What will happen when Windows 10 reaches its end of lifecycle?
Windows 10 was originally released on 29th July 2015 and will reach its end of lifecycle on 14th October 2025. Operating System like Microsoft Windows 10 follow the Microsoft product support lifecycle, this ensures products are supported for a length of time and new features and security updates would be released. Most operating systems will have a 10 year product lifecycle.
We would expect a new operating system (such as Windows 11) to be released 5-6 years after the current operating system was released. Windows 11 was launched on 5th October 2021.
After the product reaches end of support no security updates would be developed and released. However Microsoft have annouced their Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10. The ESU will provide security updates for Windows 10 for businesses and home users for a maximum of 3 years.
Device prerequisites:
- The device must be running Windows 10, version 22H2
Limitations
ESU’s does not include the following:
- New Features
- Customer-requested nonsecurity updates
- Design change requests
- General support.
What does it cover?
- The ESU only includes support for license activation
- Installation
- Possible regressions from the ESU
To get support you must also have an active support plan from Microsoft. Generally this is aimed at corporate clients. However Microsoft are also offering the updates to Home users.
What does Extended Security Updates (ESU) cost?
For businesses, the ESU program will be avaible via the Microsoft Volume License Program at $61 USD per device for one year. The price then doubles every consecutive year, for a maximum of 3 years.
For individuals home users, ESU for Windows 10 will be available to purchase at $30 for one year.
Will Windows 10 stop working without updates?
No, Windows 10 will continue to work, however you would be advised to disconnect from the Internet. Most security issues occur via the internet therefore disconnecting the device from the internet would limit the potential security issues that may occur.
We would advise clients that if your device is capable of upgrading to Windows 11 then this would be the best option. Or buying a refurbished desktop and replacing the existing equipment will be cheaper in the long term.
Microsoft have also confirmed that Microsoft 365 will continue to run on Windows 10 devices for 3 years.
If you would like to discuss upgrading your businesses to Windows 11 and ensure updates are deployed to ensure your business is protected, contact us on 0333 332 6600