Microsoft to kill support for Windows 10 and Office apps from Oct. 2025

Microsoft urges users to upgrade to Windows 11 for security and new features, calling 2025 “the year of the Windows 11 PC refresh”

In what may be called a big trouble for PC users who are still on Windows 10, Microsoft has confirmed that support for Microsoft 365 apps on the given operating system will officially end on October 14, 2025, the same date marking the Windows 10 end of support. This announcement reinforces the company’s push for users to transition to Windows 11 to maintain access to updates, features, and security enhancements.

Apps will continue to work, but risks persist

After the Windows 10 end of support date, Microsoft 365 apps (formerly Office apps) will not immediately stop functioning. However, they will no longer receive updates, bug fixes, or security patches. This lack of support could lead to performance issues and increased security vulnerabilities for users who continue using Microsoft Office 2025 on an unsupported operating system.

Microsoft encourages users to upgrade to Windows 11 as the best way to stay secure and access the latest features. Yusuf Mehdi, the company’s executive vice president, referred to 2025 as “the year of the Windows 11 PC refresh,” urging individuals and businesses to prioritize upgrading over other expenses like electronics.

Hardware limitations for Windows 10 upgrades

Upgrading to Windows 11 has proven challenging for some users due to its strict hardware requirements, including the need for TPM 2.0. Many older PCs cannot meet these requirements, leaving users with limited choices: purchasing new hardware or using unsupported systems after the Windows 10 end of support date.

To encourage the switch, Microsoft has been displaying full-screen upgrade prompts on older PCs, highlighting the approaching Microsoft update October 2025 deadline. For those unable to upgrade immediately, the company offers Extended Security Updates (ESU), allowing individuals to pay $30 for an extra year of updates and businesses to purchase up to three years of additional support.

Plan ahead for October 2025

This announcement is a call to action for Windows 10 users to begin planning their next steps. Whether it’s upgrading to Windows 11, acquiring compatible hardware, or opting for extended support, users must make decisions before the Windows 10 end of support date to avoid disruptions.

With the Microsoft update October 2025 deadline fast approaching, now is the time for businesses and individuals to prepare for the transition and ensure they remain secure and up-to-date in the evolving Microsoft ecosystem.