Microsoft Extends Office App Support on Windows 10 Until 2028
In a significant policy shift, Microsoft has announced that it will continue to provide security updates for Microsoft 365 (Office) apps on Windows 10 until October 10, 2028. This extension offers users an additional three years of support beyond the previously scheduled end-of-support date of October 14, 2025.
Extended Support Details
Initially, Microsoft planned to end support for Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10 in October 2025, aligning with the operating system's end-of-support date. However, the company has changed this decision, stating:
"In the interest of maintaining your security while you upgrade to Windows 11, we will continue providing security updates for Microsoft 365 on Windows 10 for a total of three years after Windows 10's end of support, ending on October 10, 2028."
These updates will be delivered through standard Office update channels, ensuring that users receive necessary security patches during the extended period.
Implications for Users
While the extension provides additional time for users to transition to Windows 11, Microsoft emphasizes that running Microsoft 365 apps on an unsupported operating system may lead to performance and reliability issues. The company advises:
"Although apps such as Word will continue to work after Windows 10 reaches the end of support, using an unsupported operating system can cause performance and reliability issues when running Microsoft 365 Apps."
Furthermore, Microsoft notes that if users encounter issues with Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10 that do not occur on Windows 11, support may be limited. In such cases, users might be advised to upgrade to Windows 11 to resolve the problems.
Encouragement to Upgrade
Despite the extended support, Microsoft continues to encourage users to upgrade to Windows 11 to benefit from the latest features and improvements. The company has labeled 2025 as "the year of the Windows 11 PC refresh," highlighting the importance of transitioning to the newer operating system.
Conclusion
Microsoft's decision to extend support for Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10 until 2028 provides users with extra time to plan their transition to Windows 11. However, the company advises users to upgrade sooner rather than later to avoid potential performance and reliability issues associated with running apps on an unsupported operating system.
Will you upgrade to Windows 11 before the 2025 deadline, or will you take advantage of the extended support period? Share your thoughts in the comments below and stay tuned for more updates.
