The clock is ticking for Windows 10 users, as Microsoft has announced the impending end of support for Microsoft 365 applications on the aging operating system. This change, coinciding with the official end of Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025, marks a significant shift in Microsoft’s strategy, pushing users towards the adoption of Windows 11. While existing Microsoft 365 apps won’t cease functioning immediately after the deadline, the company warns of potential performance and reliability issues down the line for those who choose to remain on Windows 10. This decision underscores Microsoft’s commitment to its latest operating system and sets the stage for a major transition in the personal computing landscape.
The implications of this announcement are far-reaching, impacting both individual users and businesses alike. For consumers, the choice becomes clear: upgrade to Windows 11 or risk encountering increasingly problematic performance with their essential productivity applications. Businesses, particularly those heavily reliant on Microsoft 365 for their daily operations, face a more complex decision. Upgrading an entire fleet of computers can be a costly and time-consuming endeavor, potentially requiring significant investments in new hardware and software. The potential disruption to workflows and the need for employee training further complicate the transition.
Microsoft’s aggressive push for Windows 11 adoption, however, doesn’t come as a surprise. The company has been actively promoting its latest operating system, even going so far as to declare 2025 the “year of the Windows 11 PC refresh.” At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) earlier this year, Microsoft executives emphasized the importance of upgrading from Windows 10, positioning it as a more significant technological upgrade than even purchasing new consumer electronics like televisions or smartphones. This marketing strategy highlights the company’s belief in the transformative potential of Windows 11 and its desire to see widespread adoption.
Despite Microsoft’s efforts, Windows 11 adoption has lagged behind expectations. A significant contributing factor to this slower uptake is the operating system’s stringent hardware requirements, effectively excluding millions of older machines from the upgrade path. The most notable of these requirements is the mandatory Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0, a security feature not present in many older PCs. This requirement, deemed “non-negotiable” by Microsoft, has created a barrier for users unable or unwilling to invest in new hardware. The company has even resorted to full-screen prompts urging Windows 10 users to purchase new PCs, further highlighting its commitment to driving Windows 11 adoption.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by users with incompatible hardware and recognizing the potential disruption caused by the end of support, Microsoft is offering a temporary reprieve in the form of Extended Security Updates (ESUs). For the first time, consumers will have the option to purchase additional security updates for Windows 10, extending support for up to one year at a cost of $30 per year. Businesses, often dealing with larger and more complex IT infrastructures, can purchase up to three years of extended updates. This option provides a temporary solution for those unable to immediately upgrade to Windows 11, allowing them time to plan and execute a more gradual transition.
The end of support for Microsoft 365 applications on Windows 10 marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of Microsoft’s operating systems. While the transition presents challenges for both consumers and businesses, it also underscores the importance of staying current with software updates and embracing technological advancements. Microsoft’s commitment to Windows 11, coupled with the availability of Extended Security Updates, provides a roadmap for users to navigate this change and ultimately benefit from the enhanced features and security offered by the latest operating system. The coming months will be crucial for users to evaluate their options and make informed decisions about their future computing needs.
