Microsoft Ending Support for Office on Windows 10 Devices

Microsoft has announced that it will cease support for Office applications on Windows 10 after the operating system’s end-of-life on October 14, 2025. This move aims to encourage users to transition to Windows 11, a strategy that has faced resistance due to the mandatory TPM 2.0 requirement.

While Office apps will continue to function on Windows 10 after October 2025, Microsoft warns of potential performance and reliability issues. This applies to both Microsoft 365 Apps and standalone versions like Office 2021 and 2019.

This announcement comes despite the fact that over 62% of Windows systems worldwide still utilise the older version of Windows, compared to less than 35% running Windows 11. The reluctance to upgrade stems from the TPM 2.0 requirement, which many users find inconvenient or incompatible with their existing hardware.

Microsoft introduced the TPM 2.0 mandate in 2021 to enhance system security, but it has led to frustration among users who have found ways to circumvent the requirement.

To soften the blow, Microsoft offers Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 10 Home users, allowing them to delay the transition to Windows 11 for an additional year at a cost of USD30 (~RM135). Additionally, specialised versions of Windows 10, such as LTSB and LTSC, will continue to receive updates beyond October 2025.

This move by Microsoft highlights its ongoing efforts to push users towards Windows 11, a key component of its future product roadmap. However, the company faces the challenge of convincing a significant portion of its user base to embrace the new operating system while addressing their concerns regarding compatibility and security requirements.