Microsoft will begin restricting external links to file types blocked by the Trust Center starting October 2025. The company will complete the rollout of this policy by July 2026, according to public announcements.
Category: Microsoft Office
Microsoft Extends Office Support for Windows 10 Until 2028
In a surprise announcement, Microsoft announced that Microsoft 365 (Office) apps for Windows 10 will continue to receive security updates for three years after the operating system’s end of support date. These updates will be available through standard distribution channels and will end on October 10, 2028.
Microsoft Starts Disabling ActiveX Controls in Office Apps
Later this month, Microsoft will be turning off ActiveX controls in the Office apps, for both consumer and customer app versions. By phasing out the aged platform, Microsoft aims to enhance the security and safety of its Office applications, protecting users from potential threats while encouraging the adoption of more modern and secure alternatives.
Microsoft is working on new 3D Office icons
Microsoft is reportedly working on new icons for the Office suite, according to a recent email survey distributed to select users. The survey asks for feedback on redesigned icons for apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other Microsoft 365 tools, suggesting a potential shift toward a more dynamic and three-dimensional aesthetic. It appears that the Office lineup is set to receive its first major redesign since 2018, when Microsoft introduced streamlined, flat icons that were in line with modern design trends.
Microsoft introduces Startup Boost for Office to speed up the launch of its apps
Microsoft has introduced Startup Boost, a feature that preloads Office apps in the background to make them launch faster. It will be available to all users by May 2025 but comes with system requirements (8 GB RAM, 5 GB disk space). While users can disable it, updates will reactivate it unless enterprises use Group Policy to permanently turn it off.
Microsoft has quietly released a free Office suite with limited features
Microsoft is experimenting with a free version of its Office suite for Windows. The new products allows editing documents without needing to buy a license or subscribe to Microsoft 365. However, this isn't the lightweight web-based version of Office. Instead, it includes the classic desktop applications: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Microsoft may train its AI on everything you type in Word and Excel
Microsoft Office comes with the Connected Experiences feature that analyzes user-created content. Looks like the Redmond firm is using it now to bind a data set for training artificial intelligence. The unwanted behavior was spotted by the X user nixCraft on X.
Microsoft Releases Office 2024 for Consumers, Non-Subscription Version
Microsoft has announced Office 2024 for consumers and small businesses. The release is classic app suite without the subscription requirements. It is a one-time purchase that includes newest versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Outlook for Windows and macOS.
Microsoft has released Office 2024 LTSC
Office LTSC 2024 is now available. It is a classic version of the app suite that can work offline and doesn't require a subscription for its apps and basic features. Office LTSC 2024 will be supported for five years.
Microsoft Office 2024 will keep ActiveX Controls disabled by default
The Redmond software giant is changing how their Office suite handles ActiveX controls. With the launch of Office 2024 in October, ActiveX controls will no longer be enabled by default in the Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Visio apps.
