Microsoft has announced that it will no longer support its Office apps, also known as Microsoft 365 apps, on Windows 10 devices after October 14th, 2025. This move coincides with the end of support date for Windows 10, and marks a significant push by the company to encourage users to upgrade to Windows 11.

In a blog post, Microsoft stated that "Microsoft 365 Apps will no longer be supported after October 14, 2025, on Windows 10 devices." The company is urging users to upgrade to Windows 11 in order to continue using its productivity apps. While support will end for Office apps on Windows 10, Microsoft notes that the applications will continue to function as before, but may experience "performance and reliability issues over time."

This move is part of Microsoft's broader strategy to encourage users to adopt Windows 11, which the company is calling "the year of the Windows 11 PC refresh." At CES last week, Microsoft's executive vice president and consumer chief marketing officer, Yusuf Mehdi, emphasized the importance of refreshing old Windows 10 PCs, stating that it will be more important than buying a new TV or phone this year.

However, Windows 11 adoption is still lagging behind Windows 10, and millions of machines are unable to upgrade to the latest OS due to Microsoft's strict hardware requirements. The company recently closed the door on Windows 11 supporting older hardware, citing its Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 requirement as "non-negotiable." As a result, Microsoft is now resorting to full-screen prompts to convince Windows 10 users to buy a new PC.

In a bid to ease the transition, Microsoft is offering Extended Security Updates to consumers for the first time ever. Consumers will be able to pay $30 for an extra year of updates, while businesses will be able to purchase up to three years of extended updates. This move is likely to provide some relief to users who are unable to upgrade to Windows 11 immediately.

The implications of this move are significant, as it will affect millions of users who rely on Microsoft's productivity apps. While the company's push to adopt Windows 11 is understandable, it remains to be seen how users will respond to the end of support for Office apps on Windows 10. As the deadline approaches, it will be important for users to weigh their options and consider the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11.

In the broader context, Microsoft's move highlights the ongoing challenges of keeping pace with rapid technological advancements. As the company continues to evolve its product offerings, it must balance the need to innovate with the need to support its existing user base. The success of this strategy will depend on Microsoft's ability to convince users of the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11, while also providing adequate support for those who are unable to make the transition.