It looks like Microsoft has finally decided to double down on its push to get hold-outs onto Windows 11. As of October 14, 2025, the tech giant will officially stop supporting Microsoft 365 apps—like Word, Excel, Teams, and Outlook—on Windows 10. While this is also the same date that Windows 10 itself loses mainstream support, there’s a twist here for those hoping for a gentler transition.
If you’ve been snoozing on upgrading to Microsoft's latest operating system, thinking you'd get to coast through another year with Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, think again. Yes, for $30 a year, you can keep receiving critical security updates to keep your system humming safely. However, the deal comes with a catch: Microsoft 365 apps, the cornerstone of productivity for many businesses and individuals, will no longer play nice. Let’s dig into all of this with a comprehensive understanding of what this entails and why it might matter more than it sounds.
The key takeaway is that Microsoft 365 apps won’t vanish into the digital abyss on October 14th, but you’ll lose access to updates, which includes security patches, stability fixes, and shiny new features. This means your beloved apps, while still functional, will be frozen in time—a potential breeding ground for future bugs and vulnerabilities.
In Microsoft's own words, continued use of outdated apps could result in "performance and reliability issues over time." Picture this: you're hammering away on your Office Word document, a big client project due tomorrow, when your app freezes—and there’s no Patch Tuesday fix coming to the rescue. If that sounds nerve-racking, it's because it is.
This creates a peculiar dichotomy: Microsoft is happy to keep parts of your system secure but will let your productivity suite potentially degrade. This signals a clear message: if you're using professional tools, Microsoft expects you to be on its latest operating system. It’s essentially a strategy to nudge, if not outright push, businesses and individuals toward Windows 11.
Even more telling is Microsoft's branding of 2025 as “The Year of the Windows 11 PC Refresh.” This marketing movement aims to encourage users to buy new hardware pre-loaded with Windows 11, bringing upgraded features—and, let’s face it—higher profits for PC partners and Microsoft alike.
While Microsoft has every right to focus on its newest software, the nagging question remains: Was Windows 11 even necessary? Many users seem more than content with a no-frills, functional OS. The introduction of Windows 11 felt more like a solution seeking a problem—if not a blatant attempt to make more money through hardware upgrades and subscription services.
For many, it’s a frustrating trade-off. If your five-year-old laptop still gets the job done running Windows 10, why should you have to upgrade just to keep using Office? But with security concerns looming and no updates on the horizon for Microsoft 365, users may have no choice but to finally embrace the future—or look for alternatives.
What do you think? Are you ready to move on, or does sticking to Windows 10 still make sense for you? Join the conversation and share your thoughts in the forum!
Source: Digital Trends Microsoft is axing support for its own apps on Windows 10
If you’ve been snoozing on upgrading to Microsoft's latest operating system, thinking you'd get to coast through another year with Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, think again. Yes, for $30 a year, you can keep receiving critical security updates to keep your system humming safely. However, the deal comes with a catch: Microsoft 365 apps, the cornerstone of productivity for many businesses and individuals, will no longer play nice. Let’s dig into all of this with a comprehensive understanding of what this entails and why it might matter more than it sounds.
The key takeaway is that Microsoft 365 apps won’t vanish into the digital abyss on October 14th, but you’ll lose access to updates, which includes security patches, stability fixes, and shiny new features. This means your beloved apps, while still functional, will be frozen in time—a potential breeding ground for future bugs and vulnerabilities.In Microsoft's own words, continued use of outdated apps could result in "performance and reliability issues over time." Picture this: you're hammering away on your Office Word document, a big client project due tomorrow, when your app freezes—and there’s no Patch Tuesday fix coming to the rescue. If that sounds nerve-racking, it's because it is.
Why the ESU Program Isn’t a Lifeboat
Microsoft introduced the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for those who simply cannot (or will not) make the leap to Windows 11. For $30 per device, users can receive an additional year of critical security updates for Windows 10. While this should theoretically allow users to keep their PCs secure, there’s a glaring limitation—Microsoft 365 apps aren’t in the club.This creates a peculiar dichotomy: Microsoft is happy to keep parts of your system secure but will let your productivity suite potentially degrade. This signals a clear message: if you're using professional tools, Microsoft expects you to be on its latest operating system. It’s essentially a strategy to nudge, if not outright push, businesses and individuals toward Windows 11.
