Microsoft is Discontinuing Support for Office Apps on Windows 10. Upgrade Windows 11?

Microsoft has announced that it will no longer support Microsoft 365 apps such as Word, PowerPoint and Excel on computers running Windows 10 starting Oct 14 2025. This is due to an earlier announcement that the Windows 10 operating system (OS) will reach end of support on the same date.

The tech giant clarified that an unsupported operating system will no longer receive quality updates, feature enhancements, security patches, or technical support. Although Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10 may still work after October 14, the company strongly recommends upgrading to Windows 11 to "avoid performance and reliability issues over time." Microsoft added: "Once you switch to a supported Windows operating system, all Microsoft 365 features and security updates will resume as normal."

For those not ready to upgrade, the company suggests using Office on the web as an alternative, providing free online access to Word, Excel, and PowerPoint by signing in. Additionally, Windows 10 users can continue receiving monthly security updates by subscribing to the Extended Security Update program on a yearly basis. In the US, it has been announced that home users will need to pay $30 (approximately RM135) to subscribe to the Extended Security Update program. Additional details on enrollment will be shared as the October end-of-support date approaches.

Free Upgrade Option

Microsoft has confirmed that upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is free, provided the device is running the latest version of Windows 10 and meets the required hardware specifications for the upgrade. According to the company, Windows 11 offers the same power and security as Windows 10, along with new features, sounds, and applications. Users can visit the Microsoft website to check their eligibility for the free upgrade.