Key Takeaways:
- Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10 will now be supported until October 2028.
- Office 2021 and 2024 users will still get updates until October 2026 and 2029, respectively.
- Windows Defender updates will continue for Windows 10 users until at least October 2028.
- Microsoft wants to help users stay secure while they transition to Windows 11.
Big Changes to Microsoft’s Support Policy for Windows 10
If you’re still using Windows 10, you’re not alone. Even though Microsoft is pushing people to upgrade to Windows 11, millions of users are sticking with the older operating system. Now, Microsoft has made some important changes to its support policy for Windows 10 and Microsoft Office apps. Let’s break it down.
What’s Changing?
For most people, Windows 10 will stop getting security updates and official support on October 14, 2025. That’s about five months from now. Until recently, Microsoft also said that Microsoft Office apps on Windows 10 would lose support on the same date. This applied to both subscription-based Microsoft 365 apps and the one-time purchase versions like Office 2021 and Office 2024.
But Microsoft has now tweaked this plan. If you’re using Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10, you’ll still get updates and support until October 2028. The company says this is to help keep you safe while you upgrade to Windows 11.
What About Office 2021 and Office 2024?
For people using the one-time purchase versions of Office, like Office 2021 or Office 2024, the support timeline is a bit different. Microsoft follows something called the Fixed Lifecycle Policy for these products. This means they’ll get updates and support for a set number of years after their release.
- Office 2021 will be supported until October 2026.
- Office 2024 will be supported until October 2029.
So even after Windows 10’s official end of support in 2025, you’ll still get updates for these Office versions for a few more years.
What About Windows Defender?
Microsoft is also extending support for Windows Defender on Windows 10. The company will keep providing malware definition updates until at least October 2028. This means your antivirus software will stay up to date, even after Windows 10’s official support ends.
Why Is Microsoft Making These Changes?
Microsoft wants to make sure users stay secure while they transition to Windows 11. The company knows that not everyone is ready or willing to upgrade their operating system right away. By extending support for Microsoft 365 apps and Windows Defender, Microsoft is giving people more time to plan their upgrade without leaving them vulnerable to security risks.
What Does This Mean for You?
If you’re using Windows 10, here’s what you need to know:
- Microsoft 365 Apps: You’ll keep getting updates until October 2028, so you can keep using these apps safely while you decide whether to upgrade to Windows 11.
- Office 2021/2024: Your Office apps will keep getting updates until their respective end dates (2026 for Office 2021 and 2029 for Office 2024).
- Windows 10: The operating system itself will stop getting updates in October 2025, but Microsoft is extending support for certain features like Microsoft 365 apps and Windows Defender until 2028.
- Windows 11: Microsoft is still encouraging users to upgrade to Windows 11, but it’s giving people more flexibility and time to make the switch.
What Should You Do Next?
- If you’re using Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10: Take advantage of the extended support and focus on your upgrade plans to Windows 11 when you’re ready.
- If you’re using Office 2021 or 2024: Keep using your Office apps, knowing they’ll be supported for several more years.
- If you’re still on Windows 10: Start thinking about when and how you’ll upgrade to Windows 11. Microsoft’s extended support for apps and security features should make the transition smoother.
Final Thoughts
Microsoft’s decision to extend support for Microsoft 365 apps and Windows Defender on Windows 10 is a big win for users. It shows the company is listening to feedback and wants to make the transition to Windows 11 as painless as possible. Even though Windows 10’s official support ends in 2025, you’ll still have plenty of time to keep your apps and security updated. For now, you can focus on enjoying the familiarity of Windows 10 while knowing you have time to plan your next move.