The Windows 11 Upgrade Saga: A Zombie Story That Won’t Die
It’s déjà vu all over again. A news story that should have been laid to rest months ago has risen from the grave, and it’s still causing confusion and concern among Windows users. The story in question? The supposed “limited time” offer to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11, which was initially reported to be a requirement for continued use of Microsoft 365 apps after October 14, 2025.
But here’s the thing: the original report was based on a single, obscure blog post from a junior Microsoft employee, which was later deleted. Microsoft itself has repeatedly clarified that the upgrade is not mandatory, and that users will still be able to use Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10 after the end-of-support deadline.
So, why are we still seeing reports of a “surprise deadline u-turn” and “Microsoft’s surprise deadline change”? It’s because some outlets are still relying on the inaccurate, long-since-deleted blog post, rather than checking with Microsoft’s official sources.
The Real Story: What You Need to Know
So, what’s the real deal? Here are the key points:
- Microsoft will continue to provide security updates for Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10 for three years after Windows 10 reaches end-of-support, ending on October 10, 2028.
- This means that users will still be able to use Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10, but they won’t receive new features or bug fixes.
- Enterprise customers will still be able to open support cases with Microsoft, but there are some limitations to be aware of, including the possibility that support may ask customers to upgrade to Windows 11.
- Consumers running Personal and Family editions of Microsoft 365 will still receive security updates on Windows 10, but don’t expect much help if you call support.
Actionable Insights
So, what can you do?
- If you’re running Windows 10, don’t panic. You don’t need to rush to upgrade to Windows 11 immediately.
- If you’re an enterprise customer, make sure you’re aware of the limitations on support for Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10 after October 14, 2025.
- If you’re a consumer, you can continue to use Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10, but be aware that you won’t receive new features or bug fixes.
Conclusion
The Windows 11 upgrade saga is a classic example of how misinformation can spread quickly online. But by taking a closer look at Microsoft’s official sources and documentation, we can get to the truth. Whether you’re an enterprise customer or a consumer, it’s essential to stay informed and not fall prey to zombie news stories.