For the countless users still comfortably nestled in the world of Windows 10, Microsoft just handed down a piece of news that might feel like both a nudge and a shove. Starting October 14, 2025, the Redmond tech giant will officially cease support for Microsoft Office apps on Windows 10 devices. It's time to buckle up, because this announcement isn't just about Office—it’s part of a broader push to shepherd users toward Windows 11.
Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. Microsoft announced this week that Microsoft 365 apps, as well as standalone Office versions like Office 2021, 2019, and yes, even good old Office 2016, will no longer be supported on Windows 10 after the operating system reaches its end of support lifecycle in October 2025.
Here’s what users need to know:
The major stumbling block? Hardware requirements, including the much-debated Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0. While TPM bolsters security by preventing unauthorized access and tampering, many older systems simply don’t meet this requirement. For those users, the journey to Windows 11 often feels less like a simple upgrade and more like a costly hardware overhaul.
Nevertheless, Microsoft has dubbed 2025 the year of upgrades. At the heart of this change is a desire to centralize security standards, promote the benefits of TPM 2.0, and streamline the user experience.
Many older systems can’t support TPM. To make matters worse, the upgrading process itself has left casual users frustrated, especially those unsure how to check hardware compatibility or bypass restrictions. (Yes, there are sneaky workarounds, but you didn’t hear that from me.)
Source: India Today Still using Windows 10? Microsoft says it will no longer support Office apps on Windows 10 devices
The Big Announcement: What’s Changing?
Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. Microsoft announced this week that Microsoft 365 apps, as well as standalone Office versions like Office 2021, 2019, and yes, even good old Office 2016, will no longer be supported on Windows 10 after the operating system reaches its end of support lifecycle in October 2025.Here’s what users need to know:
- End of Support Timeline: Microsoft 365 apps and other Office software won’t receive updates or official support past this date if you’re running Windows 10.
- Continued Functionality: The apps may still work beyond October 2025 if left on Windows 10. (Spoiler alert: You’re risking functionality, reliability issues, and critical security vulnerabilities.)
- Alternative Options: Upgrading to Windows 11 is the recommended path to ensure continuous access and security. If you can’t upgrade immediately, you could purchase Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) for an additional year—but only if you’re willing to shell out an extra $30.
Why Is Microsoft Doing This?
If you're among the 62% of Windows users worldwide still sticking to Windows 10, you might be wondering, why the rush? Microsoft has been beating the drum for Windows 11 migration ever since it launched in October 2021. But adoption has been slow—only 35% of Windows users have made the switch so far.The major stumbling block? Hardware requirements, including the much-debated Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0. While TPM bolsters security by preventing unauthorized access and tampering, many older systems simply don’t meet this requirement. For those users, the journey to Windows 11 often feels less like a simple upgrade and more like a costly hardware overhaul.
Nevertheless, Microsoft has dubbed 2025 the year of upgrades. At the heart of this change is a desire to centralize security standards, promote the benefits of TPM 2.0, and streamline the user experience.
What Happens If You Stick with Windows 10?
For the rebels out there who think, “Eh, I can keep using Windows 10 past the deadline,” here’s the reality check:- No Security Updates: Starting October 2025, Microsoft will no longer patch vulnerabilities on Windows 10. If there’s a major exploit, tough luck.
- Office Apps Left Vulnerable: Office apps may function, but without updates, you’re opening yourself up to crashes, bugs, and, worst of all, cyberattacks.
- Bigger Risks Over Time: As other users migrate to Windows 11, hackers tend to flock toward exploiting unpatched systems like Windows 10. Think of it like leaving your front door wide open with a neon sign saying “Welcome, Hackers!”
Pathways to Upgrade: Your Options
If you’ve been dragging your feet on upgrading, there’s still some time to get ahead of the October 2025 cutoff without too much drama. Here are your options:- Take Microsoft’s Free Windows 11 Upgrade Offer:
- As long as your PC meets the minimum system requirements, you can still upgrade to Windows 11 for free.
- How do you know if your computer qualifies? Head to Settings > Update & Security > Check for Updates to find out.
- Invest in New Hardware:
- If TPM 2.0 or other hardware requirements are holding you back, you might have no choice but to upgrade your PC.
- Microsoft has positioned Windows 11 as a platform best enjoyed on modern hardware, which means this is a great excuse to invest in that shiny new SSD-equipped powerhouse you’ve been eyeing.
- Purchase Extended Security Updates (ESUs):
- Not ready to make the leap yet? Home users can purchase ESUs for $30 to extend Windows 10 security for one more year.
- However, this only applies to certain use cases and doesn’t help with Office end-of-support timelines.
- Stick to Older Office Versions (But Be Careful):
- You could technically keep using Office 2021, Office 2019, etc., beyond the cut-off date. Just be aware—you’re running unsupported software.
Why Aren’t More People Upgrading?
Blame Microsoft’s hardware requirements, specifically the TPM 2.0 module. It’s the linchpin of Windows 11 security—blocking tampering, enabling encrypted boot processes, and improving fraud resistance. Yet despite its advantages, TPM 2.0 made upgrading Windows an uphill battle for countless users.Many older systems can’t support TPM. To make matters worse, the upgrading process itself has left casual users frustrated, especially those unsure how to check hardware compatibility or bypass restrictions. (Yes, there are sneaky workarounds, but you didn’t hear that from me.)
Final Thoughts: Should You Upgrade Now or Hold Off?
The message from Microsoft is clear: The clock is ticking. Windows 10 has served us well since 2015, but its retirement in 2025 cements Microsoft’s commitment to moving forward. Whether that roadmap aligns with your personal or organizational needs depends on several factors:- Do You Use Office Apps Daily? If so, the upgrade is a no-brainer.
- Can Your System Handle Windows 11? If not, are you willing to upgrade hardware?
- Are You a Casual User? You could theoretically extend Windows 10 usage, but at the cost of long-term security.
Source: India Today Still using Windows 10? Microsoft says it will no longer support Office apps on Windows 10 devices
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