Microsoft 365 Apps to Lose Windows 10 Support: What You Need to Know

Microsoft has announced that its popular Microsoft 365 apps will no longer receive support on Windows 10 starting October 14, 2025. This move aligns with the end of Windows 10's extended support lifecycle and pushes users toward upgrading to Windows 11 for continued access to security updates and new features.

The End of an Era: Windows 10 Support Timeline

Microsoft's support lifecycle for Windows 10 follows a predictable pattern:
- Mainstream support ended October 13, 2020
- Extended support continues until October 14, 2025
- After this date, no security updates or technical support will be provided

The discontinuation of Microsoft 365 app support coincides precisely with Windows 10's end-of-life date, creating a dual incentive for users to upgrade their operating system.

Which Microsoft 365 Apps Are Affected?

The support change impacts all Microsoft 365 desktop applications, including:
- Word
- Excel
- PowerPoint
- Outlook
- OneNote
- Access (Windows only)
- Publisher (Windows only)
- Teams

Why Microsoft Is Making This Change

Microsoft cites several technical reasons for this decision:
1. Security requirements: Newer Windows versions offer enhanced security features
2. Performance optimization: Apps are being optimized for newer Windows architectures
3. Feature alignment: Future innovations require Windows 11's capabilities
4. Support efficiency: Reducing the number of supported OS versions streamlines development

Your Options for Continued Microsoft 365 Access

1. Upgrade to Windows 11

Microsoft's preferred solution is upgrading eligible devices to Windows 11. Most computers purchased after 2018 should meet the requirements:
- 64-bit 1GHz processor
- 4GB RAM
- 64GB storage
- UEFI secure boot
- TPM 2.0

2. Use Browser-Based Office Apps

Microsoft 365's web apps (Office.com) will continue working on Windows 10 after 2025, offering:
- Basic document editing
- Real-time collaboration
- Cloud storage integration

3. Consider Alternative Office Suites

Several office suites remain compatible with Windows 10:
- LibreOffice
- Google Workspace
- WPS Office
- OnlyOffice

Security Implications of Continuing on Windows 10

Continuing to use Windows 10 after support ends creates significant risks:
- No security patches for newly discovered vulnerabilities
- Compliance issues for businesses handling sensitive data
- Potential malware attacks targeting known, unpatched flaws

Enterprise Considerations

Businesses running Windows 10 should:
1. Inventory all devices and assess upgrade eligibility
2. Plan migration timelines before October 2025
3. Train staff on Windows 11's interface changes
4. Budget for hardware upgrades where necessary

Microsoft offers enterprise-specific solutions including:
- Windows 11 Enterprise
- Cloud PC options
- Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for purchase

How to Check Your Upgrade Eligibility

Follow these steps to see if your device can run Windows 11:
1. Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update
2. Click Check for updates
3. If eligible, you'll see the Windows 11 upgrade option
4. Alternatively, run Microsoft's PC Health Check tool

What If Your Device Isn't Compatible?

For older hardware that can't run Windows 11:
- Consider a new device: Prices start under $300 for basic models
- Use Linux: Some distributions can run Office alternatives smoothly
- Virtual machines: Run Windows 11 in a VM if your processor supports virtualization

Timeline for Action

To avoid last-minute disruptions:

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will my existing Office files stop working?
A: No, files will remain accessible but you won't receive app updates or security patches.

Q: Can I pay for extended support?
A: Microsoft hasn't announced plans for individual extended support, unlike enterprise ESUs.

Q: Will Office 2019 still work?
A: Yes, but it reached end of mainstream support in 2023 and extended support ends October 14, 2025.

The Bottom Line

Microsoft's decision to end Microsoft 365 app support on Windows 10 creates a natural transition point to Windows 11. While alternatives exist, most users will benefit from upgrading to maintain security and access to the full Office feature set. Start planning your transition now to avoid disruptive last-minute changes.