Are you still relying on Office 2013 to manage documents, spreadsheets, and presentations?
If so it is important to note that Microsoft had announced the End of Support for this version on April 13, 2023.
This means no more software updates, security patches, or Windows OS compatibility so users are at risk of external threats and system glitches if they fail to upgrade.
To ensure productivity is maintained for business operations it is essential to consider other solutions ranging from Office 365 subscriptions to free open-source applications such as LibreOffice, OpenOffice, and WPS Office.
Key Takeaways
- Microsoft Office 2013 will no longer receive any security updates or support after April 13, 2023, putting users at risk of data breaches and external threats.
- Moving your office tasks over to Office 365 is a cost-effective way to access up-to-date features with collaboration tools included.
- Upgrading from Office 2013 involves testing the new software, ensuring device compatibility, and seeking IT support if needed for a smooth transition.
- Other alternatives like LibreOffice suite, OpenOffice, and WPS Office are also available as free options.
No More Updates Or Security Patches
Microsoft Office 2013 will no longer receive any security updates or support after April 11, 2023 – its end-of-life date.
This means that users who are still using outdated software could be at risk of hacked data or malicious attacks due to its lack of up-to-date security patches and updates.
Without necessary protection against cyber threats, all your personal or corporate information stored on Office 2013 may not be safe anymore. It is highly recommended to upgrade to an updated version of Office or switch to a cloud-based subscription service like Office 365 to remain secure from potential threats and maintain current functionality with new features as essential components for staying productive.
Examples include incidents where government employees can have their confidential data exposed because they were still using legacy software susceptible due thereto vulnerabilities without updated patches available.
Risks Of Continuing To Use Office 2013
With malware attacks increasingly targeting outdated legacy software like Office 2013, users must upgrade as soon as possible before experiencing any major incidents.
Hackers are notoriously aware of unpatched systems which is why businesses should ensure their software infrastructure is up to date with recent security patches and measures from Microsoft – not doing so puts them at great risk for potential breaches or other catastrophes.
Upgrade Options Available
For users looking to upgrade from Office 2013, there are multiple options available such as an Office 365 Subscription, an Upgrade to a Standalone version of Office 2019, or free alternatives like LibreOffice suite; find out more about these in this blog.
Office 365 Subscription
The Office 365 suite provides users with a range of productivity applications that allow them to stay connected and work together from any location. Thanks to its subscription-based model, you always have the most up-to-date version of Microsoft’s popular Word, Excel, and PowerPoint programs.
Office 365 also offers real-time collaboration tools, cloud storage for files and documents, and the option to install Office on five different devices per account.
For businesses small or large-scale operations alike, this is an incredibly cost-effective way to get access to the latest features while being able to easily add or remove team members without additional charges.
With regular updates supported by Microsoft’s Active Directory integration services included in each plan, Businesses can rest assured their hard work is kept safe from online threats while allowing new features and functionality with no worries about incompatibility issues between applications.
Office 2019/2021 Standalone Version
Office 2019/2021 Standalone Version is a one-time purchase of Microsoft Office that can be installed directly on one computer. This version includes popular applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and does not require subscription or annual fees.
Free Alternatives Such As LibreOffice, OpenOffice, And WPS Office
- LibreOffice is a modern-looking free alternative Office Suite that is presented as the successor to OpenOffice.
It includes Writer, a word processor; Calc, a spreadsheet program; Impress, a presentation program; and Draw, a vector graphics editor.
- OpenOffice is another free and open-source Office Suite that is like LibreOffice and can be used as an alternative to Office 2013. It includes programs such as Writer, Calc, Impress, Draw, and Base for database operations. The suite supports most Microsoft document formats with no problems or changes in formatting when files are imported from or exported to Microsoft Word or Excel.
- WPS Office is a freemium Office Suite that offers a free version with limited features and a paid version with advanced features and no ads. It provides users with almost the same features they have come to expect from premium suites like Microsoft Office but without any costs associated beyond the basic software package itself. This makes it attractive for those who need an office suite for occasional use but do not want to shell out additional funds on licensing fees.
WPS also preserves compatibility with the formats of other popular office suites like OpenOffice or Microsoft Excel/Word/PowerPoint documents.
Top Tips For A Smooth Upgrade
Following the correct procedures when upgrading your Office application can save you from potential headaches; make sure to test the new software before migrating, ensure device and software compatibility, and consider seeking IT support if needed for adequate assistance.
Test The New Software Before Migrating
Testing the new software before migrating to it from Office 2013 is essential for a successful and smooth transition. Without proper testing, unexpected issues may arise after migration such as incompatibility with hardware or operating system, data loss, and instability.
It is important to test out any upgrades before officially incorporating them into office systems or business. A good way of doing this is by setting up an isolated environment where changes can be thoroughly tested without impacting existing office systems which may lead to potential clients or customers not receiving sought-after services due to disruption caused by faulty updates.
Moreover, backing up essential information is necessary in case of hardware failure which could lead to important files being lost if they are not backed up on another device beforehand.
Ensure Device And Software Compatibility
Perhaps the most important step is ensuring that your device(s) and any other software on your system are compatible with the new upgrade or application you’re installing.
When devices and/or software aren’t properly supported by their manufacturer, compatibility issues like system crashes and data loss become more prevalent. As such, it’s important to check minimum system requirements before selecting a new Office suite and ensure that all necessary drivers are up to date before upgrading.
Additionally, if you are planning on using Windows 10 for feature update purposes, many PCs may require users to make sure “Compatibility Mode” is enabled for systems to remain stable during upgrades.
Taking steps like these will help minimize incompatibilities between existing hardware & apps and the new program or feature updates provided with Windows 10 while avoiding potential catastrophic errors from occurring due to a lack of tech support from manufacturers.
Seek IT Support If Needed
It is highly recommended to seek support from an IT team when upgrading from Office 2013. By enlisting the help of experienced professionals, they can provide guidance and advice to ensure that the upgrade goes smoothly.
For example, deploying a new version of Office across an entire organization by yourself can be complex as it requires careful planning and extensive technical knowledge about system requirements.
Therefore, having access to expert assistance significantly reduces the potential risks involved in undertaking such a major project.
Conclusion
Upgrading from Office 2013 to the latest version is not only important for staying up to date with the newest features but also for security reasons.
Without adequate software updates and security patches coming in, businesses that rely on Office 2013 are likely to face data breaches over time if they don’t upgrade their operating systems or applications soon.
Microsoft 365 offers a comprehensive solution of services that provide users with advanced versions of its productivity tools as well as cloud storage space that can be accessed anywhere.
Upgrade options are available depending on user preference – Subscription plans offer an all-encompassing product line while standalone versions allow users to make one-time purchases and use it for as long as it’s supported by Windows (or Mac).
