Windows 10 after end of support: why I replace rather than extend
Since October 2025 Windows 10 only gets security updates with ESU, and the first ESU year for businesses ends on 13 October 2026. What applies now, why I replace old computers and how the upgrade to Windows 11 works.
Since Windows 10 end of support on 14 October 2025, Windows 10 only receives security updates if the device is enrolled in the paid ESU programme. For businesses, the first ESU year ends on 13 October 2026. None of my clients still run Windows 10, and none use ESU. This article covers what applies now and how I approach the move to Windows 11.
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.
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.
From October 2026, this means for businesses: anyone who wants to keep running Windows 10 needs the second ESU year and already pays double for it. Microsoft itself describes ESU as a last, paid bridge during the transition, not a long-term solution.
Why I replace rather than buy ESU
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. I replace such devices at my clients as quickly as possible.
The reason is simple. Every hour and every euro that goes into an interim solution is lost when the device has to be replaced through old age shortly afterwards anyway. That applies to paid security updates just as much as to bypassing the hardware check or trying to wall off an old computer on the network. A new computer with Windows 11, by contrast, solves the problem for the years ahead.
How I move to Windows 11
Where the hardware is suitable, I use an in-place upgrade. Windows 11 installs over the existing system, and programs, settings and data stay on the device. 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 clean 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?
Not with an in-place upgrade. Programs, settings and files stay in place. A current backup beforehand is still part of it. Only on very old, cluttered systems do I deliberately reinstall and move the data across afterwards.
* Prices net, as of September 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)
- Hardware requirements and prerequisites for an in-place upgrade: Microsoft Learn – Windows 11 requirements (as of September 2026)
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