Microsoft will stop supporting its applications on Windows 10.

Microsoft has decided to end support for Microsoft 365 applications on Windows 10 on October 14 of this year, coinciding with the expiration date of support for Windows 10 in general. This announcement has caught many by surprise, given that the company is offering the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for $30, which would allow users to continue using Windows 10 safely for an additional year. However, users of this program will not be able to receive updates for Office applications, which could lead to "performance and reliability issues over time." It is unclear whether these problems will arise during the ESU program period.

The transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11 has proven to be a complicated process for the company. Despite being three years since the launch of Windows 11, a significant number of users are still clinging to the older version. The reasons vary; many people are still using devices that do not meet the hardware requirements for Windows 11, while others have been deterred by public opinion, which has criticized the new operating system. Additionally, acceptance among gamers has been slow, although in the October 2024 Steam Hardware Survey, Windows 11 surpassed Windows 10 for the first time.

This reluctance to upgrade has frustrated Microsoft, which has implemented everything from upgrade notifications to marketing strategies promoting 2025 as "the year of renewing PCs with Windows 11." However, there are many people who use their PCs out of necessity and will not consider replacing them until they stop working. Companies are also often hesitant to upgrade, as their current equipment continues to serve its purpose.

It seems that, in many respects, the world did not yet require a new version of Windows. Perhaps Microsoft should consider the idea of offering a basic version without new features for those who prefer not to complicate things.