Microsoft Extends Support for Windows 10 Users, But Upgrade Still Looms

Windows 10 users have received some unexpected relief as Microsoft loosens its end-of-support timeline, offering more time to prepare before the operating system’s inevitable shutdown. However, while there’s a temporary lifeline, the full transition to Windows 11 is still on the horizon.

Originally, Microsoft announced that both Windows 10 and its Microsoft 365 apps would lose support on October 14, 2025.

But now, the company has quietly updated its plans. A recent post on Microsoft’s Tech Community blog revealed that Microsoft 365 apps, including Teams, Outlook, Word, Excel, and OneDrive, will continue to receive security updates on Windows 10 until October 2028. This move marks a shift from Microsoft’s earlier stance, offering a more gradual transition for users and businesses.

While this extension offers some breathing room, the core end-of-support for Windows 10 remains unchanged. This new timeline is most likely linked to the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which provides paid support to keep Windows 10 secure after the end of its official life. Home users can opt into this program for $30 per year, while businesses will pay more—starting at $61 per device and increasing over time.

Despite the extended support for Microsoft 365 apps, Windows 10’s days are still numbered. Users are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11, but the transition isn’t always smooth. Many face hardware and software challenges, compounded by rising hardware prices, especially with the tariffs affecting PC parts.

The ESU program provides a short-term solution for those unwilling or unable to make the switch to Windows 11 immediately. But for most users, upgrading will eventually be unavoidable, either to Windows 11 or another operating system entirely, like macOS or Linux.

As Microsoft extends its support for Microsoft 365 apps, the message remains clear: Windows 10 will eventually reach its end, and users will need to plan accordingly, whether that means upgrading their hardware or considering alternative systems.