Microsoft has announced that it will end support for Microsoft Office apps on Windows 10 devices after the operating system reaches its end of support on October 14, 2025. Users will need to upgrade to Windows 11 to continue using Microsoft 365 apps without potential issues, the tech giant stated on Tuesday.
Microsoft 365 Apps will no longer be supported after October 14, 2025, on Windows 10 devices. To use Microsoft 365 Applications on your device, you will need to upgrade to Windows 11, the company explained.
This announcement also affects standalone Office versions, including Office 2024, Office 2021, Office 2019, and Office 2016, meaning these versions will no longer receive updates or technical support on Windows 10 devices.
While the applications will still function beyond the support cutoff, Microsoft cautioned users about potential performance and reliability problems. We strongly recommend upgrading to Windows 11 to avoid performance and reliability issues over time, the company advised in a separate support document.
Microsoft has been urging users to migrate to Windows 11 since its launch in October 2021, even dubbing 2025 the year of the Windows 11 PC refresh. However, adoption has been slow, with only 35 per cent of Windows users worldwide running Windows 11 as of now, according to Statcounter Global data. Meanwhile, Windows 10 remains the dominant version, powering 62 per cent of all Windows systems globally.
A key barrier to Windows 11 adoption has been Microsofts stringent hardware requirements, particularly the need for TPM (Trusted Platform Module) 2.0. The feature, which Microsoft claims enhances resistance to tampering and cyberattacks, has been labelled non-negotiable for Windows 11 installations. Many users with older hardware have found the requirement difficult to meet, prompting the creation of workarounds to bypass it.
In light of the challenges, Microsoft has offered some leeway for users unwilling or unable to upgrade. Home users can delay the switch to Windows 11 for an additional year by purchasing Extended Security Updates (ESU) for $30. Certain enterprise and specialised systems, including those using Long-Term Servicing Branch (LTSB) and Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) editions, will continue to receive updates beyond the October 2025 cutoff.
Although users can keep using their Windows 10 PCs and Office apps after support ends, they will no longer receive security updates, exposing them to increased risks over time. Microsoft has also reiterated that the free upgrade to Windows 11 remains available, provided users meet the minimum system requirements.
Margaret Farmer, a representative for Microsoft, emphasised this point: You need to confirm that your computer meets the minimum system requirements for the update, she stated.
The clock is ticking for the millions still on Windows 10. While the operating systems popularity has endured, Microsofts move to cut off Office app support adds another incentive for users to transition. For those who rely heavily on Microsoft 365 or other Office products, the decision to upgrade sooner rather than later is becoming increasingly pressing.