Microsoft's Strategic Maneuvers: Workforce Adjustments and Windows 10 Support Updates
Big business is constantly re-examining strategies to keep up with a fast-moving market. We see a clear trend here: all of them are cutting back on their staff, not necessarily because they are underperforming, but to contain costs and slim down their focus, typically in the profitable field of Artificial Intelligence. Google and Meta have already entered into this trend, and now it looks like Microsoft is along for the ride.
Streamlining for the Future: Microsoft's Workforce Adjustment
Reports suggest that Microsoft is looking to reduce its global staff by about 3 percent. This is not a matter of individual performance; it's a strategic choice aimed at streamlining the company and making it leaner and more agile. The vision is to streamline operations, maybe eliminate management layers, and get the entire organization more aligned with its priorities currently. This action seems to cross multiple departments, roles, and geographies worldwide.
A Microsoft representative put a focus on the fact that it is about being competitive in an industry that is not static. It was not the first such move that Microsoft has made; in 2023, a large number of employees were let go as part of a greater restructuring. It would seem that even with strong profits, the push for efficiency of operations and a laser-like focus on domains like AI is an incentive for such moves.
The intense competition in the AI space is definitely taking a toll on these firms' coffers. To be at the vanguard of AI, resources need to be reallocated, and sometimes that means pulling back from other fronts. This seems to be a big consideration in Microsoft's current policy.
A Breather for Windows 10 Users: Microsoft 365 Support Extended
On a different note, but still related to Microsoft's strategic shifts, there is some good news for Windows 10 users. With the October 14, 2025, retirement deadline for Windows 10 drawing nearer, Microsoft has granted a temporary relief regarding Microsoft 365 applications.
Previously, it was thought that Microsoft 365 applications would no longer work on Windows 10 after the end-of-life date of Windows 10, and they would nudge users towards Windows 11 to continue using them at their best. But Microsoft has updated its support page with a sweet clarification.
Here is the takeaway: While Microsoft still strongly recommends to upgrade to Windows 11 for best performance and reliability, Microsoft 365 apps will continue to function on Windows 10 PCs after October 14, 2025. More importantly, in order to enable continuity of security throughout the transition, Microsoft will keep providing security updates for Microsoft 365 on Windows 10 for a further three years, until as late as October 10, 2028.
What Does This Mean to You?
For businesses, while this extension is beneficial, the advice remains upgrade to Windows 11 as quickly as possible, especially considering the exposure of corporate data. An unsupported OS, even with application security updates, is dangerous.
For domestic users who might only use their Windows 10 PCs for less security-critical tasks like gaming or mere office work, this extension gives them some meaningful leeway before they would need to make the jump. It provides more runway in which to plan an upgrade or consider options.
Referring to alternatives, if the transition to Windows 11 does not seem enticing, alternatives such as Linux distros (such as Mint, which offers an interface that looks similar) or even ChromeOS Flex (for those who do not mind an online-focused, browser-based OS) are things to look into. These can provide a secure and current computing experience.
So, Microsoft is doing some significant things – both in terms of its staff and in the way it supports its popular software. These developments signal a company clearly reacting to a challenging and rapidly evolving technology landscape.
