Microsoft has announced that it will end support for its Office Apps on its Windows 10 Mobile platform in 2021.
The company has revealed that support will end for Office apps on Windows 10 Mobile on the 12th of January 2021. Microsoft is also ending support for Windows 10 mobile tomorrow the 10th of December.
The Office apps for phones using Windows 10 Mobile – Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote — will reach end of support on January 12, 2021. On that date, app users will no longer receive security updates, non-security hotfixes, free assisted support options or online technical content updates from Microsoft. This decision follows the earlier announcement that support for Windows 10 Mobile ends on December 10, 2019.
Microsoft remains committed to providing a great Office experience on phones for consumer, commercial, education, and government users through the iOS and Android apps which continue to be supported. You can get the Office iOS and Android apps through the app stores for those platforms.
Impact on Users
The end of support for Office apps on Windows 10 Mobile will have a significant impact on users who have relied on these applications for their daily tasks. Without security updates, users will be more vulnerable to potential security threats. Additionally, the lack of non-security hotfixes means that any bugs or issues that arise will no longer be addressed, potentially leading to a degraded user experience over time.
For businesses and educational institutions that have standardized on Windows 10 Mobile devices, this announcement necessitates a transition plan. Organizations will need to consider migrating to other platforms such as iOS or Android, where Microsoft continues to offer robust support for Office apps. This transition may involve additional costs and logistical challenges, but it is essential for maintaining productivity and security.
Alternatives and Future Directions
For users looking to continue using Microsoft Office apps, the company recommends switching to iOS or Android devices. Both platforms offer a comprehensive suite of Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote, with regular updates and support. These apps are available for download from the respective app stores and offer a seamless experience for users transitioning from Windows 10 Mobile.
Moreover, Microsoft has been investing heavily in its cloud-based Office 365 service, which provides access to Office applications and additional features such as OneDrive storage and collaboration tools. Office 365 is platform-agnostic, meaning users can access their documents and work from any device with an internet connection. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for users who need to work across multiple devices or collaborate with others in different locations.
In addition to Office 365, Microsoft has also been enhancing its suite of productivity tools with AI-driven features. For example, the “Ideas” feature in Excel uses machine learning to provide intelligent suggestions for data analysis, while “Presenter Coach” in PowerPoint offers real-time feedback on presentation skills. These innovations demonstrate Microsoft’s commitment to evolving its Office suite to meet the changing needs of users.
You can find out more information over at Microsoft at the link below, there will no longer be technical support of bug fixes issued.
Source Microsoft
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