Windows 10 has been available in several editions — Education, Enterprise, Home, Pro, and Workstation — and all are slated to stop receiving official Microsoft support on October 14, 2025. Extended Security Updates (ESU) is a paid service that offers individuals and businesses the option to securely and safely extend the use of Windows 10 devices beyond the end of support date. The Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program provides Microsoft customers an opportunity to continue to receive security updates for PCs registered in the program.
The ESU program allows PCs to continue to receive essential and critical security updates by paying for an annual subscription service. The Microsoft Security Response Center will define the severity rating for relevant security updates.
Device Prerequisites: Only devices running Windows 10, version 22H2 will be eligible to install ESU program updates.
Limitations and Exclusions:
- New features
- Customer-requested non-security updates
- Design change requests
General support will no longer be delivered to Windows versions beyond the end of support date. To have access to technical support, companies will be required to have an active support plan.
Windows 10 ESU: Frequently Asked Questions
Customers of Windows 10 are likely to have questions about their service options after the October 14 end date. The following information is from the Microsoft website – click here to learn more.
- What is the annual cost of ESU?According to the Microsoft information release, Extended Security Updates for businesses still utilizing Windows 10 are available for purchase at $61 USD per device for the first year. The price doubles every consecutive year for a maximum of three years.
ESU is available at no additional cost for Windows 10 virtual machines running in Windows 365 or Azure Virtual Desktop. Windows 10 endpoints connecting to Windows 365 Cloud PCs will be eligible for ESU for up to three years via a Windows 365 subscription license. Costs for individuals or Windows 10 Home customers are available for purchase at $30 for one year.
- What is the minimum license purchase requirement for Windows 10 ESU?
The minimum license purchase requirement for Windows 10 ESU is one license. - Can customers dictate the duration of the ESUs?
The Windows 10 Extended Security Update Program has a 1-year purchase requirement. Customers will not be allowed to purchase partial subscriptions, such as for three or six months. The initial year of ESU begins in November 2025. Clients who decide to join the program in Year Two will have to pay a cumulative fee that includes Year One as well. - When will the ESU licensing offer be available? Windows 10 ESU purchasing is currently available.
- Is there an end date for the security updates? Enrolled PCs installed at a business or educational organization can receive security updates up to three years after the end of Windows 10 support.
- Does the ESU include technical support?
Technical support is not included in the ESU program, but Microsoft will offer support for clients having issues related to the ESU. - Will my Windows 10 PC stop working without ESU?
Windows 10 PCs will not stop working without support. However, IT professionals strongly recommend customers upgrade eligible PCs to Windows 11 for the most secure and supported experience. PCs can be upgraded via Windows Autopatch or Microsoft Intune. Customers may also choose to migrate to the cloud and subscribe to Windows 365 to make Windows 11 available to users on any device with a Cloud PC.If you have questions regarding your PC support or if you need advice about the best solution for your company – call the IT professionals at Alliance IT. Our dedicated team can explain your options and help you to make the decision that will best benefit your operation. Call today to learn more about Microsoft support, as well as managed and cloud services, from Alliance IT.
