Project 2016 & 2019 End of Support Oct 2025: Upgrade to Project 2024 LTSC + Windows 11

Project 2016 & 2019 End of Support Oct 2025

On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will officially end support for Project 2016 and Project 2019. These project management tools have served individuals and businesses for years, but once support ends, they will no longer receive security updates, patches, or compatibility improvements.

Whether you use Project at work or at home, staying on outdated versions leaves you exposed to risks. The smart move is upgrading to Project 2024 LTSC Professional or Project 2024 Professional (Non-LTSC), depending on which Office 2024 edition you use, along with Windows 11.

What Does End of Support Mean?

When Microsoft ends support for a product, it no longer receives:

• Security updates
• Bug fixes or performance patches
• Compatibility improvements with newer software and operating systems
• Technical support from Microsoft

For Project 2016 and Project 2019, this means that after October 14, 2025, you can still use them, but you will be left vulnerable to security risks and may run into compatibility issues with Windows 11, Office 2024, and other modern tools.

Why You Shouldn’t Keep Using Project 2016 or 2019 After 2025

1. Security Risks

   Unsupported software becomes a target for cyber threats. Without patches, your data and projects are vulnerable. To protect yourself, see our guide on protecting Windows 11 with antivirus software.

2. Loss of Compatibility

   New versions of Office, Windows, and Microsoft Teams are built to integrate with Project 2024 — not older releases.

3. Decreased Productivity

   Legacy versions lack AI-powered scheduling, modern reporting, and real-time cloud features available in the new release.

4. Compliance Concerns

   Businesses that need to meet security and regulatory standards may fail audits by running unsupported software.

Project 2024 Editions You Can Choose

Microsoft has released two distinct editions of Project 2024, and your choice must align with your Office edition:

1. Project 2024 Professional (Non-LTSC)

   Designed for users running Office 2024 (Non-LTSC). It provides advanced resource management, portfolio views, AI-powered scheduling, and deep integration with Microsoft 365 apps.

2. Project 2024 LTSC Professional

   Intended for users running Office 2024 LTSC. This edition prioritizes long-term stability, predictable servicing, and robust security without constant

Compatibility Note:

• Office 2024 (Non-LTSC) includes both Office 2024 Home & Business and Office 2024 Home editions.

• Office 2024 LTSC is available in two variants: Office 2024 LTSC Professional Plus and Office 2024 LTSC Standard.

Compatibility Rules You Must Know

It is not possible to mix LTSC and Non-LTSC editions.

• Project 2024 Professional (Non-LTSC) → Works only with Office 2024 (Non-LTSC)
• Project 2024 LTSC Professional → Works only with Office 2024 LTSC

Summary: Match your Office edition with the same Project edition.

Key Features of Project 2024

Upgrading from Project 2016 or Project 2019 to Project 2024 isn’t just about staying supported. It’s about gaining access to modern features that improve productivity, collaboration, and project outcomes.

No matter which edition you choose, Project 2024 provides significant improvements over 2016 and 2019:

• AI-Powered Scheduling & Forecasting

  Automatically adjust timelines and resources based on real-world changes, helping project managers and individuals make smarter decisions.

• Enhanced Reporting & Dashboards

  Advanced analytics and visualization tools provide deeper insights into progress, costs, and workloads — a major improvement over Project 2016 and 2019.

• Microsoft Teams Integration

  Seamlessly collaborate with team members directly from Project, making remote and hybrid work much easier.

• Cloud Connectivity

  Save, share, and access projects through OneDrive and SharePoint with real-time updates — a huge leap forward from older versions.

• Modern User Experience

  A clean interface that matches the Windows 11 design, offering better usability and accessibility.

• LTSC Stability

  Unlike subscription versions that change constantly, LTSC ensures a stable environment with long-term support and predictable updates.

Comparison Table: Project 2016 vs Project 2019 vs Project 2024

Why Pair It With Windows 11

Upgrading to Windows 11 alongside Project 2024 provides the best experience:

• Advanced Security (TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, ransomware protection)
• Optimized Performance for modern CPUs and faster multitasking
• Better Compatibility with Microsoft’s latest software ecosystem
• Productivity Features like Snap layouts, virtual desktops, and enhanced Teams integration

For IT professionals, see our detailed breakdown of Windows Server 2022 vs 2025.

Preparing for the Transition

1. Check Your Current Setup

   Audit how many users rely on Project 2016 or Project 2019.

2. Match the Right Edition –

   • On Office 2024 (Non-LTSC) → choose Project 2024 Professional (Non-LTSC)
   • On Office 2024 LTSC → choose Project 2024 LTSC Professional

3. Ensure Device Compatibility

   Make sure your hardware meets Windows 11’s system requirements (TPM 2.0, modern processor, RAM).

4. Train Users

   Get familiar with Project 2024 LTSC features to shorten the learning curve.

5. Set a Timeline

   Don’t wait until October 2025. Schedule your upgrade well in advance to avoid downtime.

Office 2019 End of Support: Upgrade Path

It’s not just Project. Office 2019 also reaches end of support on October 14, 2025. The logical upgrade is Office 2024, which pairs seamlessly with Project 2024 and Windows 11.

• If you choose Office 2024 (Non-LTSC) → pair with Project 2024 Professional (Non-LTSC)
• If you choose Office 2024 LTSC → pair with Project 2024 LTSC Professional

Learn more in our article: Office 2024 vs Office 2019

Conclusion

Both Project 2016 and Project 2019 will reach end of support on October 14, 2025. Continuing to use these outdated versions puts your work at risk.

The safest and smartest option is to upgrade now to Project 2024 and Windows 11. Whether you’re an individual managing personal projects or a business running enterprise-level programs, this upgrade ensures security, compatibility, and long-term reliability.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Secure your upgrade path today and explore our Windows 11 software deals.