The Deadline: October 14, 2025
Suppose your team is still using Visio 2016 or Visio 2019, circle October 14, 2025. After this date, those versions reach End of Support (EOS), meaning no further security updates, bug fixes, or official support will be provided. The apps may still launch, but the risk and maintenance burden grow over time.
This date also marks the Windows 10 end of support. Planning your Visio upgrade alongside an OS migration to Windows 11 keeps your environment on a secure, supported baseline in one project, rather than two.
Why Upgrading Matters
- Security first: Unsupported software no longer receives security patches. Diagram files shared from the web or external partners can pose risks, so keeping Visio up to date is critical.
- Compatibility & reliability: Add-ins, templates, and integrations increasingly target supported versions. Upgrading reduces the frustration of “works only on newer builds”.
- Operational simplicity: Planning your Visio and Windows upgrades together minimizes the need for repeated testing, retraining, and change management.
Choosing the Right Visio 2024 Edition
Before upgrading, note this important compatibility rule:
- Visio 2024 LTSC Professional works only with Office LTSC 2024 Professional Plus or Office LTSC 2024 Standard.
- Visio 2024 Professional (non-LTSC) works only with non-LTSC Office versions (Office 2024 Home and Business or Office 2024 Home).
In other words, your Office edition decides which Visio 2024 you should purchase:
- If your computer currently runs Office LTSC 2024, choose Visio 2024 LTSC Professional for full compatibility.
- If you run Office 2024 Home/ Home and Business, choose Visio 2024 Professional (non-LTSC).
Both editions are perpetual, Windows-only licenses with the same professional diagramming capabilities. Hence, the difference is matching the right Visio edition to your Office environment.
Brytesoft offers both versions and can help you select the correct one for a smooth and secure upgrade.
Make Visio 2024 LTSC Your Upgrade Path
Brytesoft recommends both Visio 2024 LTSC Professional and Visio 2024 LTSC Standard as the best upgrade options for most users, including individuals, small businesses, and IT-managed organizations, because they offer:
- Perpetual license: One-time purchase, no subscription required.
- Fixed feature set: Predictable, stable functionality with security & quality updates (no surprise UI or feature churn).
- Advanced diagramming: Rich templates and stencils for IT/network, engineering, architecture, BPM, and data-linked scenarios.
- Windows desktop focus: The Visio desktop app (including LTSC 2024) is a Windows-only application, which simplifies deployment across PC fleets.
Note for Mac users: The Visio desktop app isn’t available for macOS. If you need guidance on accessing Visio from a Mac-based workflow (e.g., using a Windows PC or a virtual desktop infrastructure, VDI), please contact Brytesoft, where our team can provide practical advice on the setup.
Visio 2024 LTSC Professional vs. Visio 2024 Professional (Non-LTSC)
|
Aspect |
Visio 2024 LTSC Professional |
Visio 2024 Professional (non-LTSC) |
|
Office compatibility |
Works only with Office LTSC 2024 |
Works only with non-LTSC Office versions (Office 2024 Home/ Home & Business) |
|
License type |
Perpetual volume license (LTSC) |
Perpetual retail (single-purchase) desktop app |
|
Update cadence |
Security/quality updates only; no new features after launch |
Single-purchase desktop app; does not receive ongoing feature upgrades |
|
Activation |
Volume activation: KMS or MAK |
Activate with Microsoft account/product key via Microsoft Store/account flow |
|
Deployment |
Office Deployment Tool (ODT) with configuration.xml; ideal for managed rollouts |
Self-install from the Microsoft Store/account; ODT is not typical |
|
OS/platform |
Windows-only; supported on Windows 11/10 (and Server where applicable) |
Windows-only; system requirements list Windows 11/10 |
|
Feature scope |
“Professional” feature set with expanded templates/shapes; enterprise servicing |
“Professional” feature set; same core capabilities as other Professional desktop apps |
Brytesoft offers Visio 2024 LTSC Professional. If you need help deciding whether LTSC fits your workflow, or you want a sample configuration.xml and rollout checklist. We’ll get you set up.
What’s New in Visio 2024
- A refreshed, modern UI aligned with the 2024 desktop apps.
- Expanded templates, shapes, and stencils to accelerate both business and technical diagramming.
- Reliability and performance improvements that make everyday work smoother.
Deployment Options
Option A — Simple install with a Microsoft account (Non-LTSC)
If you purchased Visio 2024 Professional (non-LTSC) from Brytesoft, just sign in with your Microsoft account to activate. Refer to our Visio 2024 Professional Download Guide for a step-by-step installation and activation process.
