If you’ve recently upgraded or are still thinking about whether you should upgrade to Windows 11 because you’re worried about whether some old software like Microsoft Office 2010 can be run on it, this guide will discuss this question in depth, as it’s not as simple as a “can” or “cannot” question. We will also show you what people have tested and how it turned out.
Also see: Windows 11 Compatibility With Older Software
Page Contents
What’s so good about Microsoft Office 2010?
Microsoft Office 2010 is the twelfth version of Microsoft Office, released way back in June 2010. This version actually brought in a bunch of new stuff like the ribbon interface and more file types you can use. It quickly became a favorite version for a lot of people, and many still stick to it even though there are already a lot of newer versions out there.
A short introduction to Windows 11
Windows 11 was announced back in June 2021 and came out in October 2021. It has pretty much a new look, new features, and promises to use much lesser RAM and CPU. Some significant highlights include the new Start menu, virtual desktops, and it can even run Android apps. But, some people still argue that staying with Windows 10 might still be the better choice.
Recommended guide: How to Open XLSX or XLS File in Windows 11
Can Office 2010 run properly on Windows 11?
With Windows 11 out, Microsoft has updated what you need for software to work and what it should work with. While Windows 11 should be good with most stuff that worked on Windows 10, some older software might not play nice all the time.
Microsoft Office 2010, since it’s quite old, makes people wonder if it’ll work with Windows 11. Officially, Microsoft stopped supporting Office 2010 on October 13, 2020, meaning no more updates or fixes. But that doesn’t mean it won’t work at all with Windows 11.
Some folks have tried putting Office 2010 on Windows 11 and had different experiences. Some got it working just fine, while others hit some issues. This can very much be because of different computer setups, software, or settings.
It’s very important to know that using Office 2010 on Windows 11 can make your computer less safe because Microsoft isn’t updating it anymore. Also, it might not work as well with other apps and services.
Useful tip: How to Convert CSV or TXT to Excel in Windows 11
What are some potential issues with Office 2010 on Windows 11?
If you try to use Office 2010 on Windows 11, the below are some potential problems that you might run into.
- Some new apps and services might not work correctly with Office 2010.
- Another major issue is that Office 2010 might not be able to handle the latest file types created in newer versions of Office. This will be a problem when you’re trying to share documents with others.
- Since it’s a pretty old app, it might not look as sharp (lower resolution). So, you might notice things look slightly blurry on some new devices.
- You’re certainly missing out on some new features and improvements that came after Office 2010.
Other resource: How to Open VCF File or Convert it to Excel in Windows 11
Alternatives to Microsoft Office 2010
If you’re worried about Office 2010 not working correctly with Windows 11 or maybe about safety of your computer using an old software, you might want to think about other options. Some good choices are:
- Microsoft 365 (previously Office 365): This is a pay-as-you-go deal that gives you the newest Office versions. This will certainly make sure everything works well with Windows 11 and keep things up to date. You get to use Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more on different devices.
- Office 2021: Microsoft came out with Office 2021 as a buy-once option. It’s got similar stuff to Microsoft 365 but without needing to pay every year.
Free alternatives: There are also free choices that give you a lot of what Microsoft Office does and work extremely well with Windows 11.
- LibreOffice: An open-source office bundle with tools for writing, spreadsheets, presentations, and more. LibreOffice works really well with Microsoft Office file types.
- Apache OpenOffice: Another open-source set, Apache OpenOffice, has a bunch of apps that do a lot of what Microsoft Office does, and it also works with Microsoft Office file types.
- Google Workspace: If you like doing things online on a browser, Google Workspace provides a bunch of productivity apps like Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides that also work with Microsoft Office file types.
Just one more thing
Although some folks might get Microsoft Office 2010 running on Windows 11, it’s not a sure thing because it’s old and doesn’t have official support anymore. Plus, using it on Windows 11 might put your computer at risk since it doesn’t get updates or fixes from Microsoft anymore. Going for a more current office tool will make your experience on the new operating system much better and more efficient.
