Windows 10 users, it’s time to confront the inevitable. The end of an era looms over October 14, 2025, when Microsoft will officially pull the plug on extended support for its widely loved operating system. But before you think it’s just about system updates, hold on to your coffee mugs. Alongside general support termination, Microsoft plans to discontinue support for its major productivity apps—Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook—on Windows 10. Here’s everything you need to know, including what this means for you and how you can plan ahead.
For those relying on the cloud-based Microsoft 365 suite for professional or personal use, this news is a bombshell. Microsoft’s stance is clear: to continue enjoying its apps and services without a hitch, users need to upgrade to Windows 11. However, not everyone is ready—or even able—to upgrade to Windows 11 due to various factors like hardware limitations or personal preference. While you may technically be able to continue using Microsoft 365 after the deadline, doing so may feel like walking a tightrope without a safety net.
Windows 10 had a good run; its release in 2015 was revolutionary at the time, blending user-friendly interfaces with robust professional tools. But 10 years down the line, Microsoft is shifting its focus towards Windows 11, touting it as the fastest, safest, and most feature-packed version of Windows yet.
A bigger gripe? New hardware and software will start favoring Windows 11 compatibility over time. Developers naturally optimize their creations for actively supported environments. Look out for quirks like newer peripherals refusing to work or outdated drivers causing chaos.
But there’s always another side to the coin. Critics have raised eyebrows over Windows 11’s minimum system requirements, labeling them exclusionary. Many perfectly functional PCs that ran Windows 10 without a hitch don’t make the cut for Windows 11 due to its TPM 2.0 and UEFI mandates. Where does that leave users? Either rushing to buy new hardware or sticking with an older OS increasingly surrounded by tumbleweeds of support.
Whether you decide to embrace Windows 11, pay for extended support, or jump ship to another platform, planning ahead is crucial. Waiting until the last minute might lead to hasty decisions—and nobody likes those. No matter what, one thing is certain: 2025 is going to be a year of reckoning for the good ol’ faithful Windows 10. So, what’s your game plan? Let’s hear it in the comments!
Source: Daily Express https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/science-technology/2001019/windows-10-users-will-lose-support-for-all-major-microsoft-apps-this-year
What’s Happening to Microsoft Apps on Windows 10?
Microsoft has confirmed through their official channels that starting from October 14, 2025, the Microsoft 365 apps—better known to you as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook—will no longer be supported on Windows 10. Note the key word here: supported. The apps won’t shut down or vanish into thin air, but they will stop receiving updates. Without future updates, any lingering Windows 10 users running Microsoft 365 risk falling prey to potential performance glitches, reliability issues, and more dangerously, security vulnerabilities.For those relying on the cloud-based Microsoft 365 suite for professional or personal use, this news is a bombshell. Microsoft’s stance is clear: to continue enjoying its apps and services without a hitch, users need to upgrade to Windows 11. However, not everyone is ready—or even able—to upgrade to Windows 11 due to various factors like hardware limitations or personal preference. While you may technically be able to continue using Microsoft 365 after the deadline, doing so may feel like walking a tightrope without a safety net.
The Bigger Picture: End of Life for Windows 10
This shift isn’t just about Microsoft 365. It coincides with Windows 10 officially reaching its end of life. No more free security patches. No more quality updates. Nada. Although your Windows 10 devices won’t suddenly stop working on October 14, 2025, they will become sitting ducks for cyber threats over time. It’s like driving a car without bothering with maintenance—eventually, something will give, and when it does, it won’t be pretty.Windows 10 had a good run; its release in 2015 was revolutionary at the time, blending user-friendly interfaces with robust professional tools. But 10 years down the line, Microsoft is shifting its focus towards Windows 11, touting it as the fastest, safest, and most feature-packed version of Windows yet.
Your Options: Upgrade, Pay, or Face the Risks
Here’s the good news, and it isn’t that good: you have a few options, though none of them are particularly painless.1. Upgrade to Windows 11 (Best Option)
- If your PC meets the system requirements for Windows 11, upgrading is the smoothest solution. Windows 11 boasts enhanced security features, better performance, and a sleek new interface all wrapped up in an OS that’s actively supported. Plus, upgrading from Windows 10 is free for most users. But beware: if your machine doesn’t meet the requirements, forcing the upgrade might leave you frustrated with a sluggish, unstable system.
