Attention, Windows 10 holdouts: If you’ve been happily working with your favorite Microsoft Office apps on trusty Windows 10, it's time to prep for change. By October 14, 2025, Microsoft will officially cease support for Microsoft 365 apps—and all Office apps—on Windows 10 devices. It’s not just a friendly nudge to upgrade to Windows 11; it’s a seismic shift in Microsoft’s ecosystem strategy.
Let’s break it all down, shall we?
Mark your calendar, because October 14, 2025, is doomsday for Office on Windows 10. On that date:
Microsoft warned of potential “performance and reliability issues” for those who stick with outdated software. In tech terms? That’s code for “update or risk the pain later.”
Microsoft has been zeroing in on Windows 11 as the operating system of the future. Its sleek design, refreshed Start Menu, and (most notably) enhanced security features like TPM (Trusted Platform Module) 2.0 are meant to usher digital workplaces into modernity.
This double whammy—to phase out Windows 10 AND cut off Office support—positions Windows 11 as the ideal landing pad for users looking to stay in the safe, supported zone of tech relevance.
Windows 11’s TPM 2.0 requirement is a dealbreaker for many. TPM 2.0 is a hardware security feature designed to protect encryption keys and sensitive data from cyberattacks. While hailed as a game-changer for security, it has rendered many older machines ineligible for upgrade without manual workarounds.
For those who can’t upgrade, Microsoft has graciously thrown a life raft in the form of Extended Security Updates (ESU). These updates will extend critical patch support to Windows 10 users for an extra year—at a cost.
So, WindowsForum members, are you ready to bid Windows 10 farewell? Or are you determined to ride it out to the bitter end? Let us know in the comments below—there’s lots to unpack, and we’re here to help!
Source: India Today Still using Windows 10? Microsoft says it will no longer support Office apps on Windows 10 devices
Let’s break it all down, shall we?
What’s Happening and When?
Mark your calendar, because October 14, 2025, is doomsday for Office on Windows 10. On that date:- Microsoft 365 apps (think Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) will lose their support on Windows 10.
- Older standalone Office versions, including Office 2021, 2019, 2016, and even the upcoming Office 2024, will no longer be supported either.
Microsoft warned of potential “performance and reliability issues” for those who stick with outdated software. In tech terms? That’s code for “update or risk the pain later.”
Why Windows 10 is on The Chopping Block
Simply put, Windows 10 is approaching the end of its lifecycle. Its end-of-support date has been set for October 14, 2025—yes, the very same day Office apps will bow out. Coincidence? Not at all.Microsoft has been zeroing in on Windows 11 as the operating system of the future. Its sleek design, refreshed Start Menu, and (most notably) enhanced security features like TPM (Trusted Platform Module) 2.0 are meant to usher digital workplaces into modernity.
This double whammy—to phase out Windows 10 AND cut off Office support—positions Windows 11 as the ideal landing pad for users looking to stay in the safe, supported zone of tech relevance.
Why Aren’t More People Embracing Windows 11?
Here’s where things get interesting. According to industry data, 62% of Windows users worldwide are still rocking Windows 10, while a relatively modest 35% have moved to Windows 11. So, why the foot-dragging? The culprit lies in hardware requirements that some users can’t—or won’t—meet.Windows 11’s TPM 2.0 requirement is a dealbreaker for many. TPM 2.0 is a hardware security feature designed to protect encryption keys and sensitive data from cyberattacks. While hailed as a game-changer for security, it has rendered many older machines ineligible for upgrade without manual workarounds.
For those who can’t upgrade, Microsoft has graciously thrown a life raft in the form of Extended Security Updates (ESU). These updates will extend critical patch support to Windows 10 users for an extra year—at a cost.
What Does This Mean for You?
If you're still on Windows 10 and you rely on Microsoft 365 or other Office apps, the clock is ticking to make a choice. Here are your main options:Option 1: Upgrade to Windows 11
The recommended path. The free upgrade to Windows 11 is still available for users who meet the system requirements. Microsoft continues to push this offer, making it clear they view the transition as the least painful option. However, before upgrading, ensure your device has:- TPM 2.0 enabled.
- Hardware that meets minimum CPU, RAM, and storage criteria for Windows 11.
Option 2: Stick with Windows 10 Using Legacy Office Versions
You can continue using Windows 10 and Office apps without formal support—but this is a risky move. Once Microsoft pulls the plug, you'll expose yourself to security vulnerabilities. Cyberattacks targeting unpatched software will likely increase, and updates to Microsoft 365 cloud services may eventually become incompatible.Option 3: Switch to Extended Security Updates (ESU)
If you absolutely can’t make the leap to Windows 11, purchasing ESUs buys you a bit more time. Priced at around $30 for home users, this buffer will provide vital security patches for another year before eventually leaving you no choice.The Bigger Picture: What’s Driving Microsoft’s Long Game?
Microsoft’s aggressive push to kill off Windows 10 and old-school Office support is more than a punitive "upgrade-or-else" tactic. It’s a calculated pivot toward:- Enhanced Security: By enforcing migration to an OS with tighter security protocols (hello again, TPM 2.0), Microsoft reduces vulnerability points across its global ecosystem. Ensuring that most users are aligned with modern tech translates to fewer security crises for everyone.
- Streamlined Ecosystem: Supporting fewer legacy platforms means faster innovation cycles. Maintaining older software drains development resources. With fewer versions to cater to, Microsoft can focus on making Windows 11 (and future iterations) utterly seamless.
- Cloud-Centric Workflows: Let’s not forget the broader trend: the pivot to cloud computing. Aligning Office with Windows 11 makes integration within cloud-heavy environments like OneDrive and Microsoft Teams more efficient and aligned.
TL;DR: What Should You Do Today?
- Assess Your Device: Does it meet Windows 11’s minimum requirements? If yes, begin planning your upgrade while Microsoft’s free program is in place.
- Backup Essential Files: Prepare for any disruptions by storing critical documents in the cloud or on external drives.
- Start Exploring Alternatives (if needed): If you’re part of the legacy hardware camp, begin researching new PCs or consider ESU options for the interim.
So, WindowsForum members, are you ready to bid Windows 10 farewell? Or are you determined to ride it out to the bitter end? Let us know in the comments below—there’s lots to unpack, and we’re here to help!
Source: India Today Still using Windows 10? Microsoft says it will no longer support Office apps on Windows 10 devices
Last edited:
