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Ah, Microsoft. The world of tech is like a well-intentioned landlord who insists on remodeling your perfectly nice kitchen while you’re still using it. This time, the company is causing a stir (or at least a mildly annoying wave) by announcing that after October 14, 2025, it will no longer support Office apps on Windows 10. Cue the collective groan of the millions of users who, like us, are still trying to figure out what the hell ‘OneDrive’ is.
Microsoft has heard that the decision is a victory for progress. They’re giving us faster performance, tighter security, and a shiny ‘Windows 11’ logo to brag about. what’s not to love? Well, let’s start with the fact that this “progress” comes with a price tag – literally. For many users, upgrading to Windows 11 doesn’t just mean clicking “Update” and waiting five times for your computer to restart. This means shelling out money for new hardware because your trusty old laptop doesn’t match up. Harsh Requirements, such as having a TPM 2.0 chip. (If you’re wondering what that is, don’t worry – most people Google it after being told their computer doesn’t have it.)
So, what’s really going on here? Microsoft isn’t just pushing Windows 11. It’s pushing an entire ecosystem of upgrades, from PCs to peripherals, under the guise of “keeping you safe.” And of course, security is important. But it’s hard not to feel like this is less about protecting users and more about protecting profit margins. After all, Microsoft’s profits don’t increase when you stick with an operating system that’s been around since its release in 2015.
Can Google benefit from Microsoft’s pressure?
And this is where things could turn unfavorable for Microsoft. With each forced upgrade, more users begin to wonder, “Do I really need Office apps?” For years, Google has been quietly luring Office users into its camp with the promise of free tools, easy sharing, and the ability to edit documents in the browser without downloading anything. It’s not hard to imagine that, come 2025, many users faced with the hassle of upgrading their systems may decide to abandon ship entirely and join Team Google.
After all, Google Docs doesn’t care what operating system you’re on, as long as you have a browser. Need a spreadsheet? You have covered the sheets. Presentations? Slides can do this. And for those who don’t need the full functionality of Office, Google’s tools are often good enough—especially when they’re free. Microsoft’s aggressive push toward Windows 11 may make some more users wonder why they’re paying for a subscription when Google’s alternative doesn’t cost them anything.
Of course, there is another side to the coin: perhaps it Is Progress. Windows 11 has its advantages – better multitasking, better visuals, and a Start menu that doesn’t make you cry. And let’s not forget security updates. In a world of ransomware and phishing scams, staying current isn’t just smart; this is survival.
Constant upgrades useless?
But here’s the thing: For many users, Windows 10 isn’t broken. It is stable, reliable and works without any hassle. The idea that millions of people should give up perfectly good hardware in order to remain compatible isn’t entirely true, because Windows 10 is software, not hardware. However, the tech industry’s obsession with constant upgrades contributes to a widespread culture of waste and rapid obsolescence. Although Windows 10 end-of-support may not directly generate e-waste, the impact of users upgrading hardware unnecessarily can add to the growing pile of discarded gadgets.
So, is Microsoft leading us to a bright, shiny future? Or are they removing us, somewhat forcefully, from a perfectly good platform for their own benefit? The truth probably lies somewhere in between. But one thing is certain: come October 2025, many people will find themselves torn between an old OS and an upgrade they didn’t ask for — or switching tabs to the Google suite.
