Microsoft has made it official: support for Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10 will bid its final farewell on October 14, 2025. This marks the same end-of-life date that Microsoft set for Windows 10 itself. While this decision isn’t exactly blindsiding—after all, Windows 10 hit the market back in 2015—this announcement has sparked a mix of worry, confusion, and disbelief among the millions of users still running Windows 10.
If you’re one of the many clinging to the stability and familiarity of Windows 10, or even using Microsoft 365 Apps like Word, Excel, and Outlook as your daily productivity tools, here’s everything you need to know about what’s happening, why it’s happening, and what you need to do next.
Windows 10 marks an era of incredible success for Microsoft, but all eras must come to an end. Whether you’re a casual Microsoft 365 user keeping track of your budgeting spreadsheets or a corporate IT admin managing thousands of devices, the countdown to October 14, 2025, has officially begun.
So, the big question is: Are you ready?
Drop your thoughts, concerns, or questions in the WindowsForum.com comments section. Let’s help each other prepare for the brave new Windows future!
Source: Tom's Guide https://www.tomsguide.com/computing/windows-operating-systems/microsoft-365-apps-are-officially-dying-on-windows-10-heres-what-we-know
If you’re one of the many clinging to the stability and familiarity of Windows 10, or even using Microsoft 365 Apps like Word, Excel, and Outlook as your daily productivity tools, here’s everything you need to know about what’s happening, why it’s happening, and what you need to do next.
What Exactly Is Ending?
Microsoft’s announcement clarifies that, come October 2025, Microsoft 365 apps will no longer be supported on Windows 10 devices. This includes legacy versions of Office apps like Office 2024 and older. The distinction here is key: Microsoft's focus is on ending support, not disabling functionality outright. So what does this really mean?Here’s the Bottom Line:
- Your Microsoft 365 Apps Won’t Just Stop Working.
- After October 14, you’ll still be able to open Word, create Excel spreadsheets, or send emails in Outlook on a Windows 10 device. The software won’t suddenly lock you out.
- However, There Will Be No Updates or Bug Fixes.
- Post-end-of-support, you’ll no longer receive monthly security patches, performance improvements, or key feature updates for Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10. This significantly increases the risk of vulnerabilities being exploited.
- Expect Potential Performance Issues.
- Microsoft warns of “performance and reliability issues” when using unsupported software. It’s a diplomatic way of saying, “If something goes wrong, it’s on you.”
Why Is Microsoft Pushing for Windows 11?
The centerpiece of this decision lies in Microsoft’s ongoing push to migrate users to Windows 11, dubbed by the company as “the year of the Windows 11 PC refresh.” Simply put, Microsoft wants more users to adopt its latest operating system. Since its release in October 2021, Windows 11 has faced slower adoption compared to its older sibling, Windows 10.Current Adoption Rates:
- According to StatCounter, an analytics firm, 62% of Windows users are still on Windows 10, while only 34% have moved to Windows 11 (as of early 2025). So, even as we approach the Windows 10 deadline, millions of devices haven’t made the leap.
The Big Incentive:
- Microsoft is dangling carrots like AI-powered Copilot+ features and improved resource efficiency in Windows 11 as reasons to upgrade. For enterprise customers, integration with advanced productivity tools and cloud-based services make going to Windows 11 a compelling argument.
What Should Users Do Now?
If you’re still running Windows 10 and rely on Microsoft 365, it’s time to start planning your next steps. Here’s a breakdown of what you can do based on your preferences and needs:1. Upgrade to Windows 11
- Recommended for Most Users:
- If your hardware supports Windows 11 (think TPM 2.0 compatibility and relatively modern processors), this is Microsoft’s golden path. Not only will you receive full support for Microsoft 365 apps, but you’ll also gain access to features like AI-integration, enhanced gaming optimizations, better security frameworks, and a modernized UI.
- How to Check Compatibility: Run Microsoft’s PC Health Check app to see if your device meets Windows 11’s requirements.
- WindowsForum.com Tip: Before diving in headfirst, always back up your data and ensure software compatibility with other essential applications on your system.
2. Stay on Windows 10 (with risks)
- For the Brave and the Bold:
- While Microsoft 365 apps will still work after October 2025, you’re entering dangerous territory. Unsupported software can become a breeding ground for security vulnerabilities, not to mention compatibility headaches down the line.
- Mitigation Steps:
- Use third-party antivirus software to fortify your defenses.
- Operate behind a frequently updated firewall.
- Be extremely cautious with email attachments and downloads (phishing and malware risks increase exponentially when using unsupported tools).
- Pro Tip: Expect diminishing app performance and, crucially, fewer integration options with new cloud-based Microsoft services introduced post-2025.
3. Consider Alternative Productivity Suites
If you’re not keen on upgrading to Windows 11 or exposing yourself to risks on Windows 10, exploring other productivity software options could make sense. Look into open-source or subscription-free tools like LibreOffice or Google Docs while planning a gradual transition.- Considerations: While alternative suites are functional, their feature parity with advanced Microsoft 365 tools (e.g., co-editing or AI-enhanced Copilot+) may feel limited, especially for power users or enterprises.
Enterprise Users: Brace for Impact
For companies still running fleets of Windows 10 devices, the end-of-support news should sound alarms. Here's what IT administrators and decision-makers should focus on:- Identify Hardware Gaps:
- Many enterprise devices may not meet Windows 11 requirements. Begin hardware audits early to determine replacement needs before October 2025.
- Leverage Microsoft Upgrade Paths:
- Microsoft often offers tools like the Windows Autopilot and FastTrack to streamline OS migrations, especially for large networks.
- Explore Licensing Changes:
- If you’ve been hesitant to adopt Microsoft’s subscription-based structure, October 2025 is the latest you’ll be able to avoid it. Gradual user training on Windows 11’s revamped tools (like Copilot+) will prevent steep adoption curves later.
A Crystal Ball for What Comes Next
It’s no surprise that Microsoft is aligning its ecosystem with Windows 11. SEC filings and company blog posts suggest the company is banking on the adoption of AI-powered features and cloud integration as critical pillars of its growth strategy. The relentless push also involves ensuring higher standards of security and performance through a controlled ecosystem.Windows 10 marks an era of incredible success for Microsoft, but all eras must come to an end. Whether you’re a casual Microsoft 365 user keeping track of your budgeting spreadsheets or a corporate IT admin managing thousands of devices, the countdown to October 14, 2025, has officially begun.
So, the big question is: Are you ready?
Drop your thoughts, concerns, or questions in the WindowsForum.com comments section. Let’s help each other prepare for the brave new Windows future!
Source: Tom's Guide https://www.tomsguide.com/computing/windows-operating-systems/microsoft-365-apps-are-officially-dying-on-windows-10-heres-what-we-know
