Microsoft has just dropped some big news that has Windows 10 users rubbing their foreheads in thought—or perhaps panic. The tech giant has announced that support for Microsoft 365 apps (formerly known as Office 365) on Windows 10 will officially cease on October 14, 2025. Yep, that’s the same deadline for Windows 10’s end-of-life (EOL), marking the sunsetting of one of the most widely adopted operating systems in history. Let’s dissect what this all means for you and why Microsoft is urging users to pack their digital suitcases and hop aboard the Windows 11 express.
Microsoft sees Windows 11 as the future, especially given its enhanced security, performance improvements, and snazzy new UI. However, let's not forget one infamous sticking point: Windows 11’s stringent system requirements, including TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and CPUs released post-2017. Millions of older Windows 10 devices simply don’t meet these hardware requirements, making this transition anything but smooth for some users.
Here’s a simplified checklist for upgrading:
What do you plan to do as we approach the looming EOL deadline? Still on the fence about upgrading? Let us know in the forum comments below—your thoughts might just help someone else with their decision!
Source: Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/laptops-pc/microsoft-dropping-support-for-office-apps-on-windows-10-from-this-date-heres-your-last-chance-to-install-windows-11-for-free/articleshow/117276851.cms
What Does This Really Mean?
If you're still on Windows 10 and regularly using Microsoft 365 apps like Word, Excel, Teams, or Outlook, here’s the reality check:- After October 14, 2025, Microsoft 365 apps will no longer receive official support.
- The apps will continue to function, but potential reliability, performance, and even security issues could emerge, as they won’t be patched for any new bugs or threats.
- Businesses and consumers using these tools are being strongly nudged toward Windows 11, and it’s not subtle.
Why the Upgrade Push to Windows 11?
Here’s the kicker: This move is part of Microsoft’s grand strategy to keep Windows users evolving. As Microsoft’s Yusuf Mehdi, executive VP and consumer CMO, said during CES 2025, 2025 is positioned to be "the year of the Windows 11 PC refresh." Forget your fancy new phone, fridge, or TV—it’s your PC they believe you’ll want to upgrade most urgently.Microsoft sees Windows 11 as the future, especially given its enhanced security, performance improvements, and snazzy new UI. However, let's not forget one infamous sticking point: Windows 11’s stringent system requirements, including TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and CPUs released post-2017. Millions of older Windows 10 devices simply don’t meet these hardware requirements, making this transition anything but smooth for some users.
Limited-Time Free Upgrade Opportunity
Good news! If your current machine meets the hardware prerequisites for Windows 11, you're eligible for a free upgrade to the new OS. But, before you sigh with relief, there’s a catch—it’s only available for a limited time.Here’s a simplified checklist for upgrading:
- Make sure your PC satisfies the Windows 11 minimum requirements. You can verify this by visiting the Microsoft Windows 11 Specs and System Requirements page.
- Use the Windows Update tool to check your eligibility.
If eligible: - Navigate to Settings > Privacy & Security > Windows Update.
- Download and install the OS.
- Reboot your device to complete the installation.
- If running Windows 10 in S Mode, disable S Mode before attempting the upgrade.
Note: Windows 11 upgrades are straightforward for compatible devices. For those unable to upgrade, Microsoft’s ESU option can keep your device secure for an extra year—but prepare to cough up around $30.
Why Is Microsoft Making These Moves?
Every tech company has its roadmap, and Microsoft’s post-Windows-10 strategy seems to have three key pillars:- Enhanced Security: Windows 11 is built with advanced protections like Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) as a default, a significant step up from Windows 10.
- Unified Ecosystem: By nudging everyone toward Windows 11, Microsoft ensures developers and users work within the same modernized environment.
- Revenue Streams: Let’s face it: ESUs and feature-packed Microsoft 365 subscriptions create additional profitability from loyal users who aren’t ready—or can’t afford—to fully upgrade immediately.
What Happens to Your Microsoft 365 Apps?
Let’s address the elephant in the room: What happens to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, et al., on your Windows 10 machine after October 2025?- The short answer: They’ll still work. You’re not going to wake up on October 15 to find your files inaccessible and your apps bricked.
- The long-term reality: Without updates or patches, security vulnerabilities and performance hiccups will rear their ugly heads. This is especially risky if you use these apps to handle sensitive data or require top-notch reliability in business scenarios.
What Are Extended Security Updates (ESUs)?
For those hanging onto Windows 10 for dear life, ESUs are a lifeline. Starting at $30 per year for individual users and extending up to three years for businesses, Microsoft is softening the blow of going unsupported by giving you extra breathing room. Still, this is a stopgap measure at best—a Band-Aid on a device screaming for a full upgrade.For Businesses: What’s the Cost?
Businesses feeling the heat are being offered tiered ESU packages allowing them to extend Windows 10 support up to October 2028. It’s a pricy ask but critical for organizations running legacy software or managing hardware that’s incompatible with Windows 11.Why You Might Want Windows 11
Aside from staying supported, Windows 11 brings several worthwhile upgrades:- Fresh User Experience: Centered taskbar, improved Start Menu, and Snap Layouts for multitasking.
- Integrated Microsoft Teams: Built-in collaboration tools for home and business users.
- Gaming Enhancements: From Auto HDR to DirectStorage, Windows 11 is paradise for gamers.
- Future-Proof Security: Modern protections like hardware-based isolation and more robust encryption.
TL;DR
To recap:- Support for Windows 10 ends October 14, 2025, including Microsoft 365 apps.
- Upgrading to Windows 11 is encouraged, and it’s free for a limited time (if your device meets hardware requirements).
- Can’t upgrade? Purchase ESUs for an additional year (or up to three years for businesses).
- Extended Security Updates come with costs and are a temporary fix.
What do you plan to do as we approach the looming EOL deadline? Still on the fence about upgrading? Let us know in the forum comments below—your thoughts might just help someone else with their decision!
Source: Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/laptops-pc/microsoft-dropping-support-for-office-apps-on-windows-10-from-this-date-heres-your-last-chance-to-install-windows-11-for-free/articleshow/117276851.cms
