Microsoft has announced an unexpected extension for Office apps (Microsoft 365) on Windows 10, surprising many businesses and users who were expecting the apps to be phased out after October 14, 2025. Originally, Microsoft had planned to stop offering support for its Office suite on Windows 10 once the operating system reached its end-of-life. However, due to popular demand and to ensure a smooth transition, Microsoft will now continue providing critical security updates for Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10 until October 10, 2028. This move offers more time for businesses and consumers to upgrade to Windows 11.

The decision to extend security updates comes after Microsoft initially warned users to migrate to Windows 11 to continue receiving full support for Office apps. Microsoft emphasized that Windows 10 would no longer be compatible with new versions of Microsoft 365 apps, urging customers to update to Windows 11 for better performance and security. Now, with this extension, Office apps will continue to function normally on Windows 10 for the next three years, but businesses are encouraged to make the switch sooner to avoid long-term issues related to performance and reliability.

What Does This Extension Mean for Users and Businesses?

For businesses still running Windows 10, this extension offers peace of mind. Security updates will continue to flow for the next three years, ensuring that your Microsoft 365 apps remain secure and operational. However, Microsoft’s advice remains clear: upgrading to Windows 11 is the best long-term solution. Over time, as Windows 10 becomes more outdated, users may experience compatibility and reliability issues, which could affect productivity.

Microsoft’s Push for Windows 11

Alongside this extension, Microsoft continues to push for a wider adoption of Windows 11, marking 2025 as the "year of the Windows 11 PC refresh." This aligns with the company’s strategy to encourage both consumers and businesses to embrace the new operating system. Windows 11 offers several improvements, including better performance, enhanced security features, and a modernized user interface that many users find more intuitive. Microsoft has also been using full-screen prompts on Windows 10 devices to encourage users to buy new PCs that come with Windows 11 pre-installed.

Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Those Not Ready to Upgrade

For users who are not yet ready to transition to Windows 11, Microsoft is offering Extended Security Updates (ESU) as an alternative. This option, priced at $30 per year for consumers and higher for businesses, will keep Windows 10 secure until 2028. While this may be a temporary solution, it ensures that users can continue to receive security patches while they plan their transition to newer hardware or operating systems.

A Practical Move by Microsoft

Microsoft’s decision to extend support for Office apps on Windows 10 until 2028 is a strategic move that provides businesses and consumers with additional time to prepare for the upgrade to Windows 11. While the extended support window is helpful, Microsoft’s push toward Windows 11 reflects the company’s long-term vision for the future of computing. For businesses that rely heavily on Microsoft 365 apps, the recommendation is clear: upgrade soon to avoid potential security and performance issues as Windows 10’s end-of-life nears.