Key Takeaways:
Microsoft announced this week that it will end support for Office apps on Windows 10 later this year, aligning with the operating system’s end-of-support date. The company strongly advises both consumers and businesses to upgrade to Windows 11 for continued updates and optimal performance.
“Microsoft 365 apps will no longer be supported on Windows 10 after it reaches end of support on October 14, 2025. Microsoft 365 apps are no longer supported on Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 8.1 now that these operating systems have reached their end-of-support dates. To avoid performance and reliability issues, we recommend that you move to Windows 11,” Microsoft explained in a support document.
Microsoft has confirmed that Office apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint will still work on Windows 10 PCs but will no longer receive new features or security updates. Over time, users may encounter performance and reliability issues. To address this, Microsoft strongly recommends upgrading to Windows 11.
Microsoft also plans to introduce a paid Extended Security Updates (ESUs) program to assist businesses and individuals requiring more time to transition. This program will provide security updates even after Windows 10 reaches its end-of-support date. Consumers can pay $30 for an additional year of updates, while businesses can opt for extended security updates for up to three years. This program aims to help users protect their Windows 10 devices from security vulnerabilities and other threats during the transition period.
Since its launch, Microsoft has consistently encouraged customers to upgrade to Windows 11. However, adoption has been slower compared to Windows 10, largely due to the strict hardware requirements that many older computers cannot meet. Microsoft has confirmed that these requirements will remain unchanged to maintain Windows 11’s security, performance, and reliability standards.
Microsoft has recently declared 2025 as the “year of the Windows 11 PC refresh,” emphasizing the importance of upgrading as official support for Windows 10 ends. The company highlighted that refreshing an old Windows 10 PC should take priority over purchasing a new TV or smartphone this year.