Kurt Shintaku's Blog

Yesterday, we announced that options for Windows 10 licensees/users that can’t upgrade to Windows 11 by the end of life date – October 14, 2025.

These Windows 10 customers will have 3 options:

1. Move out-of-support Windows 10 users to cloud-based desktops using Azure Virtual Desktop running Windows 10 where they will receive ESUs at no additional cost – only in Azure.
2. Allow out-of-support Windows 10 users to remote/”RDP” into cloud-based Windows 365 PCs running Windows 11 & receive ESUs for their on-prem Windows 10 devices at no additional cost.
3. Purchase Extended Security Updates (ESUs) per qualified Windows 10 device in 1-year subscription increments.

WARNING: Be aware, if past history is any metric:

• Extended Security Updates for the 1st year generally costs roughly the same amount as repurchasing the entire Windows OS license.
• Extended Security Updates for a 2nd year are typically 2x the cost of the 1st year.  The 3rd year is usually 4x the cost of the 1st year.  There are no ESUs available beyond 3 years.

Here’s the clip from the announcement:

Extended Security Update program for Windows 10

While we strongly recommend moving to Windows 11, we understand there are circumstances that could prevent you from replacing Windows 10 devices before the EOS date. Therefore, Microsoft will offer Extended Security Updates.

Like the Windows 7 ESU program, your organization will be able to purchase a yearly subscription to security updates. The yearly commitment is renewable for three years. Devices enrolled in ESUs will receive monthly security updates to keep these Windows 10 PCs secure.

The ESU program for Windows 10 will include critical and/or important security updates. ESUs do not include new features, customer-requested non-security updates, or design change requests. Technical support beyond the ESU itself is also not available.

• For Windows 365 customers, ESUs will be provided for the Windows 10 devices that connect to a Cloud PC running Windows 11 at no additional cost.
• If you run a Windows 10 instance in Azure Virtual Desktop, ESUs will also be available at no additional charge on those virtual machines (consumption not included).

Stay tuned for more ESU program updates as we approach availability, including an ESU program for individual consumers

For more details, visit:

• Plan for Windows 10 EOS with Windows 11, Windows 365, and ESU | Windows IT Pro Blog
  https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/windows-it-pro-blog/plan-for-windows-10-eos-with-windows-11-windows-365-and-esu/ba-p/4000414