There is less than a year remaining for Microsoft’s Windows 10 Operating System which will reach end of support (EOS) on 14th October 2025. Whilst Windows 10 PCs will continue to work beyond this date, they will be increasingly vulnerable to attack and exploit due to the lack of security patching from Microsoft, unless a costly Extended Security Update agreement is purchased.

There will be no software updates, security fixes, technical assistance or bug fixes for Windows 10, after 14th October 2025.

Organisations have limited options
  1. Update devices to Windows 11 (providing the device meets Windows 11 system requirements).
  2. Replace the device with a new one which meets Windows 11 compatibility.
  3. Purchase an Extended Security Update agreement per device, on an annual basis and subject to limitations below.
  4. Migrate from Windows to an alternative operating system such as Linux.
  5. Do nothing. Accept the elevated cyber security risk. (Not recommended).
Key considerations
  • Windows 10 will continue to function but will become increasingly at risk to emerging threats.
  • Any Windows 10 devices without Extended Security Updates (ESUs) will be deemed “non-compliant” with Cyber Essentials requirements, as unsupported software is not permitted.
  • Many devices running Windows 10 will not be compatible with Windows 11. There are published specific hardware requirements for Windows 11 compatibility.
  • As the deadline for Windows 10 approaches, there may be supply chain issues for Windows 11 compatible devices, and potential for price gouging.
  • Some Long Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) editions of Windows 10 may be unaffected by this deadline.
  • ESUs will be available on a paid subscription basis for three years for businesses. This will provide critical and important security updates only. The ESU programme will not include support for any issues other than those directly related to the ESU programme.
  • Currently only United States pricing for the ESU programme has been published. The price for the first year will be $61 per PC ($1 for Microsoft education customers) and will double every consecutive year, for a maximum of three years. ESUs are cumulative and the second year cannot be purchased without paying for the first year.
  • ESU’s will only be available for Windows 10 machines running version 22H2, the latest and final version of Windows 10.
  • ESUs will be free for Windows 365 customers using Windows 10 to access a Windows 365 Cloud PC running Windows 11.
Links

Windows 10 Home and Pro – Microsoft Lifecycle | Microsoft Learn

Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10 | Microsoft Learn

Windows 10 end of support updates for education | Microsoft Education Blog

Windows 11 requirements | Microsoft Learn

How to check if your device meets Windows 11 system requirements after changing device hardware – Microsoft Support

Action Required

Organisations are advised to establish if devices currently running Widows 10 are compatible with Windows 11 as a priority and develop plans to replace any non-compatible machines or ensure that ESU agreements are secured for remaining Windows 10 devices.

For any further information or advice, please contact us.