Microsoft have announced some changes that will impact nearly everyone.
Some of these remain fluid and we will update you as soon as we know more.
Microsoft Teams Unbundling Update
In response to a European Commission antitrust case initiated by Slack in 2020, Microsoft began unbundling Teams from its Office 365 and Microsoft 365 suites in 2024. This follows Microsoft’s 2023 announcement to comply with EU regulations.
For New Clients:
Suites are now sold without Teams, at a reduced price. You can choose a Teams plan that best fits your business or user needs.
For Existing Clients:
You may continue renewing your current bundled subscription, add new users, or upgrade (e.g., from Microsoft 365 Business Basic with Teams to Business Premium with Teams).
If You Switch to Unbundled:
Impact depends on your setup and chosen Teams plan. If you use Teams Calling, switching may affect call routing, DDI, and other settings. To avoid disruptions, ensure the new plan matches or exceeds your current configuration and manage the transition carefully.
Further changes are expected in July.
Windows 10 Support Extension Option
We’ve been warning all our clients about the end of support for Windows 10. Microsoft have reaffrmed, as recently as last week, that free support for Windows 10 will officially end on October 14, 2025. After this date, users will no longer receive free security updates, bug fixes, or technical assistance through Windows Update.
However, there is a potential lifeline. Microsoft has introduced a paid Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, allowing users to continue receiving critical security patches through October 2026 for a fee—details TBC but it does look expensive. There is also an option for home users to redeem 1000 Microsoft Rewards Points.
Updates are still coming
The latest Windows 10 patch (KB5030211) has added a new “Windows Backup” feature allowing users to backup user settings, installed applications and files.
Alongside this announcement, Microsoft released the June 2025 cumulative update (KB5060533) for Windows 10 versions 21H2 and 22H2. This update includes minor security and quality improvements, as well as a new Calendar flyout feature that restores seconds to the system clock. While no major new features were introduced, the update underscores Microsoft’s continued maintenance of Windows 10 until its official October end-of-support date
We’ve had a chat around the office and we’ve got reservations about using the ESU. Our experience is that there will be security updates, but that is all. We’ve seen performance and stability degrade when other software has come to this point in it’s lifecycle.
Our recommendation is to comntinue to move all devices from Windows 10 to Windows 11 as soon as possible.