Microsoft quietly extends support for M365 apps on Windows 10

Microsoft has recently repeatedly reminded users about the end of support for Windows 10 (October 14, 2025), and announced the Linux "End of 10" project to support users in switching operating systems. However, another important change related to Microsoft 365 (M365) has been quietly adjusted by the company, surprising many people.

Previously in January 2024, Microsoft announced that M365 applications such as Outlook, Teams, OneDrive, Word, Excel will stop working on Windows 10 after October 14, 2025. The company recommends that users upgrade to Windows 11 to continue using it.

But in a new Tech Community post regarding the extended security update (ESU) issue for Windows 10, Microsoft added the following notable information:

Microsoft 365 Apps running on Windows 10 will continue to receive security updates for three years after Windows 10 ends support, through October 10, 2028.

A related support document explains in more detail:

While applications like Word will still work after October 14, 2025, using an unsupported operating system may cause performance and stability issues for M365. Organizations should migrate to Windows 11.
To ensure a safe transition, Microsoft will provide security updates for M365 on Windows 10 through October 10, 2028 through the standard update channel.

In another post, Microsoft stressed:

We recommend users upgrade to Windows 11 to avoid performance risks. However, users who find it difficult to upgrade due to Windows 11's strict system requirements can continue to use M365 until 2028.

Extending M365 support on Windows 10 to 2028 is considered a reasonable step from Microsoft, giving many individuals and businesses more time to convert and upgrade their systems, especially when many computers do not meet the hardware requirements of Windows 11. However, the company still encourages early upgrades to take advantage of optimal features and security.

Note:

1. The security update applies to M365 only, excluding Windows 10.
2. After October 14, 2025, Windows 10 will no longer receive patches or technical support from Microsoft, although M365 will still be available.

Samuel Daniel

Update 15 May 2025