How to Install Office 2016 on Windows 11 (and Why You Might Not Want To)

Office 2016 still installs and runs on Windows 11, but Microsoft ended support for it on October 14, 2025, so it no longer gets security updates. If you already own it, sign in at account.microsoft.com/services with the Microsoft account linked to your purchase and click Install next to Office 2016. If you have an unused product key, redeem it at setup.office.com first. For a supported option, consider Microsoft 365 or Office 2024.

Before you start

  • Find your product key or linked account. Office 2016 bought as a one-time purchase is usually tied to a Microsoft account. Check the email or card from your purchase.
  • Remove other Office versions if you have a newer version installed, since mixing versions can cause problems.
  • Know the risks. Without security updates, opening files from unknown sources in Office 2016 is riskier.

Install Office 2016 from your Microsoft account

  1. Go to account.microsoft.com/services and sign in with the account you used for Office 2016.
  2. Find Office Home & Student 2016 (or your edition) and click Install.
  3. Run the downloaded setup file and click Yes if User Account Control asks.
  4. Wait for the installation to finish, then open Word or Excel and sign in to activate.
Microsoft account Services and subscriptions page with Office Home and Student 2016 and its Install button highlighted
(1) Find Office 2016 in your Microsoft account, then (2) click Install. (Illustration)

Redeem a new Office 2016 product key

  1. Go to setup.office.com.
  2. Sign in with a Microsoft account (or create one) and enter your 25-character product key.
  3. Follow the prompts to link it, then install from account.microsoft.com/services.

Microsoft may no longer offer downloads for every older edition. If you can’t find your download, contact Microsoft Support with your proof of purchase.

Office 2016 on Windows 11: what to expect

  • Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook 2016 generally run normally on Windows 11.
  • No new features, bug fixes, or security patches are released for it.
  • Connecting Outlook 2016 to Microsoft 365 services isn’t supported, and some online features may stop working.

Supported alternatives

  • Microsoft 365: Subscription with the latest apps and cloud storage.
  • Office Home 2024: One-time purchase with support through 2029.
  • Free options: Office for the web at office.com, or free suites like LibreOffice.

Frequently asked questions

Is Office 2016 compatible with Windows 11?

It installs and works, but it’s out of support, so it isn’t recommended for long-term use.

Can I install Office 2016 on more than one PC?

Most retail Office 2016 licenses allow one PC. Check your license terms.

Where can I download Office 2016 without a Microsoft account?

Only download Office from Microsoft. Third-party download sites often offer modified or pirated copies that can contain malware.