1 - Windows compatibility with Office - Table of supported Windows versions and Windows Server versions for Microsoft Office 2010 to Office 2024

"Which Office version runs on which Windows version? - Frequently asked questions and answers

Which Office version runs on Windows 11?

Office 2024 and Office 2021 are fully compatible with Windows 11.
Office 2019 also runs, but without the latest optimizations.
Older versions (Office 2013, 2010) are no longer officially supported.

Which Office versions can I use on Windows 10?

Office 2024, Office 2021 and Office 2019 work without any problems on Windows 10.
Older Office versions such as Office 2016, Office 2013 and Office 2010 can be installed.
However, Microsoft only officially tests and supports the latest Office versions.

Does Office 2016 still work with Windows 7 or Windows 8.1?

Yes, Office 2016 is actually the last version that is still compatible with Windows 7 and Windows 8.1.
If you continue to use one of these two operating systems, it is better to stick with Office 2016.

Are Office 2013 and 2016 still supported on Windows 11?

Office 2013 (and older) is no longer officially supported (support expired in April 2023), but can still be installed and used in many cases, although Microsoft does not guarantee full compatibility or security updates. There may also be display and stability problems.

With Office 2016, on the other hand, the chances are better: all core functions officially run under Windows 11 and support will continue until October 2025.
Office 2016 is therefore the oldest Office version that is still supported under Windows 11. Older versions do not use the full Windows 11 integration and will no longer receive new features or bug fixes.

Can I still use Office 2010 or 2013?

Office 2013 can be installed on Windows 7, 8.1 and 10, but support has already expired.

Office 2010, on the other hand, still runs on Windows XP to Windows 10, but without any security updates.
This version is no longer recommended for productive work.

Will Office 2024 still run on Windows 10?

The answer is yes, but ... . Office 2024 only runs from Windows 10, version 1809. However, Office 2024 delivers really optimal results from Windows 11. Microsoft has specifically optimized it for this.

Can I still install Office 2021 on Windows 7?

No. Office 2021 is no longer supported by Windows 7. The cutting edge of time is too far apart here.
Support for Windows 7 was discontinued by Microsoft in January 2020, while Office 2021 was developed exclusively for Windows 10 (from version 1809), Windows 11 and Windows Server 2019/2022.

Anyone still using Windows 7 can only fall back on Office 2016 - this is the last Office version that is officially compatible with Windows 7.
However, for security reasons, Microsoft strongly advises users to switch to an up-to-date operating system such as Windows 10 or 11, as Windows 7 itself no longer receives security updates.

Will Office 2019 run on Windows 11?

Once again, the answer is yes, but ... .
Office 2019 is fully compatible with Windows 11 and can be installed and used on Windows 11 without any problems despite its "birth year" 2018 being a little further back. But: Microsoft guarantees full functionality, but only until the end of the regular support period which is set to be October 2025.

For users who are planning for the long term, we therefore recommend switching to Office 2021 or Office 2024, as these are supported for longer and are better adapted to Windows 11.

Which Office version should I currently buy?

For Windows 11 users, we recommend Office 2024 or alternatively a Microsoft 365 subscription.

• Office 2024 is the classic purchase license without subscription obligation - pay once and use it permanently. Ideal for anyone who values quality and planning security.

• Microsoft 365, on the other hand, always offers the latest updates, additional cloud storage and extras such as Microsoft Teams. However, it is also a not insignificant cost factor for long-term use, as it is only available as a paid subscription.

You can find a detailed comparison of these two options in our article: Why Office 2024 is the only sensible decision - and why Microsoft 365 is simply not a real option from our point of view.

Office 2019 or Office 2021 are solid solutions for Windows 10 users - but those planning for the long term are better off with Office 2024.
However, anyone still working with older systems should bear in mind that Office 2016 is the last compatible version. Anything lower now poses considerable security risks.

Windows compatibility with Office - Are there any differences between Home and Pro editions of Windows in terms of Office compatibility?

