In a move that’s surprised many, Microsoft has announced it will continue providing security updates for Microsoft 365 applications running on Windows 10 until October 2028. This decision reverses a previous plan to end support much sooner, a move that left many users and businesses scrambling.
The tech giant quietly updated its support documentation to reflect the change, stating that Microsoft 365 apps—including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook—will receive security patches for three years after Windows 10 reaches its official end-of-life. These updates will be delivered through Microsoft’s standard update channels.
While Microsoft has been aggressively promoting Windows 11, this extension offers a sigh of relief for those still clinging to the older operating system. The reason for the original push is evident: Windows 11 is deeply integrated with Microsoft’s Copilot AI suite, creating a strong incentive for users to upgrade. This sudden manifestation of a change in the company’s update policy after months of pushing users to upgrade.
The implications of this extension are significant. Previously, users faced a difficult choice: upgrade to Windows 11, purchase new hardware compatible with Windows 11 (as older machines often fall short of the stringent requirements), or risk running Microsoft 365 apps on an unsupported operating system, leaving them vulnerable to security threats. The public awareness of this dilemma, and potential backlash, may have influenced Microsoft’s decision.
“Microsoft will continue providing security updates for Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows 10 for three years after Windows 10 reaches end of support,” states the updated support article.
While Microsoft maintains that using an unsupported OS can lead to performance and reliability issues, as well as increased vulnerability to malware and hacking attempts, the reality for many users is more nuanced. The decision to stick with Windows 10 often comes down to cost, hardware limitations, or simply a preference for a familiar interface. This is even more real for businesses that have custom-built software that is no longer supported under Windows 11.
However, the move isn’t entirely altruistic. Industry analysts suggest that Microsoft’s desire to fully monetize its AI offerings plays a role. For Microsoft to get the most out of the AI features it has integrated into Windows 11, it needs as many users as possible on the new operating system. However, the company still risks alienating millions of Windows 10 users if its app suite is not secure.
The hardware requirments for Windows 11 are a hurdle for many. Reports indicate that millions of existing PCs are incompatible, effectively forcing users to purchase new machines to upgrade. This has sparked criticism and concerns about e-waste. This also causes the need for the extention to continue to roll out under Windows 10. This has been a major discussion on social media, too.
“This extension gives us some breathing room,” commented one user on X.com. “We were dreading the thought of replacing all our office computers just to keep using Office.”
The impact of the extension ripples beyond individual users. Businesses, schools, and non-profit organizations that rely on Microsoft 365 will benefit from the added security updates. This allows IT departments to delay costly upgrades and focus on other priorities. This is a big relief for those on a budget within their business.
However, some experts caution against complacency. “This extension is not a free pass to ignore the need to eventually upgrade,” warns Sarah Chen, a cybersecurity consultant. “Windows 10 will eventually reach its true end-of-life, and organizations need to have a plan in place to transition to a supported operating system.”
Many on social media echo similar sentiments, posting that waiting to upgrade could be risky, as systems become increasingly vulnerable as new threats emerge.
The company declined to offer on-the-record comments beyond its updated online documentation. A member of the support team reached out via an anonymous email.
One local business owner stated that “The moment things shifted,” was when it became clear that maintaining both security and productivity on Windows 10 was becoming unsustainable without these updates. The business had several machines on Windows 10 and had been planning to upgrade. “This will provide us with a cost-effective manner of keeping our buisness up and running safely.”
- Microsoft 365 apps will receive security updates on Windows 10 until October 2028.
- This reverses a previous decision to end support sooner.
- The move provides relief for users unable or unwilling to upgrade to Windows 11.
- Stringent hardware requirements for Windows 11 are a major barrier to adoption.
- Experts caution against complacency, urging users to plan for eventual upgrades.
Ultimately, Microsoft’s decision to extend support for Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10 is a pragmatic one. It balances the company’s desire to promote Windows 11 with the reality that millions of users are still reliant on the older operating system. While not a permanent solution, it provides a crucial window of opportunity for individuals and organizations to plan for the future. It also is important to not that there is potential to lose out by not updating to Windows 11, such as AI features. Still, it is a great benifit to hold off and continue to safely utilize Windows 10.
The extention is great news for Windows 10 users. Be sure to stay up-to-date with the latest changes and security advisoeries to remain secure.
This is a great deal for those who use Windows 10. Make sure to check you machines and install security features. There is a lot of worry that cyber-attacks are on the rise, and Security is key.