Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025.
This means that after this date, Windows 10 will no longer receive critical security updates, leaving them vulnerable to cyberattacks and potential compliance issues.
Businesses that want to keep using the operating system securely will need to pay for Extended Security Updates (ESU).
The ESU program allows businesses to receive security updates for Windows 10 devices beyond the official end-of-support date.
This provides a temporary bridge for organizations that need more time to transition to the latest Windows 11 operating system.
The cost starts at $61 per device for the first year and doubles each year after that. There is a discount available for businesses that use a Microsoft cloud-based update management solution.
This price point is similar to what businesses paid for Windows 7 ESUs in the past. However, the cost doubles annually for a maximum of three years.
This means that businesses that delay enrolling in the program will end up paying more in the long run.
Microsoft acknowledges that ESUs are not a long-term solution. They are designed to provide businesses with additional time to plan and execute their migration to Windows 11, which is the recommended and most secure option.
Upgrading to Windows 11 comes with several benefits, including improved security features, better performance, and access to the latest features and functionalities.
While upgrading to Windows 11 is the ideal scenario, some businesses may face challenges due to hardware limitations. Windows 11 has stricter hardware requirements compared to Windows 10, and not all existing devices might be compatible.
For organizations in this situation, ESUs provide a temporary solution to maintain security while they explore alternative options.
These options include purchasing new Windows 11-compatible devices or migrating to a cloud-based solution like Windows 365 Cloud PCs.
There’s a silver lining for businesses that leverage Microsoft’s cloud-based update management solutions like Intune or Autopatch. These organizations can benefit from a discount on ESU licensing, bringing the cost down to around $45 per user — covering up to five devices — for the first year.
The clock is ticking for businesses that rely on Windows 10. Microsoft is offering a variety of resources and tools to support organizations through the transition to Windows 11. These resources include migration guidance, best practices, and support programs like Microsoft FastTrack.
For consumers, Microsoft has not yet announced the pricing for ESUs. However, it is likely to be similar to the pricing for businesses.
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