Option B: LTSC Deployment with the Office Deployment Tool (ODT)
If you’re installing Visio 2024 LTSC Professional, use Microsoft’s ODT with a configuration.xml to specify the product, architecture, language(s), update channel, and install behavior (including silent mode). This method works perfectly for a single PC or multiple devices when you need a precise and repeatable installation, or want to script the process.
High-level steps:
- Plan & prep
- Confirm Windows 11 readiness if you’re upgrading to the OS.
- Match Visio’s architecture (x64/x86) to your Office install.
- Decide on languages and whether to install from the Office CDN or a local share.
- Create configuration.xml
- Specify Visio 2024 LTSC Professional, architecture, language(s), update settings, and silent install options.
- Download
- Use ODT to fetch the install payload from the CDN to a local source (or install directly from CDN for smaller fleets).
- Deploy
- Run ODT with your config or push via your management tool (Configuration Manager, Intune, PDQ, etc.).
- Uninstall legacy Visio versions first to prevent conflicts.
- Validate
- Test key templates and data-linked workflows; confirm activation and updates.
Need a head start? Read our ODT deployment guide for a comprehensive walkthrough on your deployment.
Pair it with Windows 11
Because Windows 10 also reaches EOS on October 14, 2025, align your app and OS moves:
- Upgrade eligible PCs to Windows 11 (use PC Health Check and vendor driver support as your gate).
- Standardize on Windows 11 + Visio 2024 LTSCProfessional for a secure, supported baseline.
- If a small subset can’t move yet, document exceptions and timelines. (If you temporarily use Windows 10 ESU, treat it as a bridge and plan to exit.)
Benefits include a consistent user experience, a longer support runway, and fewer compatibility surprises between app and OS.
Fast Upgrade Plan (Copy/Paste Checklist)
Assess & Back Up
- Inventory devices running Visio 2016/2019.
- Back up key files before making changes.
Decide on Edition
- If you use Office LTSC 2024, standardize on Visio 2024 LTSC Professional.
- If you use Office 2024 Home/ Home & Business (non-LTSC), choose Visio 2024 Professional (non-LTSC).
Choose the Deployment Method
- Non-LTSC (Professional): Install individually and activate with a Microsoft account.
- LTSC (Professional): Use the Office Deployment Tool (ODT) with a central configuration.xml and, if applicable, your management tool (Configuration Manager, Intune, PDQ, etc.).
Remove Legacy Versions
- Uninstall older Visio builds to avoid conflicts and ensure clean file associations.
Install, Activate, Update
- Deploy Visio 2024 (LTSC or non-LTSC, as applicable).
- Confirm activation and run Office updates.
Validate & Train
- Test mission-critical diagrams and data connections.
- Share a short “What’s new in 2024” note with users.
Align the OS Move
- Upgrade to Windows 11 where possible to keep lifecycle and security in sync.
Ready to Upgrade?
To stay secure and compatible beyond October 14, 2025, standardize on Visio 2024 with the right edition:
- If you use Office LTSC 2024, choose Visio 2024 LTSC Professional.
- If you use Office 2024 Home/ Home & Business (non-LTSC), choose Visio 2024 Professional (non-LTSC).
- Windows 11 on supported hardware. Check the Windows 11 Pro System Requirements in our Download Guide for step-by-step instructions.
Brytesoft can provide both LTSC and non-LTSC editions, along with genuine product keys, rollout checklists, and activation tips for a smooth upgrade.
FAQs About Visio 2016/ 2019 EOS
Will Visio 2016/2019 continue to run after October 14, 2025?
Yes, but they’ll be unsupported with no security/quality updates and no official support. Upgrading is strongly recommended.
Can I buy Visio 2024 outright (perpetual)?
Yes, Visio 2024 LTSC Professional is a one-time purchase for Windows.
Does Visio 2024 LTSC Professional work on Mac?
No. The Visio desktop app is Windows-only. Contact Brytesoft if you need advice on working with Visio from a Mac-based setup.
Can I deploy Visio 2024 LTSC Professional with ODT?
Yes. ODT and a tailored configuration.xml are the recommended methods for consistent, multi-device rollouts.
What’s the difference between Visio 2024 LTSC and non-LTSC?
Functionally, both editions offer the same professional diagramming features. The key difference is compatibility:
- Visio 2024 LTSC Professional works only with Office LTSC 2024.
- Visio 2024 Professional (non-LTSC) works only with non-LTSC Office versions (Office 2024 Home/ Home and Business).