Microsoft Office, Visio, and Project 2016/2019 will reach their end-of-life/end-of-support on October 14, 2025. This means they will no longer receive security updates, new features, or technical support from Microsoft.
BigFix will be upgrading all Berkeley Desktop Windows machines that have patching enabled from the older versions of Office to Microsoft 365 to ensure the software remains secure, supported, and up-to-date and also stays in compliance with the campus Minimum Security Standards for Networked Devices. Old versions of Visio and Project will be uninstalled, and if you require these apps, the latest versions can be re-installed from Self Service.
Microsoft 365 licensing is different from earlier Office versions and requires activating a license through Software @ Berkeley before usage. You can do this step before or after the upgrade.
Upgrade Details
- How to Upgrade? If your machine has an old version of Office, you will receive a BigFix notification prompting you to upgrade.
- Save your Work! Before clicking the button to upgrade, be sure to save all your work and close any open Microsoft applications.
- How long will it take? Approximately 15-30 minutes, depending on your network connection and machine specs. No reboots are necessary. You can continue to use your machine during the installation, but you will need to close all Office applications.
- Deadline: You should click the upgrade button within 30 days of receiving the notification to ensure a seamless transition and avoid potential service interruptions.
- Need Visio or Project? If you need access to Visio or Project, you can reinstall the latest versions from Self-Service.
Schedule for Upgrade Release
- Test: 9/25/2025
- QA: 10/8/2025
- Prod: 10/22/2025
Need Help?
If you have any questions or encounter issues not covered in this KB, please contact the Service Desk. Faculty, staff, postdocs, student employees, visiting scholars & other affiliates can reach IT Support online (CalNet authentication required) or by phone (510-664-9000, option 1), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (excluding University holidays and curtailment periods).
FAQ
The upgrade button is not showing up.
(1) The upgrade is being rolled out in phases and if your are checking before 11/1/2025, then the upgrade may not have been rolled out to your machine, yet.
(2) Your machine might already have Microsoft Apps installed. You can verify if you are on Office 2016 or 2019 by following the steps here. If it is after 11/1/2025, you have verified that Office 2016/2019 is installed, and you have not seen the BigFix Upgrade prompt, please contact your IT help desk.
My old Office files are not opening.
Your files should open automatically in the new Microsoft 365 apps. If you are clicking directly on the file and it is not opening up in the expected application, then try opening the file from within the application. Go to the Application > File > Open > select your file.
If still having an issue, please contact your IT help desk.
Shortcuts or customizations have disappeared or no longer work.
Unfortunately, some shortcuts and settings might need to be reconfigured. Please reach out to your IT help desk if you need assistance.
I have to activate a license for Microsoft Apps and Sign In?
Yes, it is part of the new licensing model that Microsoft uses. Before using your upgraded Office applications, please activate your license and follow the instructions at this link: Activate license through Software @ Berkeley