Windows 10 Support Ends in 2025: What You Need to Know About Migration and Microsoft 365

The countdown has begun for Windows 10 users: in just 90 days, support for Windows 10 version 22H2 will come to an end across all major editions, including Home, Pro, Enterprise, Education, and IoT Enterprise. This milestone, scheduled for October 14, signifies not only the conclusion of regular security updates and technical support, but also heralds a significant change in the landscape for Microsoft 365 apps—commonly known as Office—on Windows 10 devices. Microsoft’s recent announcements have clarified the intricate relationship between its landmark operating system's lifecycle and ongoing support for its widely-used productivity suite, raising new questions about security, compliance, and practical strategies for both consumers and organizations.

The Final Days of Windows 10: What to Expect​

Microsoft’s message is unambiguous: after October 14, 2025, Windows 10 22H2 will reach the end of its service life. Users running this version will no longer receive essential security updates for systems including Windows 10 2015 LTSB and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSB 2015. October’s security update will be the last, and afterward, these systems will be left increasingly vulnerable to the latest cybersecurity threats.
This cutoff affects a vast number of endpoints. Despite the widespread adoption of Windows 11, many enterprise customers, education institutions, and private users remain on Windows 10 due to factors like hardware compatibility, user familiarity, and the daunting scale of migration projects.
While the general support window ends, Microsoft has introduced pathways for those unable or unwilling to immediately transition.

Extended Security Updates (ESU): A Lifeline—But with Caveats​

To help mitigate the abrupt risks associated with running unsupported operating systems, Microsoft is offering an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. Notably, the ESU—historically available only to enterprise customers—is also being made accessible to private customers, a rare concession that reveals the scale of ongoing Windows 10 dependency.
Under this program, private users can continue to receive security updates for an additional year at no charge, albeit with conditions: enrollment requires leveraging Microsoft’s online services and, crucially, entails some level of data sharing back to Microsoft. The finer details of this arrangement were discussed by Microsoft at the end of June.
For enterprise environments, the ESU program typically involves purchasing multi-year packages. While these deliver important assurance for mission-critical systems, they are designed as a stopgap, not a permanent solution. Migration to a supported platform is still considered best practice by security professionals.

Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows 10: A New Timeline for Support​

While much discussion has centered around the end of operating system support, the fate of Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10 has generated significant questions, particularly for businesses. At the end of June, Microsoft clarified in its updated support documentation exactly how long its Office productivity suite—now branded as Microsoft 365 Apps—will remain officially supported on Windows 10 post-October 2025.
The key revelation is the phased withdrawal of feature and security updates for Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows 10. Here are the most critical touchpoints:

• Devices running Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows 10 will continue to receive updates only up until the release of version 2608.
• For users on the “Current Channel”—including most individual and family subscribers—feature and security updates will cease in August 2026.
• The monthly Enterprise Channel will receive patches until October 2026.
• The semi-annual Enterprise Channel extends until January 2027, with updates restricted solely to security issues.

After these cutoffs, no further updates—feature or security—will be available for Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows 10. Microsoft’s support stance makes it clear: any issues that stem from running Office apps on an unsupported OS will only be addressed by recommending migration to Windows 11.

What Does This Mean for Users?​

This timeline is highly significant for several reasons:

• Extended Grace Period: While Windows 10 support ends in 2025, Microsoft 365 will retain some vestigial support up to early 2027, buying enterprises and individuals additional time to plan for complex migrations.
• Security and Compliance Risk: Once this grace period expires, both operating system and productivity suite will be unprotected against new attack vectors—a situation that puts end-user data and business continuity at risk.
• Shrinking Feature Set: Even before full support ceases, Windows 10 users will miss out on new features and integration improvements that are reserved for Windows 11 environments.

Security: The Biggest Risk of Delayed Migration​

The German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) has echoed Microsoft’s warning, urging users to transition to supported operating systems or, at the very least, to back up their data and consider alternative OS solutions. Without ongoing security updates, attackers are known to actively target legacy operating systems. For organizations subject to regulatory scrutiny (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA), running unsupported platforms could trigger compliance violations, insurance issues, and difficult conversations with auditors.

ESU Risks and Limitations​

While the ESU program provides a temporary buffer, it is not a panacea:

• Scope: ESU covers only critical and important security updates. No new features or design improvements are included.
• Complexity: Managing ESU enrollment for large fleets—or even for individual consumers less versed in IT administration—can be burdensome.
• Cost: For organizations, ESU agreements are billed annually and costs tend to rise year over year, incentivizing a move off legacy systems sooner rather than later.
• Privacy: The requirement for private users to leave data with Microsoft as part of the ESU process raises legitimate privacy concerns, especially in regulated sectors or for those concerned about data sovereignty.

Migration to Windows 11: Challenges and Opportunities​

Upgrading to Windows 11 is the only path to guaranteed security and full support from Microsoft moving forward. However, the jump is not trivial:

• Hardware Requirements: Windows 11 has significantly higher hardware requirements, particularly around Secure Boot and TPM 2.0. Older devices may be incompatible, requiring either upgrades to hardware or the purchase of new endpoints.
• Application Compatibility: While Microsoft has worked hard to guarantee compatibility, some legacy or home-grown applications may require updates or workarounds.
• Training and User Acceptance: For environments where users are accustomed to the Windows 10 interface, retraining may be needed to achieve full productivity in Windows 11.

