Microsoft has executed a significant policy reversal concerning Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows 10, extending security updates for an additional three years. This change pushes the support deadline for applications like Word and Excel on the older operating system to October 10, 2028, as detailed in an updated Microsoft Learn support document. This decision provides a crucial lifeline for the many users and businesses yet to migrate from Windows 10, which itself reaches end-of-support on October 14, 2025.
The extension means that while the Windows 10 OS will require paid Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for security patches after October 2025, Microsoft 365 Apps will continue to receive their own security updates free of charge. This move contrasts sharply with Microsoft’s earlier indications that users would need to upgrade to Windows 11 to continue using Microsoft 365 applications securely. The extended support also covers subscription versions of Project and Visio desktop apps.
Microsoft’s Modern Lifecycle Policy generally mandates that customers use its software on supported operating systems. However, this extension for Microsoft 365 Apps offers a practical concession.
A Change in Tune for Windows 10 Adherents
This policy adjustment is a considerable shift from Microsoft’s previous stance that Microsoft 365 Apps would cease to be supported on Windows 10 devices after October 14, 2025. The company had previously stated that an upgrade to Windows 11 was necessary for continued Microsoft 365 Application use. Microsoft’s stated rationale for this extension is “to help maintain security while you transition to Windows 11,” with the company confirming updates will be delivered via standard channels.
The decision to extend Microsoft 365 app security updates freely aligns with the three-year ESU program available for the Windows 10 OS itself, particularly for enterprise customers. This alignment likely simplifies update delivery, avoiding issues based on ESU subscriptions.
The move caters to enterprise clients who will be paying for OS security. For consumers, Windows 10 ESUs are expected to cost $30 for the first year, while business pricing starts at $61 per device for the first year and increases annually.
The Push to Windows 11 Continues Amidst Nuances
Despite the extended app support, Microsoft’s core objective remains the migration of users to Windows 11. The company declared 2025 “the year of the Windows 11 PC refresh” at CES 2025, and has utilized full-screen prompts to encourage the upgrade.
A key driver for Windows 11 adoption is its enhanced security architecture, heavily reliant on features like the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0. Microsoft’s Steven Hosking previously emphasized that “TPM 2.0 is a necessity for a secure and future-proof Windows 11”.
However, these hardware prerequisites have drawn criticism. The Free Software Foundation (FSF), for instance, has voiced concerns, stating that “very soon, the end of support for Windows 10 will force users away from perfectly working hardware”, and advocating for GNU/Linux as an alternative.
For users of older Microsoft Surface devices, the company has published a list of models ineligible for the Windows 11 upgrade, adding another layer to the transition challenge. While the M365 app extension might give some users another reason to stay on Windows 10 longer, Microsoft still advises upgrading to Windows 11 to prevent potential performance and reliability issues on an unsupported OS. Perpetually licensed Office versions like Office 2021 and Office 2024 have their own fixed-lifecycle support ending in October 2026 and October 2029 respectively on Windows 10.
Understanding the Limits of Extended App Support
Even with the welcome three-year security update extension for Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows 10, users should be aware of specific customer support limitations effective after the OS end-of-support date of October 14, 2025. Microsoft has clarified that if an issue is exclusive to Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows 10 (and doesn’t occur on Windows 11), support will direct customers to upgrade their operating system.
If upgrading to Windows 11 isn’t feasible, Microsoft will offer troubleshooting assistance, but, as stated in the Microsoft Learn article. Crucially, support incidents for Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows 10 after this date will not include options for logging bugs or requesting new product features. While Microsoft has assured, via a support article for IT admins, that the apps will “continue to function as before,” the overarching recommendation remains a move to Windows 11 for the “best experience” and comprehensive support.
