# Microsoft 365 Apps to Phase Out Windows 10 Support: Key Information
Microsoft has revealed a major update that will affect millions of users depending on Microsoft 365 applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Beginning **October 14, 2025**, Microsoft 365 applications will cease to be supported on devices operating with Windows 10. This move is consistent with Microsoft’s intention to officially discontinue support for Windows 10 on that same date, encouraging users to transition to **Windows 11** or obtain new hardware. Here’s what this entails for users and the measures you can take to prepare.
—
## **What Implications Does This Have for Windows 10 Users?**
If you are presently utilizing Microsoft 365 applications on a Windows 10 device, the applications will not cease functioning immediately after the October 2025 cutoff. However, there are critical factors to keep in mind:
1. **No Future Updates**: Microsoft 365 apps will no longer receive updates, encompassing new features, security fixes, or performance enhancements. This may leave your system open to security vulnerabilities over time.
2. **Potential Performance Problems**: In the absence of updates, users might face compatibility challenges or diminished performance as the applications adapt to newer operating system needs.
3. **Reduced Support**: Microsoft will not provide technical assistance for Microsoft 365 applications operating on Windows 10 after the cutoff date.
—
## **Why Is Microsoft Phasing Out Support for Windows 10?**
Microsoft’s choice to terminate support for Windows 10 is part of its overarching initiative to transition users to **Windows 11**, which debuted in October 2021. Windows 11 features a revamped interface, enhanced security measures, and superior performance, but it also has stricter hardware prerequisites. These consist of:
– A compatible 64-bit processor
– 4GB of RAM or greater
– TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module)
– Secure Boot capability
Sadly, numerous older PCs utilizing Windows 10 do not meet these specifications, limiting upgrade options for users.
—
## **What Alternatives Do You Have?**
If you are a Windows 10 user, you have several routes to contemplate:
### **1. Upgrade to Windows 11 (If Your PC Meets the Criteria)**
Microsoft is providing a **free upgrade to Windows 11** for qualifying devices, but this offer is available “for a limited time only.” To check if your PC qualifies for Windows 11, you can utilize Microsoft’s **PC Health Check Tool**. If your device is eligible, upgrading is the easiest method to ensure ongoing support for Microsoft 365 applications.
### **2. Acquire a New Computer**
For those whose devices do not fulfill Windows 11’s hardware standards, purchasing a new computer might be the only practical solution. Many new PCs are shipped with Windows 11 pre-installed, assuring compatibility with Microsoft 365 applications and forthcoming updates.
### **3. Keep Using Windows 10 with Extended Security Updates (ESU)**
If upgrading to Windows 11 or acquiring a new PC isn’t viable, you can enroll in Microsoft’s **Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) Program**. This is a **paid service** that offers critical security updates for Windows 10 beyond its official end-of-support date. However, this choice does not prolong support for Microsoft 365 applications, so you will still encounter limitations with Office tools.
### **4. Investigate Alternative Productivity Solutions**
If upgrading to Windows 11 or purchasing a new PC isn’t feasible, consider switching to alternative productivity solutions, such as **Google Workspace** or free office alternatives like **LibreOffice**. However, these may not provide the seamless integration and advanced features of Microsoft 365.
—
## **Why Does This Change Matter?**
The choice to discontinue Microsoft 365 support on Windows 10 is significant for a number of reasons:
– **Encouragement to Adopt Windows 11**: By linking Microsoft 365 compatibility to Windows 11, Microsoft is motivating users to migrate to its latest operating system.
– **Effects on Businesses**: Many businesses continue to depend on Windows 10 for their operations. The necessity to upgrade hardware or sign up for paid programs like ESU could escalate costs for organizations.
– **User Discontent**: Users with older computers incapable of running Windows 11 may feel compelled to buy new hardware, which could lead to frustration among loyal Microsoft customers.
—
## **How to Get Ready for the Transition**
To facilitate a smooth transition, consider taking the following actions:
1. **Verify Your PC’s Compatibility**: Use the PC Health Check Tool to find out if your device can run Windows 11.
2. **Protect Your Data**: Prior to upgrading or buying a new device, back up your important files to prevent data loss.
3. **Assess Your Requirements**: Determine whether you need the complete suite of Microsoft 365 applications or if alternative tools could suffice.
4. **Budget Accordingly**: If a new PC is imperative, begin planning your budget now.
