time payment, and then download the new installer directly from your account dashboard.
Subscribe to Microsoft 365
Switch to a subscription-based model to ensure you always have access to the latest Office features and updates without paying for major upgrades.
Upgrade Your Office Suite for Free with WPS Office
If you want the latest productivity features without purchasing an expensive Microsoft Office 2021 license or committing to a recurring Microsoft 365 subscription, WPS Office is an excellent free alternative. Enjoy a lightweight suite that is fully compatible with Microsoft formats, offering a familiar interface for a seamless migration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did I get a free upgrade from Office 2013 to 2016, but not to Office 2021?
The upgrade from Office 2013 to Office 2016 was a limited-time promotional offer provided by Microsoft during that specific release cycle. Perpetual licenses are one-time purchases and generally do not include free major version upgrades as part of their standard terms.
Will my Office 2016 stop working if I don't pay to upgrade?
No, your Office 2016 software will continue to function normally. However, because it is reaching the end of its support lifecycle in October 2025, it will no longer receive important security updates, leaving your system more vulnerable to risks.
Are there any completely free alternatives to upgrading Microsoft Office?
Yes. If you do not wish to purchase a new Microsoft Office license or a Microsoft 365 subscription, you can use powerful free alternatives like WPS Office. WPS Office provides excellent compatibility with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files without any subscription fees.
