Windows 10 and Microsoft 365: What You Need to Know Before October 14, 2025

· 4 min read

I remember when we were told that Windows 10 was the last and final version of Windows—a comfort blanket that would be updated regularly. Then, not long after, Windows 11 was announced and released. At first, it didn’t seem much different from Windows 10 aside from a few new visual flares and, of course, extra hardware requirements. If your PC or laptop wasn’t up to the latest specs, you couldn’t install it.

Over time, Windows 11 evolved into a solid, stable operating system, but many of us still stuck with Windows 10 because it did everything we needed. Microsoft even brought Copilot to Windows 10 so that those who hadn’t switched could still get a taste of the new features. People found workarounds and tweaks to keep their older machines running the OS they knew—even a special Copilot PC version for the new AI-focused devices.

But the warning was clear: come October 14, 2025, if you’re not on Windows 11, you’ll be left out in the cold. Microsoft has now announced that support for Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10 will officially end on that date, coinciding with the end of support for Windows 10 itself.

What This Means for Windows 10 Users

After October 14, 2025, the implications are significant:

  • No More Windows Updates:   Windows 10 will no longer receive any updates. That means no new features, bug fixes, or security patches which will heighten vulnerability risks.

  • No More 365 Updates:
    Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10 will no longer receive updates. That means no new features, bug fixes, or security patches, and these apps will eventually stop working. Latest/New versions of Microsoft 365 Apps (including OneDrive) wil

  • Increased Security Risks:
    Without regular security updates, using these apps on Windows 10 exposes you to greater cyber threats.

  • Compliance Challenges:
    Businesses in regulated industries might face compliance issues by continuing to use unsupported software.

  • Performance and Compatibility Issues:
    Over time, you may experience sluggish performance and unexpected compatibility challenges as new software evolves without support on Windows 10.

Alternatives and Options

If you’re still on Windows 10, here are your options:

  • Upgrade to Windows 11:
    If your hardware is compatible, upgrading is the best way to keep enjoying full functionality and support for Microsoft 365 apps.

  • Browser-Based Access:
    You can use Microsoft 365 apps in your web browser, as these versions will continue to receive support.

  • Standalone Office Versions:
    Office 2021 and similar standalone versions will keep working on Windows 10, though they won’t get any new features after the cutoff date.

Extended Security Updates (ESU):

For those who can’t upgrade immediately, Microsoft offers an ESU program for Windows 10 that provides additional security patches. Note, however, that this won’t extend support for Microsoft 365 apps.

Consumers

  • Pricing: $30 per device for a one-year extension.- Availability: Enrollment begins closer to the end-of-support date in 2025.- Details: This extension offers an additional year of critical and important security updates but does not include new features or non-security updates. Source

Businesses

  • Pricing Structure: - Year One: $61 per device - Year Two: $122 per device - Year Three: $244 per device- Discounts: Organizations utilizing cloud-based update management solutions like Microsoft Intune or Windows Autopatch can receive a 25% discount, reducing the Year One cost to $45 per user (covering up to five devices). Source

Educational Institutions

  • Pricing: - Year One: $1 per device - Year Two: $2 per device - Year Three: $4 per device- Details: This affordable pricing structure aims to support schools in maintaining security during their transition to newer systems. Source

Important Considerations

  • Scope of ESU: The ESU program provides critical and important security updates but does not include new features, non-security updates, or design changes.- Recommendation: Microsoft advises upgrading to Windows 11 for the most current features and ongoing support. Source For more detailed information, please refer to Microsoft’s official documentation. Source

The Upgrade Dilemma

Windows 11 adoption has been slower than expected because of its stringent hardware requirements—like needing TPM 2.0—which means many older PCs simply can’t upgrade. Microsoft has removed any workarounds for running Windows 11 on unsupported hardware, leaving you with a stark choice:

  • Stay on Windows 10: Risk exposure to security vulnerabilities, performance issues, and loss of app support.
  • Upgrade to Windows 11: You may need to invest in new hardware if your current system isn’t compatible.
  • Explore Alternatives: Some might consider switching to Linux, but that comes with its own challenges.

Conclusion

While Microsoft 365 apps will continue to work on Windows 10 after October 14, 2025, the absence of updates means that security risks and compatibility issues will eventually catch up with you. Microsoft strongly recommends upgrading to Windows 11 to stay secure and fully supported. If you haven’t made the switch yet, now is the time to start planning your transition before your current machine becomes outdated—or worse, ends up in the landfill.