Windows 10 End of Support: What’s Happened and How to Extend Your Protection

Windows 10 officially reached its end of support on 14 October 2025. While this deadline has passed, approximately 5.4 million Windows 10 devices could still be in use (source). This marked the end of free security updates, feature enhancements and standard Microsoft technical support. While devices running Windows 10 will continue to operate, they now present increasing security risks without ongoing patching.

For organisations and individuals who need more time to plan or complete their transition to Windows 11, Microsoft has introduced the Extended Security Updates (ESU) programme — a paid extension designed to keep Windows 10 devices secure for a limited period.

Understanding the ESU Programme

The ESU programme is designed as a temporary bridge, not a long-term alternative to upgrading to Windows 11.

As Microsoft states:

“Enrolling in the Windows 10 ESU program enables you to continue receiving monthly security updates for your Windows 10 devices. That way, you have more time to complete your move to Windows 11.”

“Extended Security Updates are not intended to be a long-term solution but rather a temporary bridge. Extended Security Updates do not include new features, non-security fixes, or design change requests. The ESU program does not extend technical support for Windows 10. Technical support is limited to the activation of the ESU licenses, installation of ESU monthly updates, and addressing issues that may have been caused due to an update itself.”

Source: When to use Windows 10 Extended Security Updates | Windows IT Pro Blog

In short, ESU provides security updates only, with no additional functionality or general support attached.

When ESU Is Available

Microsoft made ESU licences available from October 2024, one year prior to Windows 10’s end-of-support date. These licences can be purchased for devices that organisations do not intend to upgrade to Windows 11 immediately.

ESU can be purchased for up to three years, but the commercial pricing model is important to understand:

• Year 1: Standard ESU price: £58
• Year 2: Price doubles: £116
• Year 3: Doubles again: £233

Microsoft also specifies:

“If you decide to jump into the program in Year Two, you'll have to pay for Year One too, as ESUs are cumulative.”

Special ESU Pricing for Education

To support schools, charities, colleges and universities during the transition period, Microsoft offers heavily discounted ESU licensing:

• Year 1: Standard ESU price: £0
• Year 2: Price doubles: £1
• Year 3: Doubles again: £3

This ensures education/charity organisations can maintain secure environments while planning their migration strategies without facing the same financial impact as commercial organisations.

Is ESU the Right Solution?

The ESU programme is a practical option if:

• You require additional time to plan or execute your migration to Windows 11
• You need temporary security continuity during phased rollout planning

However, ESU is not intended to delay upgrades indefinitely. It does not provide functional improvements, usability enhancements or standard Microsoft support.

ESU should be viewed as a controlled short-term measure, not a replacement for transition planning.

Final Thoughts

Windows 10 has now moved into its post-support phase, and organisations should be actively preparing for a full migration to Windows 11. The ESU programme offers valuable breathing room, allowing businesses and institutions to continue receiving essential security updates while completing their transition responsibly and securely.