Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. After that date, devices running Windows 10 will no longer receive free security updates, leaving organizations vulnerable to cyber risks. To help businesses that cannot immediately upgrade, Microsoft offers Extended Security Updates (ESUs).
But should your business invest in ESUs or prioritize a move to Windows 11? This article explores the pros, cons, costs, and strategic considerations so executives can make an informed decision.
Windows 10 ESUs are a paid program from Microsoft that provides critical and important security updates after the official end of support. ESUs:
Deliver security patches only
Do not include new features, performance improvements, or non-security fixes
Are available for Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions
Require devices to be on version 22H2
They are designed as a temporary safety net for organizations that need more time to migrate.
ESUs may be useful for businesses that:
Depend on legacy applications or hardware that are not yet compatible with Windows 11
Need additional time to test, plan, and execute a large-scale upgrade
Have compliance or security requirements that make unpatched systems unacceptable
The ESU program is not free. Pricing is structured per device and doubles each year:
Year 1: $61 per device
Year 2: $122 per device
Year 3: $244 per device
Since the program only lasts three years, organizations should budget carefully and view ESUs as a temporary measure, not a replacement for modernization.
Pros
Extends security support until October 2028
Provides flexibility for phased migrations
Allows more time to handle legacy dependencies
Cons
Rising per-device costs each year
No new features or performance improvements
Adds complexity to IT management
Still requires a full Windows 11 migration later
While ESUs can provide breathing room, they are not a long-term solution. Windows 11 offers:
Ongoing security, compliance, and performance updates
Improved productivity features and modern user experience
Compatibility with modern hardware and cloud services
Lower total cost of ownership compared to three years of ESU fees
For most organizations, investing in an upgrade project today is more cost-effective and strategically sound than paying escalating ESU fees.
Executives should evaluate the decision based on three factors:
Timing: Can your business realistically migrate before October 2025?
Cost: Are ESU fees more expensive than accelerating a Windows 11 project?
Risk Tolerance: How much security and compliance risk are you willing to accept while staying on Windows 10?
For most organizations, the best approach is:
Prioritize a Windows 11 upgrade project now to avoid rising ESU costs and complexity.
Use Windows 10 ESUs only as a short-term bridge if critical systems require extra time to migrate.
At Sourcepass, we help businesses design a clear roadmap that balances cost, risk, and timing. Our teams can execute a Windows 11 migration with minimal disruption or deploy ESUs quickly if your business needs temporary coverage.
1. Will Windows 10 ESUs keep my systems secure?
Yes, but only through critical and important security patches. No new features or performance updates will be provided.
2. Can I buy ESUs for Windows 10 Home?
No. ESUs are available only for Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.
3. How long can I stay on ESUs?
ESUs are available for up to three years, ending in October 2028.
4. Is upgrading to Windows 11 required?
Yes. ESUs are a temporary solution. All businesses will eventually need to move to Windows 11 or another supported operating system.
Windows 10 ESUs are a short-term bridge, not a long-term plan. They can keep systems secure temporarily, but escalating costs and limited functionality make them a last resort. Executives should act now to plan and budget for a Windows 11 migration.
If your business needs help evaluating options, Sourcepass provides both immediate ESU implementation and comprehensive Windows 11 upgrade services. Our goal is to ensure your organization stays secure, compliant, and ready for the future.