Microsoft announces deadline for Windows 10 users to upgrade or lose support

On May 12, 2025, Microsoft made an announcement regarding the future support of Microsoft 365 applications on Windows 10 devices. The company confirmed that these applications will reach their end of support on October 14, 2025. This news is significant as it affects the vast user base of Windows 10, which includes approximately 700 million PC owners who have yet to upgrade to Windows 11. Previously, Microsoft's push for users to transition to the newer operating system had a clear direction; however, this recent communication signals a change in strategy. The major takeaway from the announcement is that, in a support document, Microsoft stated that after Windows 10 reaches the end of support, users will need to upgrade to Windows 11 to continue using Microsoft 365 apps effectively. Although this may appear to be a straightforward push towards Windows 11, the company also revealed a plan to continue providing security updates specifically for Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10 for an additional three years, lasting until October 10, 2028. This concession may ease the transition for users who find themselves unable to upgrade due to hardware limitations, especially those with computers that lack the required TPM 2.0 chip necessary for Windows 11. Furthermore, Microsoft specified that if issues arise with Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10 devices and support requests assistance regarding these issues, users will be encouraged to transition to Windows 11. Otherwise, the support team will offer limited technical troubleshooting. This update is particularly relevant given the estimated 240 million Windows 10 users facing existing hardware constraints. The company has structured these updates as a way to maintain security during the transition, but it leaves many users contemplating their future computing options, including the potential exploration of alternative operating systems such as Linux.