Enterprises face the added complexity of coordinating upgrades across heterogeneous environments—often with thousands of machines—while minimizing operational disruption.

Strategies for a Smooth Transition​

For both businesses and home users, preparation is everything:

• Audit Your Environment: Identify machines that cannot be easily upgraded due to hardware or mission-critical application constraints.
• Engage Stakeholders Early: For larger organizations, IT teams should coordinate with business owners, compliance, and information security officers to ensure all bases are covered.
• Plan Data Backups: Before initiating any major OS migration, robust data backup strategies are essential.
• Test Compatibility: Use available tools (such as Microsoft’s Windows 11 Health Check) to test application and hardware compatibility in advance.
• Leverage Tools and Services: Consider Microsoft’s own migration services or third-party IT consultants for complex environments.

The Business Perspective: Compliance, Audit, and Productivity​

For business users, the implications extend beyond patch management. Many certifications require all endpoints to be on a supported OS. Running unsupported platforms can jeopardize compliance certifications, increase the risk of cyber insurance claims being denied, and even result in direct penalties in regulated sectors.
Productivity is another concern. As Microsoft’s roadmap for Office increasingly aligns with Windows 11-exclusive features—such as enhanced AI-driven Copilot integrations—Windows 10 users will inevitably be left behind. The inability to leverage new features can erode productivity and frustrate users.
On the flip side, the phased extension for Microsoft 365 support provides valuable breathing room for organizations facing complex migration scenarios, particularly those in the public sector or industries reliant on highly specialized hardware.

Consumer Takeaways: What Should Home Users Do?​

Home users, especially those on older hardware, face a more difficult choice. While the free ESU year offers a short-term reprieve, eventual migration is unavoidable. Key steps for consumers include:

• Verify ESU Eligibility: Check if your device is eligible and understand what’s involved, including the privacy tradeoffs.
• Consider Linux or Alternative OS: For machines that can’t run Windows 11 and are not required for high-security tasks, lightweight Linux distributions can give old PCs new life.
• Invest in New Hardware Thoughtfully: If you decide to buy a new PC, choose hardware with a multi-year support horizon, and look for devices specifically certified for Windows 11.

Looking Ahead: What Happens After the Grace Period?​

By January 2027, all official support—both for Windows 10 and Microsoft 365 apps running on it—will be gone. Security vulnerabilities will not be patched, and no technical support will be forthcoming from Microsoft. Devices running this software may cease to function reliably as new third-party applications (including browsers, security tools, and even device drivers) drop support for the aging OS. The risk of ransomware, data theft, and service outages will increase each month the system is kept alive.
Microsoft’s phased approach offers a pragmatic runway for those who need more time, but the ultimate message is clear: upgrade or prepare for heightened risk.

Critical Analysis: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Unanswered Questions​

Strengths of Microsoft’s Approach​

• Transparent Communication: By detailing both OS and Microsoft 365 support timelines well ahead of time, Microsoft empowers users to make informed plans.
• ESU Program Accessibility: Extending ESU to private users marks an unprecedented move, acknowledging the realities of legacy system usage.
• Phased Support for Microsoft 365: The staggered shutdown of Office updates grants both businesses and home users more time to navigate complexities.

Weaknesses and Risks​

• ESU Privacy Questions: The collection and potential analysis of user data as a precondition for ESU eligibility introduces privacy risks, particularly for home users.
• Migration Complexity: High hardware requirements for Windows 11 create economic and logistical pressure, especially on educational and small business customers.
• Unclear Support for Certain Use Cases: The fate of niche applications and environments leveraging highly specialized hardware or software is only partly addressed by official documentation.
• Potential for User Complacency: The multi-phase support wind-down may encourage riskier behavior by allowing users to “kick the can down the road,” despite the compounding risks over time.

Unanswered Questions​

• Third-Party Vendor Ecosystem: How will major software and hardware partners align their own support, particularly in security-critical categories such as antivirus and VPNs?
• Future ESU Pricing: What will the pricing model for subsequent ESU years look like, and will it remain accessible for private users?
• Long Tail of Unsupported Devices: With millions of unsupported PCs still in circulation worldwide, are there additional transition programs or government policies on the horizon?

Conclusion: The Road Ahead​

The end-of-support milestone for Windows 10 and the correlated phase-down for Microsoft 365 apps should be a wake-up call for all users. Whether you’re an enterprise manager, a small business owner, or an everyday consumer, the risks of remaining on unsupported software are real and escalating. Microsoft’s detailed roadmap, coupled with phased Microsoft 365 support and expanded ESU offerings, represents a thoughtful—if inherently cautious—response to a massive installed base.
Yet, there is no substitute for a modern, supported, and regularly updated operating system. The best way forward is to audit, plan, and execute a timely migration to Windows 11 or another actively maintained platform. In the coming months, data protection, user productivity, and cyber-resilience will be won by those who heed the warnings, make strategic investments, and treat OS migration not as an IT inconvenience, but as an essential pillar of digital safety and operational success.

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Source: heise online 90 days remaining: Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10 after end of support