2. Pay for Extended Security ($30 per Year)
- For those who simply cannot let go of Windows 10 (nostalgia much?), Microsoft has dangled a $30/year paid subscription plan offering limited security updates. This lifeline ensures your system stays safer for a bit longer, but this is only a bandage for the inevitable and offers no app updates for Microsoft 365.
3. Stick with Windows 10 and Take Your Chances
- This is the rebel, YOLO choice. Sure, you can keep using Windows 10 if you’re that attached, but be prepared to navigate a post-October 2025 territory where security breaches, malware infections, and compatibility woes lurk like sharks in murky water.
4. Switch (or Leap) to Another Platform
- If you’ve been eyeing macOS or even Linux, this might be your moment to make a clean break. Both platforms have their own pros and cons, but the transition away from Windows could be the start of a new tech relationship.
Why Can’t I Just Stay on Windows 10 Forever?
Some users may wonder why they need to upgrade in the first place. Here’s why staying on Windows 10 is akin to leaving your front door wide open in a dodgy neighborhood. Without Microsoft’s regular security patches and updates, vulnerabilities that are discovered post-2025 won’t be fixed. Cybercriminals are all too aware of this and often ramp up attacks on retired software. Malicious exploits, ransomware, and spyware target these systems like moths to a flame.A bigger gripe? New hardware and software will start favoring Windows 11 compatibility over time. Developers naturally optimize their creations for actively supported environments. Look out for quirks like newer peripherals refusing to work or outdated drivers causing chaos.
Is Windows 11 Truly Worth It?
If Microsoft’s constant prodding hasn’t convinced you to switch to Windows 11 yet, maybe some numbers will. Since debuting in 2021, Windows 11 adoption has steadily grown. Microsoft has infused the OS with beefy security frameworks like TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module) and features for seamless hybrid work environments. It also boasts a modern interface with perks like enhanced virtual desktops and snap layouts.But there’s always another side to the coin. Critics have raised eyebrows over Windows 11’s minimum system requirements, labeling them exclusionary. Many perfectly functional PCs that ran Windows 10 without a hitch don’t make the cut for Windows 11 due to its TPM 2.0 and UEFI mandates. Where does that leave users? Either rushing to buy new hardware or sticking with an older OS increasingly surrounded by tumbleweeds of support.
Steps to Prepare for October 2025
If you're ready to take action, here’s what you can start doing to make your transition smoother:- Check Your PC’s Compatibility: Download and run Microsoft’s PC Health Check tool to see if your device supports Windows 11.
- Back Up Your Data: Before making any major OS upgrade, ensure your documents, photos, and files are safely backed up—just in case something goes wrong during the process.
- Explore Alternatives: Look into robust alternatives to Microsoft 365, such as Google Workspace, LibreOffice, or other cloud-based tools that can work on systems no longer supported by Windows.
- Learn About Hardware Upgrades: If Windows 11 support is blocked on your current system, investigate whether it’s possible to add components like TPM modules to meet the requirements.
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Windows 10 Users
The upcoming retirement of Windows 10 and the discontinuation of Microsoft 365 support might feel like a rude awakening, but it’s part of a broader trend where tech companies guide their users towards their latest offerings. October 14, 2025, marks a significant turning point for millions still clinging to Windows 10. Your choices are clear: upgrade, patch up temporarily, or face life without reliable support.Whether you decide to embrace Windows 11, pay for extended support, or jump ship to another platform, planning ahead is crucial. Waiting until the last minute might lead to hasty decisions—and nobody likes those. No matter what, one thing is certain: 2025 is going to be a year of reckoning for the good ol’ faithful Windows 10. So, what’s your game plan? Let’s hear it in the comments!
Source: Daily Express https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/science-technology/2001019/windows-10-users-will-lose-support-for-all-major-microsoft-apps-this-year
