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The ongoing confusion around the end-of-support deadlines for Windows 10 and its compatibility with Microsoft 365 apps has resurfaced. Despite Microsoft clearing things up months ago, some sources continue to spread misinformation, leading to another wave of panic among users. Let’s dive into the details of this “zombie” news story that simply won’t die.
The Original Story
In January, numerous tech outlets reported that the free upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 was a limited-time offer, with a firm deadline of October 14, 2025, for Windows 10 users to continue using Microsoft 365 apps. According to these reports, Windows 10 users would be forced to upgrade to Windows 11 in order to keep using Microsoft 365 after the stated deadline.
However, this news was based on an article from a very junior Microsoft employee published on an obscure Microsoft blog. The article, which claimed that support for Microsoft 365 would stop on Windows 10 after October 14, was deleted within hours, and Microsoft issued an official statement clarifying that the blog contained “inaccurate information.”
In reality, the official Microsoft documentation, published a month earlier, stated that while Windows 10 support would end on October 14, 2025, Microsoft 365 apps would continue to function as usual. The company emphasized that, while Windows 10 users would still be able to use Microsoft 365 apps, they strongly recommended upgrading to Windows 11 to avoid potential performance issues.
Back in the News
Fast forward to today, and the story has resurfaced again, thanks in part to Forbes, which revived the “surprise deadline u-turn” narrative. The confusion comes from a new note added to Microsoft’s official product documentation on Microsoft Learn, titled “Windows 10 end of support and Microsoft 365 Apps.”
According to the update, Microsoft will continue to provide security updates for Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10 for three years after the operating system reaches its end-of-support date. This means Windows 10 users will continue to receive security updates for their Microsoft 365 apps until October 10, 2028.
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What Undercode Says:
The persistent rumors surrounding Microsoft’s end-of-support timeline seem to be fueled by misinterpretations and the media’s inclination to sensationalize. The most important takeaway here is that while Microsoft 365 apps will continue to function on Windows 10 post-October 14, 2025, Microsoft is no longer testing new releases on this platform.
Additionally, support for any Microsoft 365 issues on Windows 10 will be limited. If an issue arises on Windows 10 but not on Windows 11, users will likely be asked to upgrade. If users are unable to upgrade, troubleshooting will be provided, but technical workarounds may be limited.
From a technical standpoint, this news is an attempt by Microsoft to provide clarity for enterprise users who rely on Windows 10. The new three-year window for security updates aligns with the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for businesses, ensuring a smooth transition. However, for personal users, the situation is a little less favorable. While security updates will still be available, support for troubleshooting or resolving issues may be far more limited, and users could find themselves with little to no help if they experience problems.
For most personal users, the takeaway is simple: you should upgrade to Windows 11 to ensure long-term security, reliability, and full support for Microsoft 365. The three-year window for updates doesn’t mean Microsoft is encouraging complacency – it’s just an extension of the enterprise support timeline that helps users transition smoothly.
Fact Checker Results:
- The claim that Microsoft 365 apps will stop working on Windows 10 after October 14, 2025, is incorrect.
- Microsoft will continue to provide security updates for Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10 until October 10, 2028.
- Users will experience limited support and troubleshooting if they remain on Windows 10 after the deadline.
Prediction:
As the October 2025 deadline approaches, we can expect Microsoft to continue pushing for widespread adoption of Windows 11, particularly among enterprise customers. With a three-year window for updates on Windows 10, users will have some breathing room, but they will likely face more pressure to upgrade as support becomes more limited. Additionally, Microsoft will likely continue to refine its messaging to avoid further confusion in the lead-up to the deadline.
References:
Reported By: www.zdnet.com
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