Office Apps Will No Longer Be Supported on Windows 10 After October 14, Says Microsoft

Microsoft has officially announced that support for Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025. This move coincides with the broader end of support for Windows 10 itself and is part of a larger effort to encourage users to upgrade to Windows 11.

While the change signals progress, it raises important questions for individuals and businesses still relying on older systems.

What’s Changing and When?

After October 14, 2025, Microsoft 365 apps, including popular Office tools, will no longer receive support on devices running Windows 10. However, this doesn’t mean these apps will stop working immediately. Microsoft has clarified that the applications will continue to function, but users may experience increasing performance and reliability issues over time. Essentially, the longer you stay on Windows 10, the more likely you’ll face potential risks and inconveniences.

For Microsoft, this marks another step in modernizing its ecosystem. In a blog post, the company noted, “To use Microsoft 365 Applications on your device, you will need to upgrade to Windows 11.”

Why 2025 is Being Touted as the Year to Upgrade

At CES 2025, Microsoft labeled the year as “the year of the Windows 11 PC refresh.” The company is urging users to prioritize upgrading their PCs over other tech purchases, framing it as an essential move for security and productivity. Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft’s executive vice president and consumer chief marketing officer, emphasized, “We believe that one of the most important pieces of technology people will look to refresh in 2025 isn’t the refrigerator, the television, or their mobile phone. It will be their Windows 10 PC.”

The Challenge of Strict Hardware Requirements

Despite the push to upgrade, not all users will find the transition simple. Windows 11 has stringent hardware requirements, including the need for a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 chip. Many older devices don’t meet these specifications, leaving millions of users without a straightforward upgrade path.

To address this, Microsoft is offering Extended Security Updates (ESUs). These updates give users more time to transition. Consumers can purchase an additional year of updates for $30, while businesses can buy up to three years of extended support. This marks the first time Microsoft has made ESUs available to individual users-a sign of the significant impact this change is expected to have.

How to Upgrade to Windows 11

For those who can upgrade, the process is relatively straightforward:

• Access Windows Update: Go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Windows Update on your Windows 10 PC.

• Download and Install: Select “Download and Install” to start the upgrade process.

• Reboot: Allow your device to restart after installation completes.

If your device is in S Mode, you’ll need to switch out of this mode before upgrading.

Why Upgrading Matters

The end of support for Windows 10 doesn’t just mean missing out on the latest features-it poses a real security risk. Without regular updates, devices become vulnerable to malware, data breaches, and other cyber threats. Upgrading to Windows 11 ensures you stay protected and keeps your system running smoothly with modern features.

Via