In mid-March 2024 I landed in a quandary. There are 18 months until Microsoft ends support for Windows 10 in October 2025. Until now, I have planned to migrate my clients’ computers to Windows 11 because that is a standard industry approach.
In addition, Microsoft stated that Office 2016 and 2019 would also go out of support in October 2025. Without a long-term replacement (e.g., Office 2024), Microsoft has forced me to consider establishing a Microsoft 365 subscription for every client requiring any Office application because there is no alternative.
Well, call me gob-smacked when I learned that Microsoft is planning a Windows 12 announcement by mid-2025 and the probability of a non-subscription version of Office 2024 before the end of this year.
Unfortunately, I did not obtain this information directly from Redmond-based Microsoft. Instead, I read about these offerings in various blog posts and Reddit forums. And – I’ve got to admit – that is NOT how I want to operate my business.
I will convey what I know about this situation as clearly as possible.
In October 2025, Windows 10 will no longer receive any further updates, and I will no longer support computers with that operating system. If I can upgrade your computer’s Windows 10 operating system to Windows 11, I will discuss the implications of performing that upgrade with you. If your computer cannot run Windows 11 (mainly because it is too old), I will discuss replacing it with new hardware, possibly a new monitor, and even a new printer.
In the past, I was strict about replacing your computers when they reached the end of their five-year warranty. However, I have been lax about upgrading your hardware for the past few years. Because of the pandemic’s effect on the global supply chain and the resulting lack of computer components, I give most clients an extra year’s grace on replacement. Sometimes, I let things go out for a full seven years. But, as I have regrettably learned, when a computer breaks now — and is required immediately — getting a replacement when you don’t have a warranty can cost more than six times the cost of an extended warranty.
Microsoft isn’t planning to announce Windows 12 until mid-2025; therefore, I will not consider that option for any client. As I see it, this will be an offering I could only recommend well into 2026 — after I put it through at least six months of testing on my lab computer.
As far as Microsoft Office is concerned, I will have to hold my breath, and I hope you will join me on a small adventure. The retail price of the home user version of Office 2021 is $150, and the retail price of the business edition is $250. A one-year subscription to Microsoft 365 is $70 for home users and $150 (at a minimum) for business users. I’m asking you to throw that money away in October 2025 and then purchase the Office 2024 version. According to all accounts, the price for each version will be approximately 10% higher.
Of course, I would prefer you to spend a one-time charge for up to five (or more) years of software use than to subscribe to an annual reliance. However, if you must purchase a new Windows 11 computer, I will work with you to obtain a solution that best fits your needs and keeps your expenses within reason.
If you do not have a fierce requirement for a Microsoft product, I will point out that the free LibreOffice product suite will let you work with your Office files with close to 100% fidelity. I will also let you know there is a learning curve, so if you don’t like change, stay with what works for you.
Thanks, and safe computing!