Even when Windows 10 support ends, Microsoft will continue to keep Office applications on the outdated operating system up-to-date. This represents a change in Redmond’s policy.
On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will end support for Windows 10. The operating system will no longer receive security updates from that point on. Initially, Microsoft planned to also end support for Microsoft 365 applications on Windows 10 at that time, but Redmond is now reconsidering this decision.
Microsoft has updated its policy for Microsoft 365 applications on various support pages. Specifically, Microsoft will continue to support applications such as Word and Excel on Windows 10 for an additional three years, until October 10, 2028.
Compatibility with ESU
The policy change doesn’t come as a complete surprise. Microsoft isn’t entirely ending support for Windows 10. Companies and for the first time, consumers as well can pay to continue receiving updates after the October 14 deadline. People and organizations who, for various reasons, cannot or do not want to upgrade can subscribe to Extended Security Updates (ESU) for a fee. Those who do so can continue using Windows 10 safely for up to three more years.
This could have created a situation where customers pay to use Windows 10 after October 14, 2025, but still encounter security issues with Microsoft 365. Microsoft is now resolving this by extending support for Microsoft 365 applications for everyone by three years. Those who don’t pay for ESU will also receive the updates, but will be running Microsoft 365 on an unsecured operating system. This combination is not recommended.