No - Office runs on Home and Pro equally. Differences between the Windows editions only affect company functions (e.g. group policies, domain connection), but not Office compatibility.

Can I install different Office versions in parallel (e.g. Office 2016 and 2021) - and does this depend on the Windows version?

In principle, this is possible, but Microsoft advises against it → there may be conflicts with updates, add-ins and standard programs.
If a parallel installation is necessary: first install the oldest version, then the newer one.
The same applies from Windows 10/11 - no special restrictions due to the Windows version.

Conclusion: Parallel installation is possible but error-prone and not officially recommended.

Can I use Office 365 and a one-time purchase version (e.g. Office 2021) on one PC at the same time?

Normally: No. Microsoft does not generally support the parallel use of multiple Office versions on the same device, which often leads to conflicts with updates, activation and add-ins.
The only exception: If a version was installed via MSI (e.g. with volume licenses), they can run side by side under certain circumstances.
This is especially true if you want to continue using certain programs such as Publisher or Access from the one-time purchase version.

How long will the individual Office versions be supported?

Office 2024: Support until at least 2029

Office 2021: Support until 2026

Office 2019: Support until 2025

Official support is no longer available for older versions.

What do I need to consider when switching to a new Office version?

When switching to a new version of Office, you should consider these points:

• Check the system requirements:
  Not every Office version runs on every Windows. You should therefore check compatibility in advance. See table above.

• Uninstall the old Office version:
  Before installing the new version, you should remove the old Office to avoid conflicts. Your personal files (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) will remain intact.

• Have your product key or account ready:
  Make sure you have the new license key or your Microsoft account handy for activation.

• Add-ins and macros:
  Check whether the add-ins, templates or macros you are using are compatible with the new version.

• Backup as security:
  Even if no data is normally lost when switching, a security backup of your most important files is always recommended before switching.

Now you are well prepared and can start working productively with the new Office version straight away. Good luck with that!

Compatibility within Office - Are files compatible between old and new Office versions?

Partially – Office 2024 continues to use established file formats such as .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx, which have been standard since Office 2007. Files can therefore usually be opened without any problems using newer versions of Office.
However, problems with formulas or complex functions may occasionally occur, especially in Excel, if these are not fully supported in older versions. Minor differences in formatting are also possible.

Can my files be lost when installing a new Office?

In principle, your personal files such as Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, or PowerPoint presentations will remain intact when you uninstall Microsoft Office—only the program is affected, not your saved content.
Caution with Outlook: If your email account has been set up as a POP account, emails, contacts, and calendar data are stored on your device in a so-called .pst file. If Outlook is uninstalled, especially using the “Get Help” method from our instructions, the Outlook profile will also be deleted – and with it, possibly all locally stored data. We therefore strongly recommend that you back up the .pst file before uninstalling and be aware that the email account will have to be set up manually after reinstallation.
Tip: Always save your Office files in the “Documents” folder, on an external drive, or in the cloud so that you can continue working smoothly after installation.

32-bit or 64-bit Office - what's the difference?

If you use large Excel files or special add-ins, Office 64-bit has a clear advantage. However, 32-bit add-ins or VBA macros are not compatible if you switch to 64-bit. Parallel installation of both versions is not possible - you have to decide in advance.

Further information: Office versions 2010 to 2024 in direct comparison

If you want to find out not only about Windows compatibility, but also about the differences between the respective Office versions, we recommend our detailed article: Compare Office versions from 2010 to 2024 without a subscription.
There you can find out in detail which edition best suits your system, functional requirements and budget.

Windows and Windows Server compatibility with Office - Conclusion

With the right look at the Windows version you are using, you can quickly find the right Office version. Our compatibility table provides valuable assistance here.
If you want to achieve reliable work results on your computer in the long term, you should currently, in 2025, opt for Office 2024, which has been optimized for Windows 11 and offers the best update protection.