Despite recent rumors, Microsoft does not plan to disable Microsoft 365 Office applications on devices running Windows 10. While general support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025, Microsoft 365 applications will continue to function normally on this operating system.
Initial Confusion from a Microsoft Document
The confusion arose from an official Microsoft document that stated:
“Finally, Microsoft 365 applications will no longer be supported after October 14, 2025, on devices running Windows 10. To use Microsoft 365, you will need to upgrade to Windows 11.”
This statement caused concern, as it seemed to indicate that Microsoft 365 would stop functioning on Windows 10 after the mentioned date. However, this document was later removed.
Microsoft clarified the situation in another statement, confirming that while Windows 10 will no longer receive support, Microsoft 365 applications will continue to be usable. The company, however, recommends upgrading to Windows 11 to ensure better performance and greater reliability.
Windows 10: A Relevant Platform
With the end of support on the horizon, it is estimated that Windows 10 will continue to be widely used, especially by those who cannot upgrade due to Windows 11’s hardware requirements, such as TPM 2.0. A report from StatCounter in December 2024 showed that Windows 10 still holds a market share of 61.83%, while Windows 11 reached 34.94%.
Additionally, gamers seem to prefer Windows 11, according to a Steam survey, which indicates that this operating system now dominates 56% of the gaming market.
Options for Users after 2025
Although Microsoft 365 applications will function on Windows 10 after 2025, users who wish to maintain security can opt to purchase extended updates for Windows 10 for $30 annually. This option is similar to what happened with Windows 7, which continues to work for many users.
In summary, Windows 10 users need not worry: Microsoft 365 will remain functional on their devices. However, it is advisable to upgrade to Windows 11 to enjoy full support and ongoing improvements.
via: WindowsAlert