Windows 10 users are already facing major changes later next year when this popular operating system loses all free support from Microsoft but now there’s a more urgent deadline that shouldn’t be ignored. Microsoft has just confirmed that PCs using older versions of Windows 10 will soon be blocked from accessing Teams.
That means those who don’t upgrade will no longer be able to make video calls, share files or send messages via the much-used platform.
“Microsoft Teams is governed by the Modern Lifecycle Policy, the Teams desktop client needs to be under a supported OS version,” a post explained.
“This is to ensure that users have the latest updates, capabilities, performance enhancements, security features, and service compatibility.
“On new Teams, users on OS versions that are not supported will receive in-app notifications to encourage them to update their device to a supported OS version. A version that is too far out of date will become incompatible with the service and the Desktop client will be blocked until the OS is updated.”
Those with unsupported PCs should start seeing a banner appear next month which will ask them to upgrade.
The block will then come into force from January 15, 2025.
It’s not just Windows 10 PCs that will be affected either. Those with older Windows 11 and MacOS operating systems installed will face losing access to Teams unless they switch to a newer version.
You can check if your PC will be hit by the block by checking the system requirements here.
Of course, the big Windows 10 end-of-support deadline is a little further away. Microsoft has confirmed that it will no longer release updates for users of this famous OS after October 2025.
If you are still running Windows 10 you have a number of options including simply switching to Windows 11 via a software update, buying a new laptop with Windows 11 installed or subscribing to Extended Security Updates. These will be released by Microsoft until 2028 – the firm has said ESUs will cost businesses around £50 per year but consumer pricing has yet to be confirmed.