If you've been holding onto Windows 10 like it's the digital equivalent of your favorite pair of sneakers from a decade ago, it's time to prepare for some big adjustments. As of October 14, 2025, Microsoft is ending support not just for Windows 10 itself, but also for Microsoft 365 Office apps running on the popular operating system. Yes, you read that right. It's an end-of-an-era double whammy, and for some users, this news might feel like being pushed off a cliff into the sometimes jarring embrace of Windows 11.
Here’s everything you need to know, including what it means, how it could affect you, and what Microsoft is offering as a lifeline (spoiler: it's not much).
The term "end-of-support" doesn't mean these apps will self-destruct James Bond-style after the deadline. According to Microsoft, your trusty Office apps—Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and others—will still work. However, you'll no longer receive any updates, whether they're hot new features, critical security patches, or bug fixes. Over time, the lack of updates will likely expose users to increasing "performance and reliability issues."
If you’re thinking, “I could probably limp along without updates,” Microsoft’s stance is clear: Upgrade to Windows 11.
But... here’s the rub: migrating isn't just about installing Windows 11 on your existing setup. The latest operating system has some beefy hardware requirements that have left many users in the cold. Systems running Windows 10 may not even meet the strict processor, TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module), and Secure Boot requirements for Windows 11, making "upgrading" a very literal term—you might need a new PC.
While Windows 10 still powers 62.73% of all PCs worldwide, the adoption rate for Windows 11 currently hovers at just 34.1%, per industry analytics firm StatCounter. The adoption gap reflects a combination of user reluctance and those cumbersome hardware requirements making Windows 11 an unattainable goal for many systems.
Additionally, businesses may want to rethink their refresh cycles. Microsoft’s announcement isn’t just about Office apps; it’s a gentle way of telling organizations they need to accelerate their adoption of modern technologies if they want to remain fully supported.
If you can upgrade, it’s worth considering now to avoid scrambling at the last moment. And if upgrading isn’t in the cards for your current setup, it may be finally time to invest in that long-overdue hardware upgrade.
Whatever you choose, mark your calendars for October 14, 2025—the day the Microsoft 365 lifeboat leaves Windows 10 behind. How will you plan your journey to the future? Share your thoughts, questions, and strategies with the WindowsForum.com community! Remember, we're all navigating this sea of updates together.
Source: PCMag Microsoft Also Ending Support for Office Apps on Windows 10 in October
Here’s everything you need to know, including what it means, how it could affect you, and what Microsoft is offering as a lifeline (spoiler: it's not much).
What’s Happening?
Microsoft has officially announced that support for Microsoft 365 Apps (the cloud-powered suite formerly known as Office 365) on Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025. The timing aligns precisely with the end-of-life date for Windows 10 itself.The term "end-of-support" doesn't mean these apps will self-destruct James Bond-style after the deadline. According to Microsoft, your trusty Office apps—Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and others—will still work. However, you'll no longer receive any updates, whether they're hot new features, critical security patches, or bug fixes. Over time, the lack of updates will likely expose users to increasing "performance and reliability issues."
If you’re thinking, “I could probably limp along without updates,” Microsoft’s stance is clear: Upgrade to Windows 11.
But... here’s the rub: migrating isn't just about installing Windows 11 on your existing setup. The latest operating system has some beefy hardware requirements that have left many users in the cold. Systems running Windows 10 may not even meet the strict processor, TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module), and Secure Boot requirements for Windows 11, making "upgrading" a very literal term—you might need a new PC.
What Does 'No Support' Actually Mean?
First, let’s break down the implications:- No Feature Updates: Forget about shiny new tools in Excel or PowerPoint. Microsoft 365 will remain as-is on Windows 10 after October 2025.
- No Security Fixes: This is the biggie. Without regular updates, you are essentially leaving the Office suite open to potential vulnerabilities. Cybercriminals often target unsupported software knowing the issues won't get fixed.
- Performance Degradation: Over time, newer file formats, services, or features introduced on other systems may become inaccessible on older setups. In short, compatibility issues could crop up faster than you’d like.
What Are Microsoft’s Plans for Those Who Can’t—or Won’t—Upgrade?
If you absolutely insist on staying with Windows 10 for as long as possible, Microsoft does have a contingency plan, albeit one that comes at a price.- For Individuals: A one-year support extension is available for $30 per license.
- For Businesses: A more generous timeline of up to three additional years is being offered at the following rates:
- Year 1: Starting at $61 per user.
- Year 2: Price increases, details TBD.
- Year 3: More expensive than year two.
- For Education Customers: Special prices apply, with licenses costing just $1 in year one, $2 in year two, and $4 in year three.
Why This Push for Windows 11?
The announcement arrives alongside a broader trend at Microsoft: a campaign to shift the global user base squarely onto Windows 11. Microsoft has gone as far as calling 2025 the “year of the Windows 11 PC refresh” at CES this year, and the timing of this support phase-out is no coincidence.While Windows 10 still powers 62.73% of all PCs worldwide, the adoption rate for Windows 11 currently hovers at just 34.1%, per industry analytics firm StatCounter. The adoption gap reflects a combination of user reluctance and those cumbersome hardware requirements making Windows 11 an unattainable goal for many systems.
What Should You Do?
So, where does this leave you? It depends on your use case, hardware, and level of comfort with upgrading. Let’s break it down:1. Ready to Upgrade?
- If your system meets the hardware qualifications, the path of least resistance is simple: upgrade to Windows 11. Many PCs purchased since 2021 are already eligible.
- Tip: Microsoft still offers free upgrades from Windows 10 to Windows 11 for eligible systems.
2. Stuck with Older Hardware?
- For systems unable to meet Windows 11's requirements, third-party customizations exist to bypass some of Windows 11's checks. However, we strongly advise caution and thorough research when using unofficial methods.
- Alternatively, this may be the gentle nudge you need to invest in updated hardware.
3. Want to Stay on Windows 10 Anyway?
- Consider purchasing Microsoft's year-by-year extended support. While it's not free, it does keep your Office apps secure for a little longer.
- Be mindful of the growing risks tied to operating unsupported software and unsupported operating systems simultaneously.
Broader Implications for Businesses and IT Teams
For organizational IT departments still fielding a significant fleet of Windows 10 machines, this is a wake-up call. Start planning migrations now or set aside budget allocations for Microsoft's extended support packages. Otherwise, these systems (and the sensitive data they handle) could face significant security risks in 2026 and beyond.Additionally, businesses may want to rethink their refresh cycles. Microsoft’s announcement isn’t just about Office apps; it’s a gentle way of telling organizations they need to accelerate their adoption of modern technologies if they want to remain fully supported.
Conclusion: The Clock Is Ticking
Microsoft’s simultaneous end of support for Windows 10 and its Office apps is no small matter. For those who’ve avoided upgrading to Windows 11 (whether out of preference or necessity), this move effectively tightens the noose. While you might still technically limp along with unsupported apps and software, the risks—particularly unpatched security holes—will grow with each passing month.If you can upgrade, it’s worth considering now to avoid scrambling at the last moment. And if upgrading isn’t in the cards for your current setup, it may be finally time to invest in that long-overdue hardware upgrade.
Whatever you choose, mark your calendars for October 14, 2025—the day the Microsoft 365 lifeboat leaves Windows 10 behind. How will you plan your journey to the future? Share your thoughts, questions, and strategies with the WindowsForum.com community! Remember, we're all navigating this sea of updates together.
Source: PCMag Microsoft Also Ending Support for Office Apps on Windows 10 in October
