90 days remaining: Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10 after end of support

Microsoft reminds users that support for Windows 10 22H2 will end in 90 days. The manufacturer has also specified the schedule for supporting Microsoft 365 apps on the old operating system.

Microsoft has reminded users of the end of Windows 10 in the message center of the Windows Release Health pages. On October 14, i.e., in 90 days, Windows 10 22H2 will reach the end of its service life in the Home, Pro, Enterprise, Education, and IoT Enterprise editions, the Redmond-based company has confirmed. This also means the end of support for Windows 10 2015 LTSB and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSB 2015. These versions will receive their last security update in October, after which there will be no further updates to protect them from the latest security threats.

However, there is an option to enroll privately used Windows 10 PCs in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. Microsoft discussed the details at the end of June. Private customers can even obtain security updates for one year longer “free of charge,” but must use Microsoft's online services and leave data there.

Office use after Windows 10 support ends

Until now, another support document from the end of June explaining the situation with Microsoft 365 apps, i.e., Microsoft Office, in more detail has received little attention. Previously, it was only clear that Microsoft would support the three-year ESU version for business with support for MS365 apps on Windows 10, with further support until October 2028.

However, Microsoft is now providing more precise information on which version branch will receive support for how long. According to this, devices with Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10 will continue to receive updates until version 2608 is released. The “Current Channel,” including versions for individuals and families, will receive updates until August 2026. The monthly Enterprise Channel will receive software patches until October 2026, and the semi-annual Enterprise Channel will receive them until January 2027. However, the updates will then only cover security issues. If Support can determine that errors are attributable to use on Windows 10, the solution is to migrate to Windows 11.

The BSI also issued a warning three months before the end of support. Without further security updates, Windows 10 will become insecure from October onwards, and users should look for updates or alternative operating systems – but it is advisable to back up your data beforehand.

(dmk)