Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows 10: Continued Support, But With Caveats

The countdown is on for Windows 10, with Microsoft officially ending support for the operating system on October 14th, 2025. Despite its age, Windows 10 remains a popular choice for many users, raising concerns about the fate of Microsoft 365 applications once support ceases. The initial announcement painted a bleak picture, suggesting that Microsoft 365 apps would become unsupported on Windows 10 from that date forward. However, recent developments indicate a shift in Microsoft’s stance, offering a glimmer of hope for those reluctant to upgrade to Windows 11.

While the core message remains consistent – that Windows 10’s end-of-life will impact the Microsoft 365 experience – Microsoft is now pledging to provide security updates for Microsoft 365 apps running on the older operating system. This change offers a critical lifeline, particularly for businesses and individuals who may not be ready or able to migrate to Windows 11 by the 2025 deadline.

According to an updated support page, Microsoft acknowledges that applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and others within the Microsoft 365 suite will continue to function after Windows 10 reaches its end-of-support milestone. This continuation of basic functionality is welcome news. However, it is crucial to understand the conditions and limitations attached to this extended support.

Microsoft clearly states that using an unsupported operating system like Windows 10 after its end-of-life date can lead to performance and reliability issues when running Microsoft 365 apps. This means users might experience slower application loading times, increased instances of crashes or freezes, and other unpredictable behaviors. The interplay between the aging operating system and the constantly evolving Microsoft 365 applications could create compatibility challenges that impact productivity.

The company strongly advises organizations currently using Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10 devices to prioritize a migration to Windows 11. This recommendation underscores the importance of maintaining a supported software environment for optimal performance, security, and access to the latest features. Windows 11 is designed to work seamlessly with current versions of Microsoft 365, ensuring a smoother and more reliable user experience.

To address the security concerns during the transition period, Microsoft has committed to providing security updates for Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10 for a period of three years after the operating system’s end of support. This extended security update program will run until October 10, 2028. These updates will be delivered through the standard update channels that users are already familiar with, minimizing disruption to existing workflows.

While security updates are essential for protecting against vulnerabilities and potential threats, they do not address the underlying performance and reliability issues associated with running Microsoft 365 apps on an unsupported operating system. Users may still encounter problems that negatively impact their productivity, even with the security patches in place.

Furthermore, Microsoft will offer limited support for Microsoft 365 apps running on Windows 10 after the end-of-life date. This means that if users encounter issues that are specific to the Windows 10 environment, Microsoft’s support teams may encourage them to upgrade to Windows 11 as the primary solution. Resolving issues that stem from the incompatibility between the older operating system and the newer applications will likely be a lower priority.

For individuals and organizations determined to continue using Windows 10 beyond the end-of-support date, Microsoft offers an alternative option: purchasing an Extended Security Updates (ESU) plan. This plan provides security-only updates for the operating system itself, helping to protect against known vulnerabilities. The ESU plan comes at a cost, starting at $30 for one year of extended security support. The price is expected to increase in subsequent years.

For those unwilling to pay for the ESU plan, there are alternative strategies to consider. These strategies include isolating the Windows 10 PC from the internet to minimize security risks, using alternative operating systems like Linux, or upgrading the hardware to be compatible with Windows 11.

The decision to continue using Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10 after the end-of-support date is a complex one, requiring careful consideration of the potential risks and benefits. While Microsoft’s commitment to providing security updates for Microsoft 365 apps offers a degree of reassurance, users should be prepared to encounter performance and reliability issues. The best long-term solution remains migrating to a supported operating system like Windows 11, ensuring a secure and optimized experience with Microsoft 365 applications.

Ultimately, users must weigh the costs and benefits of each option to determine the best course of action for their specific needs and circumstances. Staying informed about the latest developments and updates from Microsoft is essential for making informed decisions about the future of their Windows 10 devices. The clock is ticking, and preparation is key to navigating the transition successfully.