The official end of support for Windows 10 is approaching on October 14, 2025. After that date, Microsoft will no longer provide free updates, leaving systems vulnerable unless organizations take action. For businesses not ready to move immediately to Windows 11, Microsoft offers Extended Security Updates (ESUs).
At first glance, ESUs may seem like a simple way to buy time. However, the real cost of waiting quickly becomes clear once you understand how fees escalate. This article breaks down the financial impact of ESUs compared to a Windows 11 migration so executives can make informed, cost-effective decisions.
Extended Security Updates (ESUs) are a paid program that delivers critical and important security patches after Windows 10 support ends. They do not include new features, performance improvements, or non-security fixes.
Key details:
Available only for Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions
Devices must be running version 22H2
Licenses are purchased annually on a per-device basis
Maximum coverage lasts three years, through October 2028
ESUs follow a per-device annual pricing model that doubles each year.
Year 1: $61 per device
Year 2: $122 per device
Year 3: $244 per device
Over three years, that equals $427 per device. For an organization with 100 devices, the total cost of waiting could reach $42,700 just to keep outdated systems temporarily secure.
This rising cost structure is intentional. Microsoft designed ESUs to encourage organizations to migrate rather than remain on Windows 10 indefinitely.
Unlike ESUs, a Windows 11 migration is a one-time investment. While the cost varies depending on factors such as hardware upgrades, project scope, and IT resources, most organizations find that upgrading early avoids the escalating expenses of ESUs.
Additional financial benefits of moving to Windows 11 include:
Reduced security risk and potential breach costs
Elimination of recurring ESU fees
Access to ongoing updates and productivity improvements
Extended hardware and application compatibility
Beyond the annual ESU fees, delaying a Windows 11 migration can create indirect costs that impact budgets and operations:
Security vulnerabilities: ESUs only cover critical patches, not evolving threat landscapes
Compliance challenges: Outdated systems may fail regulatory requirements
Operational inefficiency: Missing performance improvements limits workforce productivity
Resource strain: IT teams spend more time managing legacy systems instead of innovating
These hidden costs often outweigh the upfront effort of migrating sooner.
| Factor | ESUs | Windows 11 Migration |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $61 per device first year, doubling annually (up to $427 total) | One-time project investment |
| Duration | Temporary, ends October 2028 | Long-term solution with ongoing support |
| Security | Limited to critical patches only | Full modern security architecture |
| Business Value | None beyond temporary coverage | Improved features, compliance, productivity |
From a financial and strategic perspective, ESUs should only be used as a short-term bridge for legacy systems that cannot immediately migrate. For most organizations, the cost of ESUs adds up quickly, and the hidden risks of waiting can be even more expensive.
A planned Windows 11 migration is the more cost-effective choice. By starting early, executives can control budgets, minimize disruption, and strengthen their organization’s long-term IT strategy.
1. Can my business rely on ESUs instead of upgrading?
Only temporarily. ESUs expire after three years, and costs double each year, making them an unsustainable long-term option.
2. How much will ESUs cost if I wait all three years?
A total of $427 per device over three years.
3. Does Windows 11 provide security benefits beyond ESUs?
Yes. Windows 11 includes modern security enhancements and ongoing updates, reducing risk and improving compliance.
4. What if my hardware is not compatible with Windows 11?
ESUs can provide temporary coverage while planning hardware refreshes, but upgrading devices should remain part of the roadmap.
The real cost of waiting is far greater than the upfront investment in a Windows 11 migration. ESU fees rise sharply each year, offer only limited protection, and delay the productivity and security benefits of modernization.
At Sourcepass, we help executives evaluate the total cost of ownership, plan effective migration roadmaps, and implement either ESUs or full Windows 11 upgrade projects. By acting now, your business can reduce costs, lower risks, and stay future-ready.