Microsoft 365 Apps and EOL for Window 10

Microsoft has announced it will discontinue support for its Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10 starting October 14, 2025, aligning with the operating system's own end-of-life date.

While the apps will continue to function after this date, Microsoft will cease providing updates, including security patches and new features. This means users may encounter performance issues, reliability problems, and increased vulnerability to security threats over time.

​What This Means for Windows 10 Users:

According to Microsoft's support page, using Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10 after October 14, 2025, could lead to "performance and reliability issues." The company strongly recommends upgrading to Windows 11 to maintain full functionality, security updates, and access to the latest features.

Alternatives for Windows 10 Users:

If upgrading to Windows 11 isn't an option (due to hardware limitations or other reasons), users have a few alternatives:
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• Web Apps: The web-based versions of Microsoft 365 apps will continue to function in supported web browsers on Windows 10.
• Alternative Office Suites: Free office suites like LibreOffice will likely continue to support Windows 10 for the foreseeable future.
• Standalone Office 2024: The recently released standalone Microsoft Office 2024 package is compatible with Windows 10 and will be supported for several years, although Microsoft hasn't specified an exact end-of-life date.

The Push for Windows 11:

Microsoft has been actively encouraging Windows 10 users to migrate to Windows 11, even using full-screen prompts within Windows 10 itself. However, many PCs that currently run Windows 10 don't meet Windows 11's stricter hardware requirements, making a direct upgrade impossible for some users.

Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 10:

For users who cannot or choose not to upgrade to Windows 11, Microsoft is offering an Extended Security Update (ESU) program. This program provides security updates for Windows 10 for an additional year (up to 2026) for a fee of $30. Businesses can purchase up to three years of extended support. This means that while regular support ends in 2025, paying for ESU will keep your Windows 10 machine protected against known security vulnerabilities for a limited time longer.

Microsoft's Perspective:

Microsoft executives have emphasized the importance of upgrading to Windows 11, suggesting that PCs will be a key technology refresh for many in 2025.

​The Bottom Line:
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Windows 10 users need to consider their options before October 14, 2025. Upgrading to Windows 11 is the recommended path for continued support and access to the latest features. However, alternatives like web apps, free office suites, and the standalone Office 2024 package are available for those who cannot upgrade. The ESU program offers a paid option for continued security updates on Windows 10 for a limited time.

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Image Source: https://www.microsoft.com/en-au/software-download/windows10ISO