Brace yourself, Windows loyalists! Microsoft is about to make waves, and not the kind you can just surf your way through. It’s no secret the tech giant has been nudging users toward adopting Windows 11 since its ambitious release in 2021. But now, Microsoft is cranking up the pressure, and here’s the kicker: as of October 14, 2025, support for Microsoft Office apps on Windows 10 will officially be dropped. Let’s break it all down for you, in “101” style, so you’re not left floundering ahead of this landmark shift.
Picture this: You’re cruising along on your trusty Windows 10 device, whipping up spreadsheets and sending emails through your Microsoft 365 Office apps, and all of a sudden, bam, no more updates trickling in. No security patches. No bug fixes. Nada. That’s exactly what will happen to Office apps running on Windows 10 after the cutoff date.
Microsoft has confirmed that while Office apps will still technically function post-October 2025, without active updates, especially security ones, your PC becomes a more attractive target for cybercriminals. Think of it as running an unguarded fortress in a land crawling with marauders. Sure, the walls might still stand, but they won’t hold up for long without reinforcements.
Here’s what you can do if you’re looking to stay afloat after October 2025:
Fast forward nearly a decade, and technologies like AI integration, tighter security protocols, and touchscreen support have radically changed the OS landscape. Windows 10 held its ground, but the time for retirement has come.
With Windows 11 already four years old, Microsoft’s focus ensures its flagship OS remains the gold standard.
If you’re still on Team Windows 10, it’s time to make your move. Whether you upgrade, extend security, or take the plunge into alternative platforms, October 2025 is a deadline you can’t afford to ignore. So, what’s it going to be, folks—embrace the future or cling to the past? Drop your thoughts (and maybe your upgrade stories) in the forum below! Let the debate begin.
Source: Yahoo News UK Microsoft set to drop support for Windows 10 Office apps in October
What Does This Actually Mean?
Picture this: You’re cruising along on your trusty Windows 10 device, whipping up spreadsheets and sending emails through your Microsoft 365 Office apps, and all of a sudden, bam, no more updates trickling in. No security patches. No bug fixes. Nada. That’s exactly what will happen to Office apps running on Windows 10 after the cutoff date.Microsoft has confirmed that while Office apps will still technically function post-October 2025, without active updates, especially security ones, your PC becomes a more attractive target for cybercriminals. Think of it as running an unguarded fortress in a land crawling with marauders. Sure, the walls might still stand, but they won’t hold up for long without reinforcements.
Why is Microsoft Doing This?
Every major software lifecycle eventually reaches its sunset, and Windows 10 is no exception. Released in 2015, Windows 10 has had a solid 10-year lifetime, which is relatively old-school by tech standards. Microsoft’s attention is now firmly locked on Windows 11 because—as far as they’re concerned—the future is already here.- Encouraging Upgrades: With this move, Microsoft is essentially saying, “It’s time to move on.” They’ve invested heavily in reaching their goal—making Windows 11 the dominant OS.
- Security First: Windows 11 incorporates cutting-edge security, such as strict hardware requirements centered on Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0. No TPM? No dice.
- The Hardware Leap: Alongside Windows 11’s release, Microsoft unveiled hardware demands that leave some older PCs behind. By tightening the ecosystem with features like TPM, Microsoft is ensuring only modern, secure, and compatible systems can make the Windows 11 leap.
What About Casual Holdouts? You Have Options
Yes, this move will leave millions of Windows 10 customers in a bind. According to a recent Steam Hardware Survey (as of December 2024), 42.39% of the PC gaming world is still running Windows 10. Granted, these figures lean towards tech-savvy users—gamers tend to make the leap to newer systems more promptly than the average household or business user.Here’s what you can do if you’re looking to stay afloat after October 2025:
Option 1: Switch to Windows 11
- If your system has the required hardware for Windows 11, the best course of action would be to upgrade. Microsoft’s free upgrade program has been running strong since 2021, but take note: they’ve indicated that the offer might not remain available long-term.
Option 2: Extended Security Updates (ESU)
- Microsoft introduced the ESU program for Windows 7 and has extended a similar courtesy to Windows 10 users. For about £25 ($30) annually, you’ll receive critical security updates for another year. It’s a temporary Band-Aid, but it buys time for transition planning.
Option 3: Stick with Windows 10 (at Your Own Risk)
- While you can continue running Windows 10 and its Office apps, the lack of updates makes this a gamble. Expect increased vulnerability to malware and ransomware attacks. Frankly, skipping this upgrade isn’t recommended.
Option 4: Jump Ship to Alternatives
- If you’re feeling adventurous, consider operating system alternatives like Linux-based systems (Ubuntu, Mint, or Fedora) or even macOS (if you’re ready to veer completely from Team Windows). Be warned: transitioning to a non-Windows ecosystem requires a learning curve and potentially new hardware.
How Do You Make Sure You’re “Windows 11 Ready”?
The biggest bottleneck for Windows 10 holdouts revolves around hardware compatibility—specifically whether your PC supports TPM 2.0.Step-by-Step: Enabling TPM 2.0 in the BIOS
- Restart your PC: The moment it powers back on, press the BIOS key repeatedly. This might be F2, F10, or Delete, depending on your manufacturer.
- Find the TPM Settings: Once in the BIOS, navigate to either the “Security” or “Advanced” section.
- Enable TPM: If TPM or "Processor Security" is turned off, enable it.
- Save & Exit: Once enabled, save your settings and exit the BIOS. When you restart, check your Windows Update settings to initiate the upgrade.
Reflecting on Windows 10: 10 Years in the Rearview Mirror
When Windows 10 launched in 2015, it was hailed as “The Last Windows,” promising an evergreen model of updates without the need for major new versions. Over the years, it’s become one of Microsoft’s most successful operating systems, capturing hearts with its sleek blend of innovation and familiarity.Fast forward nearly a decade, and technologies like AI integration, tighter security protocols, and touchscreen support have radically changed the OS landscape. Windows 10 held its ground, but the time for retirement has come.
With Windows 11 already four years old, Microsoft’s focus ensures its flagship OS remains the gold standard.
The Takeaway
The loss of official support for Office apps on Windows 10 may feel like the end of an era, but it’s more like the opening chapter to a new one. Microsoft wants to ensure users have modern, secure, and future-proofed systems, even if it means breaking hearts (and budgets).If you’re still on Team Windows 10, it’s time to make your move. Whether you upgrade, extend security, or take the plunge into alternative platforms, October 2025 is a deadline you can’t afford to ignore. So, what’s it going to be, folks—embrace the future or cling to the past? Drop your thoughts (and maybe your upgrade stories) in the forum below! Let the debate begin.
Source: Yahoo News UK Microsoft set to drop support for Windows 10 Office apps in October
