Windows 10 Extended Security Updates: What to Know Before October 2025

Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. For organizations that can’t immediately transition to Windows 11, Microsoft offers a temporary safety net: Extended Security Updates (ESUs).

This blog outlines what ESUs are, who can use them, cost considerations, and why they should be viewed as a bridge—not a long-term solution.

What Are ESUs?

Extended Security Updates (ESUs) are a paid Microsoft program that provides critical and important security updates after Windows 10 reaches its end of support.

• No new features

• No performance improvements

• No non-security fixes

In short, ESUs keep Windows 10 devices secure for a limited time, but do not advance the operating system in any other way.

Who Can Use ESUs?

ESUs are available to both organizations and individuals, but only on supported editions:

• Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, and Education

• Devices must be running the latest version (22H2)

• Not available for Windows 10 Home in corporate environments

Licenses can be purchased directly from Microsoft or through CSPs, OEM partners, or resellers.

Pros and Cons of Using ESUs

Pros:

• Extends device security beyond October 2025

• Provides up to 3 extra years to plan a migration

• Helps businesses that rely on legacy apps or hardware

Cons:

• Not free: costs increase each year

• Temporary: program ends after 3 years

• Adds complexity: no feature updates, only security patches

Cost Considerations

ESUs are sold in 12-month increments and priced per device:

• Year 1: $61 per device

• Year 2: $122 per device

• Year 3: $244 per device

Organizations should budget carefully—costs double each year and can add up quickly if used as more than a short-term solution.

Does This Replace Upgrading to Windows 11?

No. ESUs are not a replacement for migrating to Windows 11.

Think of ESUs as a safety net, not a strategy:

• They keep devices secure temporarily.

• They buy you time for a proper migration plan.

• They do not eliminate the need to move to Windows 11 or another supported OS.

Recommendations

When deciding how to approach Windows 10’s end of support, consider:

• Timing: How soon can your organization realistically migrate?

• Cost: Are ESU fees more expensive than accelerating a Windows 11 project?

• Risk Tolerance: Can your business afford to rely on a temporary solution?

Options:

1. Windows 11 Upgrade

   • Define project scope, gain approval

   • Execute upgrade with coordinated project management

   • Typical timeline: X weeks from approval

2. Windows 10 ESU + Windows 11 Upgrade Later

   • Purchase ESUs for short-term coverage

   • Sourcepass deploys ESU keys quickly via ticket

   • Typical timeline: Y days from approval

Bottom Line

Windows 10 ESUs are a short-term bridge—not a long-term plan.

They provide critical security coverage for organizations that need extra time, but the strategic priority should remain a planned migration to Windows 11.

At Sourcepass, we help organizations evaluate timing, cost, and risk to create a roadmap that minimizes disruption while keeping systems secure. Whether you need immediate ESU coverage or a full-scale Windows 11 upgrade project, our team provides the guidance and execution to move forward with confidence.