Microsoft has officially announced the end of support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. This decision impacts millions of users worldwide, many of whom may find their systems ineligible for an upgrade to Windows 11 due to hardware constraints. In response, Microsoft has introduced an "End of Windows 10" toolkit designed to assist users during this transition and prevent misinformation.
In a significant policy shift, Microsoft has extended support for Microsoft 365 (M365) apps on Windows 10 for an additional three years, until October 10, 2028. This extension aims to provide organizations and individuals with a smoother transition period to Windows 11. Microsoft emphasizes the importance of this extension, acknowledging that many offices and organizations may require additional time to complete their migration to the newer operating system. The company stated:
"To help maintain security while you transition to Windows 11, Microsoft will continue providing security updates for Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows 10 for three years after Windows 10 reaches end of support. These updates will be delivered through the standard update channels, ending on October 10, 2028." (learn.microsoft.com)
Microsoft has also detailed the schedule for feature updates across different update channels:
- Current Channel: Feature updates will continue until August 2026.
- Monthly Enterprise Channel: Feature updates will be provided until October 13, 2026.
- Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel: Feature updates will be available until January 12, 2027.
It's important to note that while M365 apps will continue to receive security updates, the underlying Windows 10 operating system will not receive security updates after October 14, 2025, unless organizations opt for the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. This program offers additional security updates for up to three years, with pricing that increases annually. For businesses, the cost starts at $61 per device for the first year, doubling each subsequent year. Consumers can access a one-year ESU for $30 per device. (support.microsoft.com)
Microsoft advises users and organizations to plan their transition to Windows 11 to ensure continued support and security. The company acknowledges that some systems may not meet the hardware requirements for Windows 11 and recommends evaluating options such as hardware upgrades or utilizing cloud-based solutions like Windows 365. (support.microsoft.com)
In summary, while Windows 10 support concludes in October 2025, Microsoft has extended security updates for M365 apps on Windows 10 until October 2028. Users are encouraged to transition to Windows 11 to maintain optimal security and performance.
Source: Neowin Microsoft reveals when exactly it stops extended Windows 10 support for Office 365 apps
