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.
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:
This allows businesses to extend coverage up to October 2028 while they plan device upgrades or OS migrations.
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.
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.
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.
If your PC doesn't support Windows 11 and you don't want to pay for extended updates, it may be time to:
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.