If you're a Windows 10 user and eagerly anticipating the latest features of Microsoft Office, this news might be disappointing. Microsoft has clarified that Windows 10 users will not receive any new features in their Office apps after August 2026. This directly implies that upgrading to Windows 11 is now essential to access the latest Office features.
Why did Microsoft make this decision?
Microsoft's move is part of its strategy to encourage users to transition to Windows 11. The company wants users still using older operating systems to upgrade to experience all modern tools in terms of security and performance. However, security updates will continue to be provided to Windows 10 users until October 2028, but not new features.
Which users will be most affected?
Microsoft 365 Personal and Family users will not receive new Office features after August 2026. Their version will be frozen at 2608.
For enterprise users, this change will be implemented between October 2026 and January 2027, depending on their Update Channel.
Regardless of the subscription, all users will not receive new features after version 2608.
Microsoft's stance is clear: Windows 11 is the solution
Microsoft has made it clear that if Windows 10 users want new Office features, they must upgrade to Windows 11.
Users who do not upgrade will only receive limited troubleshooting support. Microsoft support staff are already warning users that "technical solutions may be limited or unavailable."
What needs to be done for the latest Office features?
- Upgrade to Windows 11.
- All new updates and features of Microsoft 365 will continue to be available in Windows 11.
- For those whose systems do not support Windows 11, Microsoft has offered some incentives, such as:
- Free extended security updates by enabling Windows Backup.
- Security extensions for a payment of $30 per device.
Why is Microsoft doing this?
Office Web Apps will remain an option for users who, for some reason, do not want to or cannot upgrade to Windows 11. New features will continue to be available in Office Web Apps, but the desktop version will be frozen after August 2026. Recently, Windows 11 surpassed Windows 10 to become the most widely used desktop OS in the world.
Microsoft wants to maintain this momentum so that most users are on a single, upgraded, and secure platform. Windows 11 is now mandatory for the latest Office tools and features.
