Microsoft extends Windows 10 EOS by 3 years with Windows 7-like ESU program

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Published onDecember 5, 2023

published onDecember 5, 2023

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Key notes

Microsoft ruffled feathers a few years ago when it announced the end of support forWindows 10 would happen on October 14, 2025. While Windows 10 will mark its ten-year anniversary in 2025, some users remain perturbed with the idea of having to eventually switch to Windows 11 and it appears Microsoft is listening.

Moment ago, Micrsoft announced aPlan for Windows 10 ROS with Windows 11, Windows 365, and ESU.

Windows 10 ESU to the rescue

While outlining a handful of alternative options for Windows 11 migration that include purchasing new PCs or migrating to Windows 365, Microsoft also revealed it would be implementing an Extended Security Update Program for Windows in a similar vein as it did for Windows 7.

The Windows 10 ESU program would work comparable to the Windows 7 ESU program in that organizations could now purchase a yearly subscription to security updated for the older OS. Yearly commitments to the ESU program would extend for three additional years after the official end of support deadline for Windows 10 for enrolled devices.

What will the Windows 10 ESU include?

Organizations that choose this option will receive critical and/or significant security updates.

Windows 10 users enrolled in Windows 365 services will get a chance to apply their ESU to devices connected to a Cloud PC running Windows 11 with no additional cost.

Windows 10 instances in Azure Virtual Desktop will also be eligible for the ESU program on virtual machines, again, at no additional charge beyond the subscription fee.

What won’t the Windows 10 ESU cover?

Microsoft’s Windows 10 ESU lifeline only extends to security patches and will not include “new features, customer requested non-security updates, design changes, or technical support” beyond extended security updates, no matter how much your company begs.

Microsoft hasn’t changed its stance on EOS for Windows 10 ending in 2025, but it’s also acknowledging that many of the operating system’s users may simply not abandon ship based on the company’s timeline.

Between the potential release of abackported Windows 11 Copilot experienceand this new optional Extended Security Update program, Windows 10 is getting a new lease on life. Microsoft is also bolstering its new ethos around removing arbitrary restrictions to its most widely used services with these recent changes.

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low#

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app#

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities#

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount#

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier#

Microsoft extends Windows 10 EOS by 3 years with Windows 7-like ESU program#

Windows 10 ESU to the rescue#

What will the Windows 10 ESU include?#

What won’t the Windows 10 ESU cover?#

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier

Microsoft extends Windows 10 EOS by 3 years with Windows 7-like ESU program

Windows 10 ESU to the rescue

What will the Windows 10 ESU include?

What won’t the Windows 10 ESU cover?