retirement date Archives

Winsage

September 24, 2026

These three Microsoft 365 apps lasted just one year before getting axed

Microsoft will retire the Calendar, People, and Files companion apps from its Microsoft 365 suite on December 16, 2026. These apps were launched a year ago to enhance productivity by providing quick access to information via the Windows 11 taskbar. However, their role has shifted from essential tools to supplementary resources, as users can access the same information through existing Microsoft services. Microsoft recommends alternatives such as Outlook, Teams, Windows Search, File Explorer, SharePoint, OneDrive, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for users to utilize after the retirement of these apps.

Winsage

September 24, 2026

Microsoft 365 Companion Apps Are Being Retired

Microsoft will retire its Microsoft 365 companion apps for Windows 11, including the Calendar, People, and Files companion apps, by December 16, 2026. These apps were introduced at no additional cost to users with eligible Microsoft 365 or Office 365 licenses, with the Files and People apps debuting in March 2025 and the Calendar app in May 2025. Microsoft integrated its Copilot feature into these applications last October. Users are advised not to wait until the retirement date, as the apps will become non-functional prior to December 16. Administrators can remove these apps as needed, and Microsoft has provided a template for notifying users. Alternatives for functionality include Outlook, Teams, Windows Search Box, File Explorer, SharePoint, OneDrive, and Office applications.

Winsage

September 13, 2026

Microsoft Windows 11 and Office for Mac deals plunge to as low as $9.97

StackSocial is offering discounts on Microsoft Windows and Office licenses, with Windows 11 priced at .97 and Office Home 2024 for Mac at .97, down from 9.99. The Windows 11 license is for PCs needing a new license and is not suitable for systems that can upgrade from Windows 10 via Windows Update. The Office Home 2024 license is linked to a Microsoft Account for installation on one supported Mac or PC for non-commercial use. This is a standalone license, separate from the Microsoft 365 subscription, and will be supported for five years, retiring on October 10, 2029. The codes must be redeemed within 7 days of purchase.

Winsage

August 13, 2026

Microsoft begins unified Copilot app rollout: Reveals major plan to merge Copilot and Microsoft 365 Copilot across all platforms, along with updated branding

Microsoft is unifying its Copilot applications by merging the consumer and productivity versions into a single app branded as "Copilot." This change aims to simplify user experience and will feature a cohesive design and improved navigation. Certain features will be retired, including: - Group Chat: All threads, messages, and images will not carry forward after August 18, 2026. Users should manually copy or download any content they wish to retain. - Podcasts: The Podcasts feature will be fully retired on August 18, 2026, after which users will be unable to create or access podcasts within Copilot. Individual podcast files can be downloaded before the retirement date. - Deep Research: This feature will be retired for consumer users starting August 18, 2026, although existing content will remain accessible. The unified app will be available for both personal and work/school accounts, with security measures in place to protect organizational data. All existing Copilot data, except for the phased-out features, will transition automatically to the new app. The rollout will begin today in phases, starting with mobile users, followed by updates for Windows and macOS by mid-September. The complete rollout schedule includes: - Mid-August 2026: Global rollout begins for mobile and web apps; early-access opt-in opens for Windows and Mac apps. - Late August 2026: Standard rollout of the URL redirect begins. - Mid-September 2026: Global rollout for Windows and Mac apps commences. - Late September 2026: Deferred rollout of the URL redirect begins for the web app.

Winsage

July 22, 2026

Redmond’s reaper cometh: October 2026 set to bury a graveyard of Microsoft products

October 2026 will see the end of support for several Microsoft products, including Office LTSC 2021, which requires organizations to transition to LTSC 2024 or Microsoft 365 for continued support. Windows Server 2022 will exit mainstream support on October 13, 2026, while Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro editions will also reach their end of life on the same date. The enterprise and education versions of Windows 11 23H2 will be supported until November 10, 2026. Publisher 2021 will be discontinued without a successor. Additionally, Entra ID Sign-In risk policies will be phased out on October 1, 2026, necessitating a transition to Conditional Access to maintain user and sign-in risk protection. SQL Server 2017 is scheduled for retirement in October 2027.

