You’ve likely seen the headlines and reminders: Windows 10 is reaching its end of life on October 14th. The clock is ticking, and the push to upgrade has never been stronger.
But what happens if your organization isn’t fully ready to make the leap to Windows 11 by the deadline?
Microsoft has a safety net. For businesses that need more time, the Extended Security Update (ESU) program ensures you’ll still receive critical security patches beyond the cutoff date. This gives your team time to plan and execute the transition, without leaving your systems vulnerable.
Want to find out more about what exactly this means, who it is designed for, and what the cost is? Keep reading.
What is ESU?
The Extended Security Updates (ESU) program acts as a temporary, paid safeguard, delivering critical security patches for up to three years beyond Windows 10’s end of support on October 14th. Offered as an annual subscription, ESU ensures that Windows 10 devices remain protected while organizations plan and execute their transition to Windows 11.
It’s important to note that ESU is a security-only solution; therefore, it does not provide new features, enhancements, or non-security fixes. Its sole purpose is to maintain the security of existing Windows 10 environments during the transition period.
Microsoft has also confirmed that ESU will be available at no extra cost for Windows 10 virtual machines running on select services, including:
- Windows 365
- Azure Virtual Desktop
- Azure Virtual Machines
- Azure Dedicated Host
While moving to Windows 11 is the best option, not every organization can make that leap right away. In that case, ESU works like a shield. It won’t upgrade your devices, but it will protect them from threats until your organization is ready for the transition, rather than leaving them exposed.
Who is ESU ideal for?
While ESU should be considered a last-resort option, it can be invaluable for organizations that simply cannot complete the transition to Windows 11 by the deadline. This is often the case for businesses that need more time to replace incompatible hardware or software, or those that rely on older applications that won’t run on newer platforms and require careful planning to modernize or migrate.
For example, a manufacturing company might rely on a custom-built production control system that was developed years ago and only runs reliably on Windows 10. Since the software isn’t compatible with Windows 11, upgrading immediately could interrupt production workflows. In this scenario, ESU provides the company with additional time to either modernize the application or implement a new solution, all while ensuring their systems remain secure and operations continue without disruption.
ESU can also support organizations taking a phased migration approach. Instead of a complete overhaul all at once, critical devices can be enrolled in the ESU program to extend their secure lifespan, while the rest of the environment upgrades in stages.
Pricing
Microsoft has set the pricing for Extended Security Updates (ESU) at $61 USD per device, per year, with the cost doubling annually and reaching $240 USD by the third year. While direct pricing in CAD has not been confirmed by Microsoft, it is anticipated that pricing will align with local currency equivalents and may reflect regional adjustments.
Here are some key additional points to note:
- No technical support is included, though Microsoft will provide assistance with issues specifically tied to ESU.
- The minimum purchase requirement is one license.
While the price may seem steep, consider the alternative: running unsupported devices exposes your organization to far greater costs from potential cyber incidents, downtime, and compliance issues. In this context, ESU is an investment in stability and peace of mind.
Conclusion
The end of Windows 10 support marks a significant shift for organizations everywhere. While the October 14th deadline may feel daunting, the ESU program offers a practical lifeline for organizations that need more time to make the transition. It’s not a long-term solution, and it’s not meant to be, but it does provide critical security coverage while you prepare for the future.
Not sure your organization will be ready for Windows 11 by October 14? Contact us today to explore your options and secure your organization’s future.
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