Microsoft Signals End of Free Windows 11 Upgrade and Windows 10 Office Support

Microsoft says that it will end the free Windows 11 upgrade and Microsoft 365 support for Windows 10 users by 2025, urging users to act soon.

As Microsoft accelerates its push for Windows 11 adoption, it has raised concerns for Windows 10 users who have yet to transition to the new operating system.

In a blog post, Microsoft warned yesterday that the free upgrade offer to Windows 11 could soon come to an end, coinciding with the operating system’s October 2025 end-of-life (EOL) date for Windows 10.

The company’s subtle phrasing of “Free Upgrade to Windows 11 (For a Limited Time Only)” suggests that users must act quickly to take advantage of the free upgrade offer before it expires.

With the clock ticking toward Windows 10’s EOL, users are being faced with an important decision: upgrade to Windows 11 or face a future without critical updates.

In addition to the free upgrade risk, Microsoft has also announced that support for its flagship productivity suite, Microsoft 365, will be ending on Windows 10 devices after the same deadline.

Windows 10 Support Ends in 2025

Windows 10’s end-of-life date on October 14, 2025, is quickly approaching, marking a pivotal moment for millions of users. Once support ends, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates or general support for the operating system.

This leaves users vulnerable to increasing cyber threats, with Microsoft emphasizing that those who continue to use Windows 10 without an upgrade will be at risk.

Microsoft’s official guidance is clear: upgrading to Windows 11 is the best path forward for users who want to continue receiving timely security updates and ensure compatibility with new software. However, there is now an added layer of complexity with the imminent end of the free upgrade offer.

Although Microsoft has not set a definitive cut-off date for the free upgrade, their latest blog post suggests that users who delay their upgrades may miss the window of opportunity.

The Impact of Losing Microsoft 365 Support

As if the risk of unsupported Windows 10 devices wasn’t enough, Microsoft has confirmed that “Microsoft 365 Apps will no longer be supported after October 14, 2025, on Windows 10 devices. To use Microsoft 365 Applications on your device, you will need to upgrade to Windows 11.”

This adds even more urgency for users still holding on to older hardware. For businesses, the end of Microsoft 365 support could have serious consequences.

Office apps are integral to day-to-day operations for many, and without ongoing updates, businesses could experience performance issues, security vulnerabilities, and compatibility problems that may significantly disrupt productivity.

Although Microsoft has made it clear that users can still run Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10 after the EOL, while they will no longer receive updates, leaving them vulnerable to security flaws and performance degradation over time.

The dual impact of losing both operating system support and app updates may force users to upgrade not just to maintain productivity but also to stay secure in an increasingly risky digital landscape.

TPM 2.0: A Key Hurdle for Many Windows 10 Users

For many users, the transition to Windows 11 is complicated by the operating system’s stringent hardware requirements, particularly the need for a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 chip. TPM 2.0 is a security feature that helps protect sensitive data by encrypting it and securing credentials.

This chip is a requirement for Windows 11, and devices without it will not be eligible for the upgrade. Microsoft’s TPM 2.0 mandate has generated significant frustration among users with older machines, many of which would be fully capable of running Windows 11 in terms of performance but lack the required hardware.

Related: How to Install Windows 11 without TPM / with Unsupported CPU

As Steven Hosking, Senior Product Manager at Microsoft, explained, “TPM 2.0 ensures that Windows 11 delivers the security protections necessary to address the challenges of today’s threat landscape.”

The focus on security is part of Microsoft’s broader strategy to build a more resilient computing ecosystem, leveraging hardware-based security to protect against modern cyber threats.

However, the insistence on TPM 2.0 has sparked criticism, especially among those who believe the requirement is too restrictive, excluding devices that could otherwise handle the new operating system.

The Free Software Foundation (FSF) has ended the last year with a strong plea to users to resist Microsoft’s Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 requirement for Windows 11. In a blog post FSF campaigns manager Greg Farough warned that the policy threatens user freedom, fuels unnecessary hardware upgrades, solidifying the power of media conglomerates.

Microsoft has maintained that TPM 2.0 is a necessary feature to ensure the security and integrity of devices, positioning it as a key part of Windows 11’s Zero Trust security model. But as users continue to encounter compatibility issues, questions about the balance between security and accessibility have become more pronounced.

Extended Security Updates (ESU): A Temporary Fix for Windows 10 Holdouts

For users who cannot immediately upgrade to Windows 11, Microsoft is offering the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. This paid service, typically reserved for businesses, will now be available to individual consumers for the first time.

For a cost of $30, users can extend their Windows 10 security updates for one more year. Businesses, on the other hand, will be able to purchase up to three years of extended support.

However, the ESU program is only a temporary solution. While it ensures that users continue to receive essential security patches, it does not provide access to new features or general support.

Its limited service means that those who choose not to upgrade will still be vulnerable to software vulnerabilities and potentially miss out on essential improvements that come with newer versions of Windows.

Windows 10 Users Must Act Quickly to Secure Their Devices

With the clock ticking down to Windows 10’s end-of-life date, users must now make a decision about how they will continue to operate in a post-Windows 10 world. For those still running Windows 10, the time to upgrade to Windows 11 is now, as missing the free upgrade offer could mean paying for the transition later or being forced to use unsupported software.

In addition to the Windows 11 upgrade path, third-party solutions that extend security for unsupported versions of Windows 10 have emerged. 0patch, a Slovenia-based company, plans to offer five years of extra updates for Windows 10 after Microsoft ends official support.

However, Microsoft has consistently warned against using such unofficial methods. The company said, that systems without TPM 2.0 cannot guarantee the same level of security or reliability as those that meet the requirements. The company implies that unofficial workarounds may expose users to significant risks, and the loss of access to critical updates after October 2025.

Microsoft’s free upgrade offer may not last long, and waiting too long could leave users vulnerable to digital threats. As we approach 2025, those still on Windows 10 should prepare for the inevitable shift to Windows 11, or risk being left behind behind.

Related: How to Check If Your PC Has a TPM Chip (Trusted Platform Module)

Not sure if you meet the requirements for Windows 11? We show you four ways to check if you have a TPM chip that don’t rely on Microsoft’s compatibility tool. Essentially, TPM is a security module typically soldered onto the motherboard in the form of a chip. It acts as a cryptographic processor and offers a hardware-based approach to generating hashes and storing cryptographic keys, biometric data, user data, and more.

Related: How to Install Windows 11 without TPM / with Unsupported CPU

Much controversy has come from Microsoft’s decision to restrict Windows 11 to machines that support TPM 2.0, with the company itself even seeming uncertain about the move. In our other guide, we show you how to install Windows 11 without TPM 2.0 chip or how to install it if your PC has only TPM 1.2 or an unsupported CPU.

Markus Kasanmascheff
Markus Kasanmascheff
Markus has been covering the tech industry for more than 15 years. He is holding a Master´s degree in International Economics and is the founder and managing editor of Winbuzzer.com.
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