The end-of-support date for Windows 10 is rapidly approaching, with only 3 months left until October 2025. This looming deadline is evident as new data shows that Windows 11 is now the most used operating system, finally surpassing Windows 10.
While many people are making the switch, 44% of users are still running Windows 10. There are many reasons users are hesitant or unable to make the switch.
Running on unsupported software comes with security risks, so Microsoft released their Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. This allows consumers to continue using Windows 10, while still receiving security updates until October 2028.
Changes to ESU
Recently, Microsoft made changes to this program. Consumers are now able to enroll for the ESU program for free and be covered until October 2026, as long as they sync their settings to OneDrive. Before, consumers had to pay a starting rate of $30 for the first year of ESU. For those who do not want to sync their settings, this option remains available.
The second update made to the ESU program is for businesses. Microsoft announced that ESU will be included for Windows 10 virtual machines, at no additional charge.
This includes:
- Windows 365
- Azure Virtual Desktop
- Azure virtual machines
- Azure Dedicated Host
- Azure VMware Solution
- Nutanix Cloud Clusters on Azure
- Azure Local (Azure Local is the new name for Azure Stack HCI)
- Azure Stack Hub
- Azure Stack Edge
Any endpoint connected to Windows 365 Cloud PCs are also eligible for free ESU with an active subscription.
Just like before, businesses can purchase an ESU license for $61 per device for the first year if they do not have a Cloud PC.
What This Means for Businesses
If your business uses Windows 365 Cloud PCs, you do not need to purchase a separate ESU license for Windows 10. If not, the option to purchase security updates still gives you time to make necessary hardware upgrades and update to Windows 11 securely.
Like the consumer ESU program, businesses will have to pay yearly for the program and prices will double every year. If ESU is not purchased during the first year, but during the second or third year of the program, businesses will have to pay for all three years.
The following are price calculations for users who pay during the first year:
Year One Price
- **
$61
**
Year Two Price
- $61 (Year One) x 2 =
**
$122
**
Year Three Price
- $122 (Year Two) x 2 =
**
$244
**
This is the price breakdown for users who buy in the second year:
Year Two Price
- $61 (Year One) + $122 (Year Two) =
**
$183
**
Year Three Price
- $122 (Year Two) x 2 =
**
$244
**
Finally, this is the price for users who only purchase in the third year:
Year Three Price
- $61 (Year One) + $122 (Year Two) + $244 (Year Three) =
**
$427
**
Why Staying Supported Matters
Once Windows 10 reaches its end-of-support date in October 2025, all PCs running on Windows 10 without the ESU license will stop receiving security updates. Microsoft issues an update every Tuesday that fixes bugs and patches security issues. Without them, your PC and network would be vulnerable to a cyber-attack.
Unpatched Windows 10 systems will be targeted precisely because their vulnerabilities become public with each ESU update.
Even if other cybersecurity measures are in place, they are not foolproof. Being unsecured puts your entire network at risk.
For businesses, it is especially critical to stay supported.
Any industries that have to meet regulatory requirements must be supported to stay compliant.
What are Your Options?
With the end-of-support date for Windows 10 approaching, it’s time for businesses to start planning the next steps for once October 2025 comes.
Windows 11
Since ESU licenses are a temporary solution, the first option would be to migrate to Windows 11. The switch to Windows 11 is inevitable since Microsoft will fully end all Windows 10 security updates, including paid ESUs, in 2028.
Making the switch before the end-of-support date means business owners can avoid the ESU licensing fees and not have to worry about making the switch down the line.
Cloud PCs
If your business needs more time to transition, adopting Cloud PCs is a good alternative. ESU is implemented automatically with a current Windows 365 subscription.
Cloud PCs are secure, allow for remote access, prevent local data storage, and are compliant with regulations across industries. These features make them an especially great fit for businesses in healthcare, legal, financial, and education.
Since everything is stored in the Cloud PCs, once the proper hardware is acquired, businesses can seamlessly switch to Windows 11.
Extended Security Updates
Lastly, businesses can purchase the traditional ESU license. This is a great way to buy time to transition without rushing. Since the licenses are renewed annually, businesses have the flexibility to stop purchasing the license after the first or second year and not have to pay for the entire term the ESU licenses will be available.
However, it is important to note that the ESU license requires cumulative payment, meaning if a license is purchased in 2026 for the second year of ESU, the $61 from the first year will be billed as well, even if it was never used.
Next Steps
With only 3 months to make changes to your current software, it is important to start planning a transition to Windows 11, whether that be within the next 3 months or the next 3 years.
Need help? Let our experts find the best solution for your business and make this journey easy and stress free.
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