As the October 14, 2025 end-of-support deadline for Windows 10 approaches, Microsoft has made a surprising announcement that offers some relief to hundreds of millions of users still running the aging operating system. In an unexpected policy shift, the company has extended security update support for Microsoft 365 applications on Windows 10 for an additional three years, until October 10, 2028.
The Unexpected Extension
In a significant reversal of its previous stance, Microsoft has quietly announced it will continue providing security updates for Microsoft 365 applications on Windows 10 for three years beyond the operating system's end-of-support date. This comes as welcome news to approximately 700 million Windows 10 users who have not yet upgraded to Windows 11. The extension applies specifically to Microsoft 365 apps and will be delivered through standard update channels at no additional cost to users, unlike the paid Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for the Windows 10 operating system itself.
Key Dates for Windows 10
- Windows 10 end of support: October 14, 2025
- Extended Microsoft 365 app support: Until October 10, 2028
- Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 10: Available for a fee after October 14, 2025
Previous Deadlines and Pressure
Earlier this year, Microsoft had taken a much harder line, stating categorically that Microsoft 365 Apps will no longer be supported after October 14, 2025, on Windows 10 devices. The company had been pushing users to upgrade to Windows 11 by establishing this firm deadline, essentially telling users they would need to upgrade their operating system to continue using productivity applications like Word, Excel, and Outlook with security support. This approach mirrored Microsoft's handling of previous operating systems like Windows 7 and Windows 8, where Microsoft 365 support ended alongside the operating system's support lifecycle.
Hardware Compatibility Challenges
The extension appears to acknowledge a significant challenge facing many Windows 10 users: approximately 240 million devices simply don't meet the hardware requirements to run Windows 11. These PCs lack the TPM 2.0 security chip that Microsoft has made mandatory for Windows 11 installation. For these users, the only options were to purchase new hardware, pay for expensive extended security updates, or continue using increasingly vulnerable software. This new policy gives these users more breathing room to plan their transitions while maintaining security for critical productivity applications.
Windows 10 User Statistics
- Approximately 700 million users still on Windows 10
- Approximately 240 million Windows 10 devices cannot upgrade to Windows 11 due to hardware limitations
- Main hardware limitation: Lack of TPM 2.0 security chip
Limited Technical Support
While Microsoft has extended security updates, the company has included some caveats regarding technical support. If users encounter issues with Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10 after the operating system's end-of-support date, Microsoft will provide troubleshooting assistance but notes that technical workarounds might be limited or unavailable. The company will still encourage users experiencing problems to upgrade to Windows 11 when possible, maintaining its long-term strategy of transitioning users to the newer platform.
Alternative Options for Windows 10 Users
As the Windows 10 end-of-support deadline approaches, users are exploring various options. The End of 10 campaign has emerged as a community-driven initiative to help Windows 10 users transition to Linux operating systems, which can often run efficiently on older hardware. This movement emphasizes the environmental and cost benefits of extending the life of existing computers rather than purchasing new ones. The campaign provides resources including repair cafes, independent shops, and community events where users can get help installing and learning Linux.
Looking Ahead
Microsoft's decision to extend Microsoft 365 app support may signal a recognition that the transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11 will take longer than initially planned. With less than six months until Windows 10's official end-of-support date, many are wondering if this is the first of several concessions Microsoft might make. Questions remain about whether the company will offer any reprieve on critical security updates for the operating system itself without requiring the $30 Extended Security Updates fee, especially given the potential cybersecurity implications of hundreds of millions of unsupported devices remaining online after October 2025.