Microsoft Drops Support for Office Apps on Windows 10

In a significant move impacting millions, Microsoft has announced the cessation of support for Office applications on Windows 10, coinciding with the operating system’s end of support, set for October 14, 2025. This means users currently relying on Office apps will need to upgrade to Windows 11 to ensure continued support and updates.

According to Microsoft’s recent statements, “Microsoft 365 Apps will no longer be supported after October 14, 2025, on Windows 10 devices.” This directive extends to standalone versions such as Office 2024, Office 2021, Office 2019, and Office 2016, emphasizing the urgency for users to transition to the newer operating system.

While users can continue to use their Office apps after the support deadline, Microsoft cautions that they may encounter various performance and reliability issues. “After that date, if you're running Microsoft 365 on a Windows 10 device, the applications will continue to function as before. However, we strongly recommend upgrading to Windows 11 to avoid performance and reliability issues over time,” the company warned.

Despite Microsoft's ongoing efforts to encourage the transition to Windows 11 since its introduction in October 2021, the adoption rate remains slow. Recent statistics reveal that over 62% of Windows systems globally still operate on Windows 10, while Windows 11 accounts for less than 35% of users. Many customers are hesitant to make the switch due to the 'non-negotiable' Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 requirements that Microsoft has put in place for Windows 11 upgrades.

Launched in June 2021, the TPM 2.0 mandate aims to enhance security protocols, making systems more resilient against cyber threats. However, some tech-savvy users have begun to develop tools to bypass these requirements, highlighting a growing divide between Microsoft’s specifications and user capabilities.

In light of the impending end of support for Windows 10, Microsoft has provided some leniency for home users. As of October 31, it was announced that these users could postpone their upgrade to Windows 11 for an additional year upon payment of $30 for Extended Security Updates (ESU).

As the deadline looms, now is the time for users to assess their systems and consider upgrading to Windows 11, not only to maintain functionality with Office apps but also to take advantage of enhanced features and stronger security measures. Don't wait until it’s too late—make your upgrade plans today!