Support for Windows 10 ends on October 14, 2025. End of support means that Microsoft will no longer provide bug fixes for issues, security fixes for vulnerabilities, time zone updates, or technical support for problems that might occur. What does this mean for businesses with Windows 10 devices?
The primary option is to upgrade to Windows 11. For millions of PCs, though, this isn’t possible, as Windows 11 is only supported on CPUs released from 2018 onwards.
Because of this, Microsoft is offering businesses Extended Security Updates (ESU) licenses for each Windows 10 device in use after October 2025. The pricing is as follows:
- Year 1: $61 per device
- Year 2: $122 per device
- Year 3: $244 per device
Note: Since the updates are cumulative, businesses entering the program in the second year will also be required to pay for the first year.
Businesses can begin purchasing ESU licenses in October 2024.
DISCOUNTS
Businesses using a Microsoft cloud-based update solution such as Intune or Windows Autopatch are eligible for a 25% discount on ESU licenses, reducing the price to $45 per device (up to 5 devices) for the first year.
ESU pricing for Microsoft education customers will be $1 per license for the first year, $2 the following year, and $4 the third year to ensure institutions receive the support they need.
Windows 10 devices accessing Windows 11 Cloud PCs through Windows 365 will automatically be activated to receive security updates without any additional steps.
RECAP
To summarize, businesses using Windows 10 have four options:
- UPGRADE TO WINDOWS 11 (IF ELIGIBLE)
- PURCHASE A NEW WINDOWS 11 LAPTOP/PC
- PURCHASE EXTENDED SECURITY UPDATES (ESU) LICENSES
- USE WINDOWS 10 WITHOUT PROPER SECURITY (NOT RECOMMENDED)
Have any questions? Please reach out to our team at Opal Business Solutions, a Microsoft Solutions Partner! As Windows 10 reaches its end of support, stay tuned for upcoming resources designed to assist your business in navigating the transition.
