With Windows 10 End of Life (EOL) fast approaching, Microsoft has confirmed broader details of their Extended Security Update (ESU) options. They now offer support to both businesses and consumers who need additional time to transition to newer operating systems. Here’s what you need to know:
Windows 10 End of Life (EOL)
- EOL Date: Windows 10 Home and Pro editions will reach EOL on October 14, 2025. After this date, free security updates will no longer be available, making unsupported systems increasingly vulnerable to security risks.
- Upgrade Encouragement: Microsoft encourages users to upgrade to Windows 11. This newer OS will continue receiving security and feature updates. However, not all hardware may meet the requirements for Windows 11. Many users may need ESU options for continued support on Windows 10.
Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 10
For users and organizations needing additional time, Microsoft provides ESUs, which ensure ongoing security updates for critical and important vulnerabilities. ESU availability and pricing vary for Azure customers, on-premises users (SMEs and larger businesses), and individual consumers.
a. ESU for Azure Users
- Availability: Azure users with Windows 10 Virtual Machines (VMs) hosted on Azure Virtual Machines are happy. They can access free ESUs for up to three additional years after EOL, through October 14, 2028.
- Purpose: This no-cost ESU option gives Azure customers time to transition workloads and applications to supported operating systems on Azure. This ensures continued security without additional ESU purchase costs.
b. ESU for On-Premises Users (Including SMEs)
- Duration and Availability: Businesses can purchase ESUs annually for up to three years after EOL. This provides continued support until October 14, 2028. Each ESU license is purchased annually, and pricing increases each year to encourage transition to supported systems.
- Pricing for SMEs: For SMEs, the pricing for Windows 10 ESUs is tiered over the three-year period:
- First Year (October 2025 – October 2026): $61 (£48.19) per device
- Second Year (October 2026 – October 2027): $122 (£96.39) per device
- Third Year (October 2027 – October 2028): $244 (£192.78) per device
- How to Purchase: ESU licenses for on-premises installations are available through Microsoft’s Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC), Cloud Solution Providers (CSPs), or by contacting Microsoft directly.
c. New Consumer ESU Option
To accommodate individual users who may need to remain on Windows 10, Microsoft is introducing a consumer ESU option.
- Structure: The consumer ESU will offered as an annual subscription of $30, allowing individual users to receive essential security updates.
- Availability: This ESU option is expected to be available starting October 2025 and for one year only.
Considerations for Choosing ESU Options
With multiple ESU options available, here’s a breakdown to help users decide on their best approach:
- SMEs: For SMEs with on-premises Windows 10 installations, it’s cost-effective to consider ESUs if hardware or budget limitations make immediate upgrades difficult. However, as ESU pricing doubles each year, it’s advisable to plan for an eventual upgrade or replacement strategy.
- Azure Customers: Azure-based organizations benefit from free ESUs for up to three years, providing an excellent option for those using Azure VMs.
- Consumers: Individuals with older devices or systems incompatible with Windows 11 should look out for Microsoft’s new consumer ESU subscription. This will offer a secure alternative to EOL without requiring immediate hardware upgrades.
- Security and Compliance: Users running Windows 10 after EOL without ESUs may face significant security risks, particularly in regulated environments that require compliance with data protection laws.
Key Dates and ESU Pricing Summary
| ESU Coverage Period | Azure Customers | SMEs and On-Premises (Per Device) | Consumer ESU* |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Year (2025-2026) | Free | $61 (£48.19) | $30 (£24 |
| Second Year (2026-2027) | Free | $122 (£96.39) | Not available |
| Third Year (2027-2028) | Free | $244 (£192.78) | Not available |
* Consumer ESU pricing is expected to be available through the Microsoft Store or direct subscription.
Recommendations for Windows 10 End Of LifeTransition
- Assess Your Needs: SMEs and larger businesses should evaluate device compatibility with Windows 11 and consider migration timelines to reduce reliance on ESUs.
- Plan ESU Budgeting: For SMEs, it’s essential to factor in the escalating costs of ESUs, especially given the doubling in price each year, which can quickly add up for multiple devices.
- Explore Azure: Azure users benefit from three years of free ESUs, making it a highly viable option for those already using or willing to transition to Azure VMs.
- Consumer Options: Individuals should monitor Microsoft’s announcements for consumer ESU details to help them decide between extending Windows 10 use or exploring new devices compatible with Windows 11.
By understanding the tiered pricing, eligibility, and extended support options, both businesses and individuals can plan for Windows 10’s end of support while minimizing disruption and maintaining security.
Nxt Steps
With the approaching Windows 10 End of Life deadline, ensuring your organisation’s systems remain secure and compliant is essential. Nxt Gen IT offers expert support for businesses navigating this transition, with tailored services to ensure a smooth upgrade or implementation of ESU where necessary. Here’s how we can help:
- Windows 10 Migration Planning: Our specialists will assess your current infrastructure and provide an actionable roadmap to transition to Windows 11 or secure your systems using ESUs.
- Extended Security Update (ESU) Management: For businesses choosing to remain on Windows 10 temporarily, we handle the entire ESU setup and management process, ensuring your systems receive essential security updates and remain compliant.
- Azure Migration and Optimisation: Take advantage of free ESUs on Azure. Nxt Gen IT can seamlessly migrate your workloads to Azure Virtual Machines, providing secure, scalable, and cost-effective cloud solutions with extended support.
- Compliance and Risk Management: With the escalation in cyber threats, our team helps you navigate the security and compliance challenges of using unsupported OS versions. We provide risk assessments and solutions aligned with your industry standards.
- Cost-Effective Solutions for SMEs: We understand budget constraints for small and medium-sized enterprises. Our team offers flexible options to help you manage ESU costs and transition smoothly without disrupting business operations.
Ben helps growing businesses turn technology into a driver of performance instead of a barrier. At Nxt Gen IT he works with SME leaders, recruiters, and fast-scaling teams to design solutions that improve reliability, strengthen security, and unlock growth.
With a background in email deliverability and cloud systems, Ben specialises in making sure businesses communicate effectively, keep data safe, and get the most from Microsoft 365. His experience spans solution design, managed IT services, and virtual CIO support, always with a focus on practical outcomes that reduce headaches for business owners.
Ben has supported organisations across the UK, from recruitment agencies struggling with inbox placement to SaaS firms scaling fast, and SMEs needing a trusted partner for their IT. He believes tech is never the end goal: growth is. His role is to make sure technology never gets in the way of it.