Windows 10 Extended Support: What You Need to Know

Microsoft has confirmed that mainstream support for Windows 10 will end on 14th October 2025. For those not ready to upgrade by then, the company is offering a mix of extended security updates (ESUs) to help bridge the gap.

Extended Support Pricing for Businesses

Businesses and educational institutions can enrol in the Windows 10 ESU programme via Microsoft's volume licensing or through a Cloud Solution Provider (CSP). The pricing follows a tiered model, increasing each year:

• Year 1 (2025-26) - estimated £47.50 ($61 subject to exchange rate)
• Year 2 (2026-27) - estimated £95 ($122 subject to exchange rate) - doubling!
• Year 3 (2027-28) - estimated £190 ($244 subject to exchange rate) - doubles again!

This allows businesses to extend coverage up to October 2028 while they plan device upgrades or OS migrations.

Why Does Upgrading Matter?

• Over 50% of PCs still run Windows 10. Without updates, these devices will become vulnerable to cyber attacks
• Microsoft is using this phased approach to gently nudge users towards Windows 11 or new devices over time
• No feature updates will be provided - Microsoft has also announced that Office apps will no longer receive new features on Windows 10 after August 2026

What You Should Do Now

If you're still using Windows 10, now it's the time to start preparing for the road ahead - whether you're managing IT for business or simply looking after your own device.

1. Check if your device can run Windows 11

The ideal long-term solution is to upgrade to Windows 11, which offers full feature support and the latest security standards. Microsoft provides a free tool - the PC Health Check app - to see if your device meets the requirements. If your hardware is compatible, we recommend planning your upgrade before the October 2025 cut-off to avoid disruption.

2. Purchase Extended Security Updates

One practical fallback, especially for business-critical devices if you can't upgrade right away is purchasing extended security updates; however these can be pricey and will double each year. They will cost from £47.50 (estimated) in Year 1, and go up to approximately £190 by Year 3 before support finally ends completely.

3. Consider device replacement or alternative OS

If your PC doesn't support Windows 11 and you don't want to pay for extended updates, it may be time to:

• Replace your device with a Windows 11-ready model
• Install an alternative operating system, like ChromeOS Flex or Linux, for basic use cases
• Explore Windows 10 LTSC if you operate in a specialist environment (e.g. manufacturing, healthcare, etc.) which extends support to 2032

At Apex Computing, we're here to make this transition as smooth as possible. Whether you need help assessing your current hardware, planning your migration strategy, or staying protected during the interim - we've got you covered.