Windows 10 Support Ending: Microsoft 365 Apps to Cease Functionality in 2025

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The clock is officially ticking for Windows 10, and if you’re a Microsoft 365 subscriber, the upcoming changes could feel like they’re straight out of a nightmare you didn’t ask for. Microsoft has announced that October 14, 2025, will mark not only the end of support for Windows 10 but also the cutoff date for Microsoft 365 applications on that operating system. If you're clinging to Windows 10 either because you love it, or because your pre-TPM 2.0 PC won’t budge into Windows 11 territory, this is your warning: prepare for turbulence.
Let’s roll up our sleeves and unpack everything you need to know about this digital upheaval.

Microsoft Drops Windows 10 and Microsoft 365 Like It’s Hot

Let’s kick things off with the main showstopper here: Microsoft 365 apps will completely cease to function on Windows 10 by October 14, 2025. This aligns with the official end-of-life (EOL) for Windows 10, meaning the operating system will no longer receive security patches, bug fixes, or any sort of TLC from Microsoft. While we’ve all come to accept that OS retirement is inevitable (cue Windows 7 whispers), the twist here is Microsoft actively pulling support for Microsoft 365 on an OS millions still rely on.
For those who don’t know, Microsoft 365—formerly known as Office 365—is a subscription-based productivity suite housing heavy hitters like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Unlike perpetual Office licenses (think Office 2019 or 2021), Microsoft 365 relies on partial web integration and requires users to connect to the internet every 31 days to avoid dropping into "reduced functionality mode"—a glorified way of saying the apps will stop letting you edit files.

The Problem​

Here’s the real kicker: these apps currently work fine on Windows 10. So why is Microsoft cutting them off? The rationale from Microsoft’s official blog post is straightforward: users must upgrade to Windows 11 to continue using Microsoft 365 apps. But there’s no technical reason why this should be the case, other than Microsoft’s desire to push reluctant users into the Windows 11 ecosystem.

Free Upgrade to Windows 11: A Lifeboat That’s Not For Everyone

Microsoft is rolling out the velvet carpet—or at least a free upgrade—for eligible Windows 10 users to switch to Windows 11. But there’s a catch. A sizable chunk of Windows 10 machines don’t meet the TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module) and secure boot hardware requirements for Windows 11. Although users have found ways to bypass these restrictions, it isn’t exactly the plug-and-play process Microsoft makes it out to be.
Let’s address the elephant in the room: Why haven’t users upgraded yet?
  • Hardware Limitations: Many users are stuck with PCs that lack TPM 2.0 or have CPUs that didn't make the cut for Windows 11 compatibility.
  • Preference: Windows 10, for many, is the Goldilocks version of Windows—just right. It strikes the balance between performance, usability, and features without some of the divisive changes seen in Windows 11.
  • Cost: Hardware upgrades aren’t cheap. For users whose machines are incompatible, “upgrading to Windows 11” might really mean buying an entirely new device.

TPS Reports Meet Doom: Microsoft 365 Impact on Businesses

For businesses entrenched in the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, this move could bring headaches. Many IT departments are already stretched thin planning for the shift away from Windows 10. Now they also need to ensure devices are running Windows 11 if they want to avoid Microsoft 365 interruptions.
Here’s what this could mean for businesses:
  • Accelerated Hardware Refresh Cycles: Companies may be forced to upgrade thousands of PCs that would’ve otherwise stayed in service if Windows 10 and Microsoft 365 compatibility had continued.
  • Increased Costs: Budget constraints could make it challenging for smaller organizations to meet Microsoft’s deadline, especially when you factor in purchasing new devices or licensing alternative software options.
  • Workflow Disruptions: If businesses fail to upgrade on time, workflows relying on Word documents or Excel spreadsheets could grind to a halt.
Pro tip for business users still clinging to Windows 10: Start exploring alternatives like Google Workspace or open-source options such as LibreOffice to avoid dependency on Microsoft's whims.

Extended Security Updates: Helpful, Not a Cure-All

Some users have pointed to Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program as an emergency parachute. This program allows organizations to pay for additional years of security fixes after the official EOL. But let me be clear: Microsoft 365 is not covered under ESU. Even if you’re shelling out for safety updates, your Office apps will still stop working unless you upgrade to Windows 11.

The Elephant in the Room: E-Waste and Consumer Frustration

Microsoft’s decision to tie Microsoft 365 functionality to Windows 11 has raised ethical questions. Many people see this hard cutoff as a strategy to force users into buying new hardware, creating what critics call "planned obsolescence."
In an era where sustainability is (or should be) top-of-mind, bricking fully functional PCs for lack of TPM 2.0 compatibility isn’t just tone-deaf—it’s environmentally disastrous. Imagine all the soon-to-be-e-waste PCs that, with basic support, could continue functioning effectively for years.

What About Perpetual Office Licenses?

If you’re feeling like a rebel, here’s some light at the end of the tunnel: perpetual Office licenses (think Office 2019 or 2021) are likely to continue working on Windows 10 even after official support ends. Sure, you won’t get updates or patches, but for some casual users, this might be an acceptable compromise compared to the stress and expense of a forced upgrade.

Ultimately, What’s at Stake?

At the end of the day, Microsoft’s move doesn’t leave many options for Windows 10 loyalists:
  1. Take the leap into Windows 11, upgrading your PC if necessary.
  2. Move to alternative software, such as LibreOffice or Google Workspace.
  3. Stay on Windows 10 and adopt a perpetual Office license, though this comes with significant risks, like vulnerability to new security flaws.
This development hints at a larger shift in how major tech companies handle software support and consumer choice. Love it or hate it, this move signals that Microsoft is doubling down on subscription-based models and marching toward an inevitable future where upgrades aren’t optional but mandatory.

What Should You Do Now?

Here’s a plan to help you adapt before October 2025 rolls around:
  • Check Your PC’s Compatibility: Visit Microsoft’s PC Health Check tool to see if your device supports Windows 11.
  • Back Up Your Files: Whether you upgrade or transition to alternative services, make sure to secure your data.
  • Explore Open-Source Options: If you’re considering ditching the Microsoft ecosystem entirely, start testing software like LibreOffice now.
  • Plan for the Long Term: Think about the hardware you’ll need not just for today but for the future. Investing in devices compatible with Windows 11 and beyond could save you from future headaches.

The hourglass is running out on Windows 10, and it’s clear Microsoft is leaving no room for nostalgic users to linger in its shadow. Whether you're navigating this shift as a solo user or as part of a larger organization, October 2025 will mark a turning point. Let the countdown—filled with tough choices—begin.

Source: Tom's Hardware Microsoft 365 users still on Windows 10 will be out of luck when Windows 10 is retired in October
 


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