Businesses may face a significant expense while transitioning away from Windows 10 and moving towards the latest software as Microsoft discloses the pricing for the forthcoming security update.
Microsoft has confirmed the termination of support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, prompting businesses to prepare for the procurement of its Extended Security Updates (ESU).
In light of this, the company has now outlined the anticipated costs that businesses will incur if they opt to continue using Windows 10 post the official end of support deadline to ensure protection against potential security threats.
Windows 10 Upgrade Costs
Microsoft explained in a recent blog post that companies wishing to sustain the use of Windows 10 beyond its end of support phase will need to enroll their PCs in the ESU program.
The options available for businesses seeking extended support include the traditional 5-by-5 activation key method, a cloud-based activation approach, and activation through a Windows 365 subscription.
The initial option, which is the basic license package, carries a price tag of $61 per device for Year 1, enabling users to download an activation key and apply it to selected Windows 10 devices enlisted in the ESU program.
Alternatively, businesses can utilize ESU via their existing Windows 365 subscription at no additional cost, with devices automatically set up to receive security updates without requiring any further action.
Additionally, Microsoft offers a “special offer” to organizations leveraging a Microsoft cloud-based update management solution like Microsoft Intune or Windows Autopatch, granting them a 25% discount. This means that their ESU will cost $45 per user for up to five devices for Year 1.
The company emphasized, “ESUs provide critical and/or important security updates for Windows 10 PCs, especially for those needing extra time to transition to Windows 11.”
“Legacy software systems pose higher security risks and could lead to compliance violations. While Windows 10 PCs will remain operational post the end of support, they will no longer receive security updates, bug fixes, feature enhancements, or security issue resolutions. Upgrading to Windows 11 or migrating to a new Windows 11-based system will ensure a secure computing environment for employees and safeguard the organization,” Microsoft added.