Why Are Users Still Sticking to Windows 10?
If you’re wondering why people are still riding the Windows 10 train after so many years, let’s be honest here—upgrading your OS is often a pain. Here are some of the top reasons why people continue to cling to Windows 10:- Hardware Limitations
Windows 11’s hardware requirements, including TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module) and Secure Boot, have left older PCs sitting on the upgrade sidelines. These aren’t superficial demands; they impact your PC’s ability to even install the newer OS. - User Preference
For many, Windows 10 simply works. It’s stable, reliable, and—surprisingly—many users prefer its interface over Windows 11’s more modern redesign. - Bad Publicity Around Windows 11
Windows 11’s release wasn’t exactly met with thunderous applause. Early performance issues, compatibility bugs, and mixed reviews meant that countless users opted to “wait it out” rather than jumping on the bandwagon. - Gamers Were Hesitant
Gamers also lagged in switching to Windows 11, often citing compatibility woes and a questionable performance boost. However, this demographic slowly came around as seen in October 2024's Steam hardware survey, when Windows 11 overtook Windows 10 for the first time. - Businesses Aren’t Buying It
Companies are typically slow to upgrade due to the costs involved and the time-consuming process of ensuring compatibility with legacy applications. If the current setup isn’t broken, why fix it?
The Bigger Picture: Microsoft’s Push for Windows 11 Adoption
It doesn’t take a tech guru to see what’s going on here. Microsoft is playing hardball. After years of sluggish adoption rates, the company is now directly or indirectly forcing the issue. From nagging full-screen reminders to strategic cuts like this one, the message is clear: Upgrade or get left behind.Even more telling is Microsoft's branding of 2025 as “The Year of the Windows 11 PC Refresh.” This marketing movement aims to encourage users to buy new hardware pre-loaded with Windows 11, bringing upgraded features—and, let’s face it—higher profits for PC partners and Microsoft alike.
While Microsoft has every right to focus on its newest software, the nagging question remains: Was Windows 11 even necessary? Many users seem more than content with a no-frills, functional OS. The introduction of Windows 11 felt more like a solution seeking a problem—if not a blatant attempt to make more money through hardware upgrades and subscription services.
What’s Next for Windows Users?
Here’s what you can do if you’re still clinging to Windows 10:- Consider Upgrading to Windows 11 Now
If your system supports it and you’ve been on the fence, now’s the time. Windows 11 isn’t just Microsoft’s focus—it’s also getting all the hot features and updates. - Stick It Out with ESU, But Be Wary
The ESU program will keep your Windows 10 secure until October 2026 if Microsoft extends it. However, you’ll need alternative productivity apps since Microsoft 365 will become a gamble due to lack of support. - Use Open-Source Alternatives
If you’re not ready to shell out for a new PC or upgrade, consider open-source office suites like LibreOffice or Google Workspace. They won’t offer the same seamless experience as Microsoft 365 but can keep you going. - Partition Your System
Advanced users might opt to dual-boot Windows 10 and Windows 11 to use supported versions of Microsoft 365 apps while retaining their older OS for legacy systems.
Conclusion: Is Enough Enough?
Microsoft’s decision to end support for its own flagship apps on Windows 10 has sparked a firestorm of debate. While it’s easy to chalk this up as part of the inevitable progress of technology, it also feels like yet another nudge (or shove) from a corporation increasingly invested in recurring revenue models and hardware refreshes.For many, it’s a frustrating trade-off. If your five-year-old laptop still gets the job done running Windows 10, why should you have to upgrade just to keep using Office? But with security concerns looming and no updates on the horizon for Microsoft 365, users may have no choice but to finally embrace the future—or look for alternatives.
What do you think? Are you ready to move on, or does sticking to Windows 10 still make sense for you? Join the conversation and share your thoughts in the forum!
Source: Digital Trends Microsoft is axing support for its own apps on Windows 10
Last edited: