If you’re still using Windows 10, Microsoft has announced an important update you’ll want to know about. Starting in August 2026, Microsoft will no longer add new features to Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365) apps on Windows 10. The tech giant has confirmed that while security updates will continue, fresh features will be held back unless you upgrade to Windows 11.
Feature support ends in stages
Microsoft shared the timeline quietly, but it’s clear that this shift is part of its ongoing effort to move users to Windows 11. If you’re using Microsoft 365 Personal or Family plans on Windows 10, you’ll stop receiving new features from August 2026. This will also apply to business users on the Current Channel.
The phased approach continues after that. If you’re on the monthly enterprise channel, feature updates will stop on October 13, 2026. Semi-annual enterprise channel users will see the same cut-off on January 12, 2027.
Although Microsoft had to backtrack earlier this year and agree to continue offering security updates for Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10, it didn’t mention this key detail at the time—that feature development would come to a halt in 2026. You’ll still get critical security fixes on Windows 10 Office apps through October 10, 2028. However, any new tools, improvements, or enhancements will only be available if you upgrade to Windows 11.
Windows 11 upgrade push continues
Microsoft has been clear in its push for users to move on from Windows 10 before its end-of-life date on October 14, 2025. While support for the operating system will officially end then, Office apps on Windows 10 will continue to receive security updates for three more years—until October 10, 2028.
To encourage upgrades, Microsoft is offering an additional incentive: you can receive an extra year of security updates for free if you enable Windows Backup. This move may ease the transition for users who are hesitant to leave Windows 10 behind.
Despite its best efforts, though, a large number of PCs still run Windows 10. Although Windows 11 has now surpassed it as the most widely used desktop operating system, millions of users remain on the older version, many due to hardware limitations or personal preference.
What does this mean for you?
If you rely on Microsoft 365 and want to enjoy the latest features beyond 2026, you’ll need to upgrade to Windows 11. Sticking with Windows 10 means you’ll still be secure for a while longer, but your Office apps will eventually become more limited compared to those on newer systems.
The end of feature updates doesn’t mean your apps will stop working, but you won’t benefit from the improvements and innovations Microsoft continues to roll out. Whether it’s new AI tools, collaboration updates, or design tweaks, all of it will be exclusive to Windows 11 users after 2026.
Now might be the time to check if your device can run Windows 11—and if it can’t, consider your upgrade options. Microsoft is giving you plenty of notice, but the clock is ticking.
