Microsoft is set to end official support for Office 2021 in mid-October 2025, according to recent reports. The company has advised users to either subscribe to Microsoft 365 or purchase the newer Office 2024 to continue receiving updates and security patches. However, not all users can afford these options, prompting a response from 0patch, a company that specializes in creating micro-patches for software vulnerabilities. 0patch has announced it will provide security patches for Office 2021 for three years after Microsoft stops its official support, starting in October 2026. These patches are available through 0patch PRO or Enterprise subscriptions, which also cover other software. This three-year extension of support is seen as a positive development for users who cannot upgrade to newer versions of Office. 0patch may extend the support period further if there is enough demand. Office 2021, also known as "Office 16," was first released on October 5, 2021, and is compatible with various versions of Windows and macOS, including up to Windows 11 v24H2 and macOS Sequoia. Its successor, Office 2024, was released on October 1, 2024. According to 0patch, users do not need to upgrade to a newer version of Office to maintain security. The company's micro-patches are applied in memory without altering the original Microsoft files, and they do not require restarting the application or the computer. This method allows users to keep using Office 2021 without the need for a full upgrade. In addition to Office 2021, 0patch provides security patches for other legacy software and vulnerabilities that have been identified but for which no official patch is available. The company has previously offered such support for older versions of Windows and Office after their official support ended. Meanwhile, The Document Foundation reported that LibreOffice 26.8 had over 1 million downloads in its first week, the highest number for any LibreOffice version. This release does not include generative AI features, which are present in some competing software.