Big trouble for PC users still on Windows 10, Microsoft to end support for Office apps from Oct 2025

Microsoft has announced that it will end support for Microsoft 365 apps (formerly Office apps) on Windows 10 starting 14 October 2025. This is the same date that support for Windows 10 itself will officially come to an end. 

This means that users who rely on these apps, whether individuals or businesses, will need to upgrade to Windows 11 to continue receiving updates and full support.

What this means for Windows 10 users

Once support ends, Microsoft will no longer provide updates or official help for the Office apps running on Windows 10. However, the apps won’t immediately stop working. 

According to a support document updated last December, the apps will continue to function, but users may experience issues like bugs, slower performance, or security risks as updates and fixes are no longer available.

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Encouraging the move to Windows 11

Microsoft is pushing users to upgrade to Windows 11, with Yusuf Mehdi, the company’s executive vice president, calling 2025 "the year of the Windows 11 PC refresh." He encouraged people to prioritise upgrading to the new operating system rather than spending money on other purchases like new TVs or mobile phones.

The transition to Windows 11 has been slower than expected, mainly because of strict hardware requirements. Many older PCs can't upgrade to Windows 11 due to the TPM 2.0 security chip requirement, which Microsoft considers essential. As a result, a significant number of Windows 10 users would need to buy new hardware to make the switch. To motivate people, Microsoft has started showing full-screen prompts on older PCs, urging users to buy Windows 11-ready systems.

Alternatives for those who can’t upgrade

For those unable to upgrade right away, Microsoft is offering Extended Security Updates (ESU). Individuals can pay $30 for an extra year of updates, while businesses can purchase up to three years of extended support. While this option helps, it also means that users would still be without the latest features and bug fixes.

For Windows 10 users, this announcement is a reminder to start considering the next steps. Whether it’s upgrading hardware or opting for extended support, the clock is ticking down to October 2025, and the time to make decisions is now.