Microsoft Windows 10 End of Life in...
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Microsoft Windows 10 Extended Security Update program has just been extended to businesses and individuals. The Windows 10 operating system will become end of life on October 14th 2025. In our last post we discussed what was Windows 10 and how your business plan for the end of Windows 10 needed to be actioned before October 2025. There has now been a slight change announced by Microsoft allowing small businesses and individuals to pay for extended support.
Windows 10 End of Life
October 14th 2025 is set as the end of life date for Windows 10. After this date no new updates will be supplied by Microsoft which would result in the operating system becoming vulnerable to attack from cyber criminals.
The post gave 2 main options, namely:
- Upgrading to Windows 11 free of charge.
- Replacing your computer with a new one containing Windows 11.
New Announcement by Microsoft
Microsoft have announced for the first time that its extended security update program is available to small business and individuals for an annual price. This essentially offers a third option for businesses that are still running Windows 10. The Extended Security Update program is not in itself new, it has been offered to large businesses and governments for many versions of Windows, the new part is the fact that Microsoft is allowing businesses and individuals to subscribe to this program.
The Extended Security Update (ESU) Program
By subscribing to The Extended Security Update Program, devices will receive critical and important updates. It will not supply any other update including feature updates, new functionality, repairs of reported bugs etc. Importantly it will not include technical support in the form of a Microsoft technican available to troubleshoot and resolve issues. However, most businesses would normally use an IT support company for this form of support and this is likely to continue.
The Price of Extended Security Update Program
Microsoft have said that individuals are able to join the ESU program for 1 year at a cost of $30. Businesses will be charged $61 for the first year, $122 for the second year and $244 for the third year. In the UK this is likely to be £30, £61, £122 and £244 respectively as Microsoft does not normally calculate the exchange rate but just replaces the dollar sign with the pound sign.
Interestingly Microsoft has not defined what constitutes an individual and a business although we suspect it is likely to be the Windows 10 Home edition that will be the individual and Windows 10 Pro will be considered as a business. At the moment this is pure guesswork and we will clarify once Microsoft announces the distinction.
You will notice that individuals only have the option to extended for one year whilst businesses can opt for up to 3 years of extended security updates. This is not a typo and needs to be factored into your planning if you intend to keep Windows 10 running beyond October 2026.
IT Planning
As Managed Sevice Providers (MSP) we spend every day helping businesses to weigh up the different IT options available. For many businesses Windows 11 will be the right move but consideration has to be given to the applications that are being run and the impact they have on your business. We have seen many cases where upgrading to the latest operating system is not an option due to software running expensive equipment such as CNC machines or digital presses. Replacements of this sort can run into millions and so the ESU program will be a welcome option for businesses needing to extend the life of Windows 10.
If your businesse would like to discuss the options available use the link below to book a slot and discuss with one of our experts.
How can we help?
Changing your IT system can be scary, that’s why you have probably been putting it off for a while.
Our aim is to take the hassle and stress out of the change by managing the entire process from the initial discussion about what you need your systems to do, right through to delivering the kit. Your staff will turn on and find the same programs and files and will be able to get to work right away. If not our team is only a phone call away and they will be supported through the entire process.
October 2025 sounds like a long time but the sooner you get started the more time we have to plan your system, exactly as you need it.
What next?
One of my passions is helping businesses to succeed and if I can help you save some money as well – even better. You can fill out our contact form, phone us or click on the appointment button below and let’s start a conversation to see if I can help your business. Our guarantee:
- There are no hidden charges – this is a 100% free 15 minute consultation with no hidden charges.
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- We will treat your information with absolute confidentiality.