When is Windows 10 end of life? How to extend support

Windows 10 end of support is a critical date for administrators to know about. While the simplest option is to move to Windows 11, organizations can extend support for Windows 10.

First Written By: Gary Olsen and Published: 13 Jun 2024 on TechTarget

The official end-of-support date for Windows 10 is an important milestone for organizations that manage Windows 10 endpoints, but it is not necessarily the end of the OS.

There are several ways that organizations can extend support for Windows 10 desktops beyond the end of support, though they each come with added complexity. Whether IT departments plan to migrate to Windows 11 or extend their usage of Windows 10, they need a concrete plan on how to handle the official end-of-support date.

When is Windows 10 end of support?

The official end of service — also known as end of life — for the Windows 10 operating system is October 14, 2025.

If an IT department manages devices that will not migrate to Windows 11 by the end of service (EOS) date, it should look into the extended support update (ESU) service to provide security updates after the EOS date. Organizations should already be in the process of making these decisions, as they may need to purchase the ESU subscription by October 14, 2024, depending on the type of license they need.

To complicate things further, the increased hardware requirements of Windows 11 may prevent some laptops and desktops from even running the system. So, organizations may have to choose between retiring devices early and purchasing ESU licenses for the devices until they are due for replacement.

What do organizations get with an ESU subscription?

IT managers and staff must understand what the ESU subscription is, how it is obtained and installed, and what it includes and does not include.

To begin, it is available for all editions of Windows 10. However, there are some prerequisites to get an ESU. The organization needs a Microsoft support plan in place on the existing hardware. Any devices must run Windows 10 v22H2 or later and in most cases the ESU must be in place one year before the EOS date. Additionally, organizations should be prepared for cost increases over time as Microsoft may update its terms.

The ESU will not provide business-as-usual update support that is present during Microsoft’s support lifecycle. It does, however, include the following:

• Security updates.
• Subscription service access.
• Three years support maximum.

The pricing can vary significantly from environment to environment, so IT administrators should be sure to budget out the cost of maintaining Windows desktops via ESU.

What is not included with ESU are new features, customer-requested non-security updates and design change requests. This supports Microsoft’s goal of making ESU a temporary fix and providing only necessary security updates to keep the devices safe and technically functional.

Pricing options for Windows 10 ESU

There are several pricing options for the ESU program that organizations should consider. It will benefit the organization to move to Windows 11 as soon as possible on as many devices as possible to reduce this additional cost for ESU subscriptions. It will be easier and more economical to get as many devices as possible to Windows 11 prior to October 14, 2025.

While the full pricing info isn’t finalized at this point, Microsoft has stated that it will be officially announced closer to one year prior to the EOS date. With that said, Microsoft has announced that the pricing for year one will be $61 per device.

There are some pricing details that are known. Here are a few key pricing notes that will help:

• ESU licenses are included with Windows 365 subscription for users that use the cloud PC.
• There are no minimum purchase requirements for Windows 10 ESU.
• Purchase is available in 12-month periods only. For example, a six-month license is not available.
• ESU is available in Volume Licensing 12 months before the EOS date. This must be in place by October 14, 2024.
• The cloud-based ESU activation license is available at a discounted cost of $45 per user for up to five devices for year one.
• ESU pricing for Microsoft Education customers is as follows:
  • $1 per license for year one.
  • $2 per license for year two.
  • $4 per license for year three.

Organizations can’t skip out on ESU for year one and then rejoin the program for year two — so executives and IT leaders will need to decide early and adjust their device management strategy accordingly.

3 ways to set up ESU for Windows 10

Organizations will need to select their approach for receiving ESU on their desktops depending on how those desktops are managed.

1. The 5-by-5 activation method

Purchase activation keys that IT can apply to individual Windows 10 devices. Management options for this method include scripting, the Volume Activation Management Tool and Windows Server Update Services with Configuration Manager.

2. Windows 365 subscription

Windows 365 subscriptions currently include free access to the ESU program for all linked accounts. All Windows 365 deployments can run Windows 10 as long as ESU is still active.

3. Cloud-based activation via Intune or Windows Autopatch

IT administrators can apply ESU cloud activation licenses to Windows 10 devices for one year at this time. Note that no 5-by-5 key is necessary. Admins can manage them via Intune and Autopatch. There is no manual intervention required for Autopatch, and a discounted price is available for this option.

How Western IT Services Supports Your Transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11

As the official end-of-support date for Windows 10 approaches on October 14, 2025, businesses need to prepare for a seamless transition to Windows 11. While extended support updates (ESU) provide an option to extend Windows 10 usage, upgrading to Windows 11 is often the most secure, economical, and future-proof choice. Western IT Services, a leading Managed IT provider in Michigan, is here to guide businesses through this critical transition. With a comprehensive approach to IT management, Western IT ensures that your transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is smooth, compliant, and tailored to your business needs.

Why Upgrading to Windows 11 Matters

Staying on Windows 10 beyond the EOS date increases security vulnerabilities and limits access to new features and updates. Windows 11 offers enhanced security, improved performance, and a modernized interface that aligns with the latest business tools and technologies. Western IT Services helps Michigan businesses understand the benefits of Windows 11 and avoid the risks associated with unsupported software.

Key benefits of transitioning to Windows 11 with Western IT Services include:

1. Access to New Security Features: Windows 11 is designed with advanced security in mind, incorporating features such as TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot. These capabilities help safeguard your business data from modern cyber threats.
2. Increased Efficiency and Productivity: With a streamlined interface and performance improvements, Windows 11 allows employees to work more efficiently.
3. Enhanced Compatibility with Modern Applications: Windows 11 is optimized for cloud-based applications and integration with modern software tools, ensuring your business stays competitive.