Winsage

September 24, 2025

Windows 11 KB5065790 23H2 released, direct download links (.msu)

Windows 11 KB5065790 is being rolled out for version 23H2, focusing on bug fixes and signaling the end of service for this version on November 11, 2025. This update does not introduce new features. Users can manually install the optional update via the settings app or use an offline installer file (.msu) if they encounter issues. The update resolves login issues for users with SIM-type authentication and disconnection problems during Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) sessions. Additionally, an Out-of-band update for Windows 11 24H2 addresses urgent issues, excluding SMB protocol problems, and resolves issues affecting Microsoft Office applications in App-V environments, as well as bugs in Microsoft Edge and printer queue UI crashes. The SMB file sharing issue remains unresolved in the OOB update for 24H2.

Winsage

August 29, 2025

Microsoft is Removing the Mobile Plans App from Windows 11

Microsoft will retire the Mobile Plans app in Windows 11 by February 2026 to simplify the process of connecting PCs to mobile data. Users will manage cellular plans through web browsers and the Settings app instead of the app. The Mobile Plans app, which allowed users to discover mobile operators and manage pay-as-you-go plans, is becoming redundant as these tasks can now be done online. Existing eSIM profiles will remain functional, but management will shift to carriers' websites. Notifications about the app's end of support will be sent to users, and it will be removed from the Microsoft Store after February 27, 2026. Cellular carriers are adapting their systems for web-based activations to support this transition.

Winsage

August 17, 2025

Microsoft Confirms ‘Last Update’ For 700 Million Windows Users

Microsoft has alerted over 700 million Windows 10 users about the need for immediate action to address security threats, following the resolution of more than 100 security vulnerabilities. Users have 60 days to choose between an extended support option for Windows 10 or upgrading to Windows 11, with the official retirement date for Windows 10 set for October 14. This change affects Windows 10 version 22H2 and Windows 10 2015 LTSB, with the final security update scheduled for October 2025. Currently, about 47% of users are on Windows 10, while 49% have upgraded to Windows 11. Home users can opt for Extended Security Update (ESU) options, including utilizing Windows Backup or redeeming Microsoft Rewards points at no cost, or paying a fee for coverage of up to 10 PCs. An enrollment wizard has been introduced to facilitate ESU enrollment directly from Windows 10 PCs.

Winsage

June 16, 2025

Microsoft is trying a new way to get you to ditch Windows 10

Windows 10 will be retired on October 14, 2025, after which it will no longer receive software and security updates. Currently, 53.2 percent of Windows computers worldwide run on Windows 10, while 43.2 percent use Windows 11. Users can upgrade to Windows 11 for free or by purchasing a new PC, but many older machines may not meet the minimum system requirements. Microsoft has reached out to Windows 10 users via email to remind them of the end of support and has introduced a new feature in Windows Backup to help transfer data to a new PC. This feature, labeled “Transfer information to a new PC,” is expected to be rolled out across all Windows 10 builds. Microsoft has also announced that Microsoft 365 apps will continue to receive security updates for an additional three years after the retirement date.

Winsage

December 1, 2024

Microsoft’s support docs are urging Windows 10 users to get Windows 11

Microsoft has announced that support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025. After this date, users will not receive free software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes. Microsoft has updated its support documentation and added a banner on a support page to inform users about this change. Users are encouraged to transition to Windows 11, which has stricter hardware requirements, including the need for TPM 2.0. Users can opt for an Extended Support Update program for Windows 10 at an annual fee to continue receiving security updates. A detailed end-of-support table for various Windows 10 versions has been provided, showing their start dates and end dates for mainstream and extended support. Additionally, promotional banners for Windows 11 are increasing within the Windows 11 Settings app, indicating Microsoft's intent to encourage the transition.