Windows 10 end of support: checking devices and planning the upgrade
Since 14 October 2025 Windows 10 only gets security updates with ESU, and businesses have been in the second ESU year since 14 October 2026. How I check devices and decide between upgrading, replacing and running them for a limited period.
Since Windows 10 end of support on 14 October 2025, businesses have had to decide what happens to the devices affected: an upgrade to Windows 11, replacement, or running them for a limited period with paid security updates. The answer depends on the hardware, your business applications and the requirements for those updates. None of my clients still run Windows 10, and none of them use the ESU programme.
What applies after Windows 10 end of support
A Windows 10 computer keeps working after 14 October 2025. Microsoft no longer delivers feature or quality updates, which includes security fixes, and no longer provides technical support. Every newly discovered vulnerability stays open on these devices.
The only official extension is Extended Security Updates (ESU). They deliver only critical and important security updates, no new features and no general support. Devices need to run Windows 10 version 22H2. The Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) editions have their own support dates; Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021, for example, is supported until 12 January 2027.
For Pro, Enterprise and Education in commercial use. 61 US dollars* per device in the first year, after which the price doubles annually. The years run to 13 October 2026, 12 October 2027 and 10 October 2028. If you join in year two, you pay for year one as well.
Runs until 12 October 2027. In the European Economic Area it is free as long as you sign in with a Microsoft account, otherwise a one-off 30 US dollars* or the local equivalent. It is not meant for company computers.
Word, Excel and Outlook continue to get security updates on Windows 10 until 10 October 2028. For problems that only occur on Windows 10, however, Microsoft support points you to Windows 11.
Since 14 October 2026, businesses have been in the second ESU year. Anyone joining now also pays for year one, 183 US dollars* per device in total. Microsoft itself describes ESU as a last, paid bridge during the transition, not a long-term solution.
Upgrade, replace or keep running for a limited time?
Among other things, Windows 11 needs a TPM 2.0, UEFI with Secure Boot, at least 4 GB of memory and a processor on Microsoft’s compatibility list. Older computers usually fail on one of these points. At my clients, I replace such devices as soon as is practical.
In most cases that is the more economical choice. Time and money spent on an interim solution are lost if the old device has to be replaced shortly afterwards anyway. That applies to paid security updates as much as to workarounds for the hardware check. Running a device for a limited period with ESU can still make sense, for example if a business application is not yet approved for Windows 11 or new hardware will arrive later. In that case, agree from the outset when the device will be replaced.
How I move to Windows 11
Where the hardware is suitable, I use an in-place upgrade. Windows 11 installs over the existing system. The upgrade is designed to keep programs, settings and data, but I still take a current backup first. For staff this is the calmest route: they sign in the next morning and find everything where it was.
I only reinstall when a system is so old and has built up so much clutter over the years that a fresh start pays off in the long run. I usually carry out the upgrades after working hours. Users notice little of it.
Stumbling blocks along the way
Old line-of-business software. In my projects, the extra time mostly went into outdated specialist software that was not compatible with Windows 11. Some of it needed an update first. In one case it could not run any longer at all, and the client switched to a product from a different vendor. Before the upgrade, check with the vendors of your business applications whether your version is approved for Windows 11.
The new interface. What users notice most is the new interface with its Start menu and taskbar. The classic Control Panel has been heavily simplified, a little too much for my taste. A short note beforehand on where things are now can save a few questions.
Frequently asked questions
Can I simply keep using Windows 10 after end of support?
Technically yes, the computer keeps running after Windows 10 end of support. Without ESU, though, it has received no security updates since 14 October 2025. For company computers that sit on the network and open emails, I do not consider that acceptable.
What do Extended Security Updates cost for businesses?
61 US dollars* per device in the first year, after which the price doubles each year, for a maximum of three years up to 10 October 2028. The years are cumulative: if you join later, you pay for the earlier years too.
Do I lose data when upgrading to Windows 11?
An in-place upgrade is designed to keep programs, settings and files. That cannot be guaranteed, so a current backup beforehand is essential. Only on very old, cluttered systems do I deliberately reinstall and move the data across afterwards.
* Prices net, as of October 2026. Licence prices may have changed since.
Sources
- End of support, ESU for businesses, price and duration: Microsoft Learn – Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10 (as of September 2026)
- End dates of the ESU years, ESU as a bridge: Microsoft Learn – Lifecycle FAQ: Extended Security Updates (as of September 2026)
- ESU for individuals, duration and conditions in the EEA: Microsoft – Windows 10 Consumer Extended Security Updates, German version with the EEA conditions, Microsoft – End of support for Windows 10 (as of September 2026)
- Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows 10: Microsoft Learn – Windows 10 end of support and Microsoft 365 Apps (as of September 2026)
- Support dates of the LTSC edition: Microsoft Learn – Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 lifecycle (as of October 2026)
- Hardware requirements and prerequisites for an in-place upgrade: Microsoft Learn – Windows 11 requirements (as of September 2026)
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