How Western IT Services Simplifies the Windows 11 Upgrade

Upgrading to Windows 11 involves a range of technical and logistical challenges, including hardware compatibility, software upgrades, and user training. Western IT Services offers a step-by-step process to help businesses navigate this transition effectively:

1. Comprehensive IT Assessment

Western IT Services begins with a thorough assessment of your current IT environment to evaluate hardware compatibility and software dependencies. Since Windows 11 requires specific hardware capabilities, such as TPM 2.0, Western IT experts will:

• Identify which devices meet Windows 11 requirements and which need upgrades or replacements.
• Evaluate software compatibility with Windows 11 to ensure a smooth user experience.
• Develop a timeline and budget based on your unique needs.

This initial assessment provides clarity and direction, allowing your business to make informed decisions about the upgrade.

2. Hardware Upgrade and Procurement

If certain devices are not compatible with Windows 11, Western IT can assist with hardware procurement and upgrades. They have partnerships with reliable hardware vendors and can offer competitive pricing for devices that meet Windows 11 specifications. Western IT handles the entire procurement process, ensuring your business has the necessary equipment without interruptions to your daily operations.

3. Customized Migration Planning and Execution

Western IT Services creates a migration plan tailored to your business’s size, budget, and operational requirements. Key components of this migration planning include:

• User Segmentation: Prioritizing high-impact users and departments for early migration.
• Data Backup and Security: Ensuring all data is securely backed up and protected during the transition.
• Staged Deployment: Rolling out the upgrade in phases to reduce downtime and minimize disruption.

Western IT’s phased approach allows your business to transition smoothly to Windows 11 without interrupting productivity.

4. Enhanced Cybersecurity Measures

With the end of support for Windows 10, cybersecurity becomes a top concern. Western IT Services implements a proactive security strategy for the Windows 11 environment, including:

• Advanced Threat Detection: Leveraging the latest security tools to monitor and respond to threats in real time.
• Endpoint Protection: Ensuring all devices have updated antivirus and firewall protections, compatible with Windows 11.
• User Education: Providing training for employees on best practices for security in the new operating environment.

By enhancing cybersecurity during the upgrade, Western IT helps businesses avoid vulnerabilities that can arise during the transition.

5. Training and Support for End Users

Transitioning to a new operating system can be challenging for employees. Western IT provides comprehensive training sessions and resources to help users get acquainted with Windows 11 features. This includes:

• Onboarding Sessions: Hands-on training for employees to learn about new features and tools in Windows 11.
• User Guides and Documentation: Customized guides that highlight the specific Windows 11 functionalities relevant to your business.
• Ongoing Support: Access to Western IT’s support team for troubleshooting, questions, and assistance, ensuring minimal disruptions.

Effective training ensures that employees can make the most of Windows 11’s features, leading to a smoother transition and improved productivity.

6. Post-Upgrade Maintenance and Monitoring

Once the transition to Windows 11 is complete, Western IT Services provides ongoing maintenance and monitoring to keep your systems running optimally. This includes:

• 24/7 System Monitoring: Proactive monitoring to detect any performance or security issues before they impact operations.
• Regular Updates and Patch Management: Ensuring your Windows 11 environment is always up-to-date with the latest patches and security updates.
• Performance Optimization: Regular assessments to ensure that your Windows 11 systems are optimized for performance and efficiency.

This ongoing support gives your business the peace of mind that your IT infrastructure is well-managed and secure.

Managing Extended Support for Windows 10 Devices

For businesses that may need to retain certain Windows 10 devices past the EOS date, Western IT can help manage extended support updates. Services include:

• ESU Licensing: Assisting with the purchase and installation of Extended Support Updates (ESU) licenses for critical systems.
• Cloud-Based Activation: Setting up ESU through cloud-based activation methods, such as Microsoft Intune or Windows Autopatch, for efficient management.
• End-of-Life Device Management: Providing a roadmap for replacing Windows 10 devices over time, ensuring compliance and security.

By managing ESU effectively, Western IT enables businesses to extend the life of select devices without compromising security.

Key Benefits of Choosing Western IT Services for Your Windows 11 Upgrade

Western IT Services brings years of expertise and a client-centered approach to managed IT solutions, making them the ideal partner for businesses in Michigan looking to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11. Key advantages include:

• Proactive Support: Western IT is dedicated to identifying and addressing potential issues before they impact your operations.
• Customized IT Solutions: Every upgrade plan is tailored to meet the specific needs and goals of your business.
• Trusted Industry Partnerships: Access to top hardware and software vendors ensures that your business receives competitive pricing and reliable technology.
• Responsive Customer Service: With 24/7 support and a dedicated team of IT experts, Western IT provides ongoing assistance throughout the transition.

Preparing Your Business for the Future

The Windows 10 EOS date is a pivotal moment for businesses. Transitioning to Windows 11 with the help of Western IT Services prepares your organization for future growth and digital transformation. Windows 11’s advanced security features, modern interface, and compatibility with today’s business applications make it a strong foundation for your IT infrastructure.

By partnering with Western IT, Michigan businesses can navigate the Windows 11 upgrade confidently, knowing their IT infrastructure is in expert hands. Whether you’re looking to upgrade immediately or plan a phased transition, Western IT Services offers the expertise, resources, and support needed to ensure a seamless, secure migration.

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Contact Western IT Services Today

Don’t wait until the last minute to start planning your Windows 11 upgrade. Contact Western IT Services to learn more about how we can support your business through this critical transition, providing the guidance, resources, and technical expertise you need to thrive in the modern digital landscape.