Microsoft Will End Support for M365 Apps on Windows 10 in 2025
Have you been holding off on that Windows 11 upgrade?
You’re not alone, as 60.3% of all desktops worldwide still are using Windows 10, according to Statcounter.
The problem is we are inching closer and closer to Oct. 14, 2025, the day Microsoft plans to stop supporting Windows 10 with vital security updates.
Not only will Microsoft stop supporting Windows 10 on that day, but the company recently stated that Microsoft 365 apps — such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Teams — running on Windows 10 also will no longer be supported beginning Oct. 14.
It’s a new wrinkle in the Windows upgrade problem, as Microsoft hadn’t discussed how Microsoft 365 apps running on Windows 10 would be affected by the operating system’s end-of-support date.
Is It OK to Use Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows 10?
Until Oct. 14, you’re OK to use Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10, though we would recommend upgrading to Windows 11 so you can continue receiving vital security updates.
Microsoft did state that the apps will continue to work past Oct. 14, but there could be “performance and reliability issues over time.”
Microsoft is pushing its users hard to upgrade to Windows 11, even going so far as to call 2025 “The year of the Windows 11 PC refresh.”
And by ending support for Windows 10, the company hopes you’ll take the leap and purchase new computers.
“If you continue to use Microsoft 365 on Windows 10 and experience issues, Microsoft won’t be able to help you and would suggest upgrading or replacing your computer.”
And with good reason: Security is critical, and Microsoft has a lot at stake if they don’t get it right. Windows 11 introduces specific security improvements that older hardware simply can’t support.
One major change is the requirement for TPM 2.0, which enables phishing-resistant credentials and better protection against modern cyberthreats.
How Does This Affect the Extended Support Update (ESU) Program?
It appears the ESU Program will not extend to Microsoft 365, but there’s been no definitive answer.
The ESU Program allows organizations to continue receiving security updates for Windows 10 past its retirement date.
Up to three additional years can be purchased, meaning you could receive security updates for Windows 10 until Oct. 10, 2028.
It’s a great program for organizations that utilize line-of-business software that is not compatible with newer versions of Windows. However, it’s not clear if those updates would extend to Microsoft 365 apps or solely cover Windows 10.
If you continue to use Microsoft 365 on Windows 10 and experience issues, Microsoft won’t be able to help you and would suggest upgrading or replacing your computer.
Upgrade to Windows 11
To get the full experience of Microsoft 365 without performance or reliability issues, you should upgrade your current computers to Windows 11 or replace the ones that cannot be upgraded.
Don’t risk your organization’s security and productivity. If you have several computers that need to be upgraded, contact us now to schedule a meeting to discuss your upgrade plan.
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