Hold onto your keyboards, folks, because Microsoft has just launched another curveball into our PCs. Starting October 14, 2025, Microsoft 365 apps—including the ever-dependable Office apps like Word, Excel, and Outlook—will no longer receive support on Windows 10. That’s right, this deadline coincides neatly with the end of Windows 10 support itself, putting millions of businesses and consumers in a tech time loop where they’ll either need to leap forward or deal with unpredictable quirks and glitches. Let’s unpack what this all means for the Windows community.
Microsoft has officially announced that support for its Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10 ends on October 14, 2025. Don't panic just yet—this doesn’t mean the apps will stop working right away. Your PowerPoints won’t vanish into thin air, and Excel won’t refuse to calculate your pivot tables overnight. What it does mean is this:
By cutting off support for Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10, users with older systems are left with two choices:
This shift also comes at a time when businesses are budget-conscious, juggling remote workforces, inflation woes, and the ongoing dependence on hybrid work solutions.
As October 2025 inches closer, Microsoft is turning up the heat to leave Windows 10 behind—whether we like it or not. But hey, no one said the road to tech evolution would be a smooth one.
So, ready to take the plunge into a world where the Start menu lives in the center of your screen? Or are you hanging on to your Windows 10 PC like it’s your childhood Tamagotchi?
Let us know below—how are you preparing for this inevitable shift?
Source: The Verge Microsoft won’t support Office apps on Windows 10 after October 14th
So, What’s Happening to Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows 10?
Microsoft has officially announced that support for its Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10 ends on October 14, 2025. Don't panic just yet—this doesn’t mean the apps will stop working right away. Your PowerPoints won’t vanish into thin air, and Excel won’t refuse to calculate your pivot tables overnight. What it does mean is this:- No More Updates:
Post-October 2025, Microsoft 365 apps won’t receive updates—be it security, functionality, or performance improvements. - Potential Issues:
Without updates, users may face performance drops, instability, or unforeseen bugs cropping up over time. Think of it as driving your car after skipping all its scheduled oil changes—not ideal. - A Push to Upgrade:
Microsoft encourages users to move forward to Windows 11 if they want their Office apps to continue to be supported fully. The company is quite vocal about 2025 being “the year” to refresh your tech.
Windows 11 or Bust: A Catalyst for Change
Let’s face it—this announcement, subtlety aside, is another nudge (or shove, depending on whom you ask) from Microsoft to push the world into its Windows 11 ecosystem. And why wouldn’t they? With Windows 11 adoption still lagging behind Windows 10 due to hardware limitations and strict system requirements (we’re looking at you, TPM 2.0), this move is likely aimed at boosting those adoption metrics.By cutting off support for Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10, users with older systems are left with two choices:
- Upgrade to Windows 11 on existing hardware, provided their systems meet minimum hardware requirements (unlikely for many older PCs due to TPM 2.0).
- Purchase a new Windows 11-compatible PC, helping Microsoft push a “Windows 11 PC refresh” trend in 2025.
What’s Really Driving the Windows 10 Exodus?
While the necessity to retire older systems boils down to productivity, security, and compatibility, let’s not forget the financial motivations here. Windows 10 still boasts a massive user base—hundreds of millions of devices worldwide. The push to upgrade to Windows 11 serves two practical purposes:- Locking Users into the Windows 11 Ecosystem: The strict system requirements, like TPM 2.0, ensure newer hardware adoption. This also smoothens the transition to modern security protocols and cloud-based features that Windows 11 supports.
- New Revenue Streams: Encouraging users to buy new Windows 11 PCs keeps Microsoft’s hardware partners happy. Think Dell, Lenovo, HP—all standing to benefit massively.
Extended Security Updates: Microsoft Throws a Bone
For those unwilling or unable to make the leap to Windows 11, some relief comes in the form of Extended Security Updates (ESUs):- Consumers: For the first time, individuals can access 1-year ESUs for $30 per device. If additional years are needed (up to 3), businesses will also have that option, albeit at a higher cost.
- Businesses: Companies that are deeply entrenched in legacy systems can buy up to three years of extended support.
Where Does This Leave Windows Users?
For Businesses
The countdown puts IT departments in a tricky spot. Businesses tied to proprietary software, or those managing large workforces, may find the migration disruptive—and expensive. The hardware upgrade costs alone for organizations that don't currently meet Windows 11’s requirements will be substantial.This shift also comes at a time when businesses are budget-conscious, juggling remote workforces, inflation woes, and the ongoing dependence on hybrid work solutions.
For Everyday Users
If you’ve been using Windows 10 like it’s your favorite old pair of jeans, it’s time to make peace with change. Without support for Microsoft 365 apps or OS-level updates, sticking with Windows 10 long-term will leave your system increasingly vulnerable.- Option 1: Upgrade to Windows 11. Make sure your PC meets the specs (check for things like TPM 2.0). If not, it might be time to save for a new machine.
- Option 2: Switch to alternative productivity apps like LibreOffice or make heavier use of cloud-based services like Google Workspace.
- Option 3: Bank on the Extended Security Updates program for a year or two while figuring out a longer-term solution.
What’s Next for Microsoft 365 Apps?
The Microsoft 365 ecosystem is alive and thriving—moving toward tighter integration with Windows 11 and features powered by AI advancements. Features like Copilot AI, now rolling out to Word and Excel as experimentations, have solidified Microsoft 365 as a leader in productivity tools. However, the reliance on modern hardware for optimal performance will likely continue to phase out older devices—effectively tethering the future of Office apps to Windows 11 and beyond.What Should You Do Now?
If you rely heavily on Microsoft 365, it’s time to audit your system:- Check if your PC meets Windows 11 requirements (like processor, RAM, and TPM 2.0).
- Budget ahead if an upgrade is necessary.
- Keep your software updated for as long as possible until the October 2025 deadline.
As October 2025 inches closer, Microsoft is turning up the heat to leave Windows 10 behind—whether we like it or not. But hey, no one said the road to tech evolution would be a smooth one.
So, ready to take the plunge into a world where the Start menu lives in the center of your screen? Or are you hanging on to your Windows 10 PC like it’s your childhood Tamagotchi?
Let us know below—how are you preparing for this inevitable shift?
Source: The Verge Microsoft won’t support Office apps on Windows 10 after October 14th
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