Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 will reach end of support on October 14, 2025. After this date, devices running Windows 10 will no longer receive free security patches or updates, putting businesses at greater risk of cyberattacks and compliance issues.
To help organizations that cannot immediately move to Windows 11, Microsoft offers Extended Security Updates (ESUs). While ESUs may sound like an easy solution, they should be considered a last resort, not a long-term business strategy.
This article explains what ESUs are, why they fall short as a sustainable plan, and how executives can prepare their organizations for a secure and cost-effective future.
Extended Security Updates are a paid Microsoft program designed to provide ongoing security patches for organizations that are unable to upgrade before Windows 10 end of support.
Key details about ESUs:
Available for Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions only
Devices must be updated to version 22H2
Sold in 12-month increments on a per-device basis
Provide security updates only, not new features or performance enhancements
While ESUs can extend security coverage, they come with major limitations that make them impractical as a primary strategy.
1. Rising costs every year
The ESU program uses a cost-doubling model:
Year 1: $61 per device
Year 2: $122 per device
Year 3: $244 per device
Over three years, this adds up to $427 per device. For an organization with 250 devices, that means more than $100,000 in temporary costs without any technology advancement.
2. Limited protection
ESUs provide only critical and important security patches. They do not address new feature needs, hardware performance improvements, or modern compliance standards.
3. Short-term availability
ESUs end in October 2028. Businesses that rely on them must still migrate eventually, creating another cycle of disruption and expense.
4. Operational risk
Running outdated systems, even with ESUs, increases the chance of software incompatibility and missed opportunities to leverage modern tools available in Windows 11.
Executives evaluating IT strategy should recognize that ESUs are designed as a stopgap measure, not a sustainable approach. By migrating to Windows 11 sooner, organizations can:
Avoid escalating ESU costs
Gain access to continuous updates and performance improvements
Strengthen security and compliance with modern tools
Improve productivity with a modernized user experience
Align IT investments with long-term digital transformation goals
There are situations where ESUs may be justified temporarily:
Critical legacy applications that are not yet compatible with Windows 11
Hardware replacement delays due to budget or supply chain constraints
Highly regulated industries where migration requires additional validation
Even in these cases, executives should treat ESUs as a bridge solution with a defined end date, not as a substitute for a Windows 11 migration plan.
Prioritize a Windows 11 migration now to spread costs over time and avoid last-minute disruption.
Use ESUs selectively only where legacy applications or hardware require more time.
Create a roadmap that outlines device upgrades, application testing, and migration milestones.
Engage a trusted partner like Sourcepass to manage the process, ensuring a smooth and secure transition.
1. Can I keep running Windows 10 without ESUs after October 2025?
Yes, but your devices will be exposed to security vulnerabilities and compliance risks.
2. Can Windows 10 Home devices use ESUs?
No. ESUs are only available for Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.
3. How long are ESUs available?
Up to three years, through October 2028. After that, all Windows 10 support ends permanently.
4. Will ESUs give me new features or performance updates?
No. ESUs only provide critical and important security patches.
Windows 10 ESUs should only be used as a last resort. They provide temporary coverage at a high and escalating cost, but they do not deliver the security, compliance, and productivity benefits of a Windows 11 upgrade.
The best strategy for executives is to treat ESUs as a short-term bridge while prioritizing a structured Windows 11 migration. Acting now reduces costs, minimizes risk, and positions your business for long-term success.
At Sourcepass, we help organizations evaluate options, budget effectively, and implement either ESUs or a full-scale migration plan. Our goal is to ensure your business stays secure and future-ready without unnecessary disruption.