Microsoft has announced that it will cease adding new features to its Office apps (Microsoft 365) for Windows 10 users starting in August 2026. This means that if you’re still using Windows 10, you’ll miss out on future updates and improvements to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other Office applications.
While this might seem abrupt, Microsoft has been pushing users towards its newer operating system, Windows 11, for some time now. The company will continue providing security updates for Office apps on Windows 10 until October 2028, but the lack of new features could significantly impact the user experience for those who choose to remain on the older platform. The phased rollout of the feature freeze begins in August 2026 for Microsoft 365 Personal and Family users and Current Channel business users, with further cutoffs scheduled for October 13th, 2026 (monthly enterprise channel) and January 12th, 2027 (semi-annual enterprise channel).
This decision comes after Microsoft’s earlier reversal on ending security updates for Office on Windows 10. While they extended security support, they didn’t initially disclose the upcoming feature freeze. This means that keeping your Office apps up-to-date with the latest features will require an upgrade to Windows 11.
Millions of users still rely on Windows 10, even though Windows 11 has recently surpassed it in usage. Microsoft has been actively encouraging users to upgrade, but the reality is that many may need more time or have compatibility concerns. For those unwilling to switch immediately, there’s a possibility to extend security updates for Windows 10 for another year by enabling Windows Backup; however, this won’t address the lack of new Office features.
Ultimately, this move underscores Microsoft’s strategy to focus development on Windows 11 and its associated applications. The decision is likely to accelerate the transition for many Windows 10 users, but it also highlights the importance of staying informed about software lifecycle policies and planning upgrades accordingly.
