The End-of-Support (EOS) for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, poses significant challenges for businesses and organizations. Without security updates and technical support, continuing to use the OS becomes risky. As an alternative, Microsoft offers the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program at an additional cost, but the long-term solution remains migrating to Windows 11. In this FAQ, we explain what EOS means, which editions are affected, and the available options, with IP Partners supporting your business for a smooth and secure transition.

Update 26/09: There’s been some confusion following Microsoft’s announcement of free ESU for the first year. Legally and officially, this offer applies exclusively to home (consumer) users. In practice, devices that are joined to Active Directory, Entra ID, or managed through Intune MDM are not eligible for the consumer ESU programme. These systems fall under the commercial ESU programme, which is detailed further in the main article below.

 

What is the End-of-Support (EOS) date for Windows 10?

October 14, 2025.

 

Which products are affected?

The end of support applies to all editions of Windows 10, regardless of whether they are intended for home or professional use:

• Windows 10 Home
• Windows 10 Pro
• Windows 10 Pro Education
• Windows 10 Pro for Workstations
• Windows 10 Education
• Windows 10 Enterprise
• Windows 10 IoT Enterprise
• Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel)

 

What does EOS mean for Windows?

For Windows, End-of-Support (EOS) is the date on which Microsoft officially stops providing support for a specific version of the operating system. This includes:

• End of security updates: No more patches will be released to fix security vulnerabilities.
• End of technical support: Users will no longer be able to contact Microsoft for official assistance or issue resolution.
• End of improvements/features: No new features or enhancements to system stability will be added.

Practical implications for businesses and users:

• Increased risk of attacks: Systems become vulnerable to malware and other threats.
• Regulatory non-compliance: For companies adhering to standards such as GDPR, ISO 27001, or PCI-DSS, using an unsupported operating system can be considered a violation.
• Software compatibility issues: New applications, drivers, and cloud services may no longer function properly.

In short, End-of-Support means the operating system will continue to run, but it will be insecure and unsustainable for professional use.

 

What alternatives are available?

After October 14, 2025, users and businesses still running Windows 10 will need to consider the following options:

1. Upgrade to Windows 11: The most natural and secure path is upgrading to Windows 11, provided that the existing hardware meets the technical requirements such as TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot.
2. Replace computers that do not support Windows 11: Replacing older systems with newer devices is an investment that combines improved performance with lower energy consumption.
3. Extended Security Updates (ESU): For organizations unable to complete the migration immediately, the ESU program offers a limited number of security updates. However, this solution is temporary and comes at an additional cost.
4. Switch to an alternative operating system: In certain scenarios, especially in environments that are not entirely dependent on Windows applications, migrating to alternative operating systems such as Linux may be considered.
5. Continue running Windows 10 without support: This is technically possible but extremely risky.

 

How long does the ESU cover and how much does it cost?

The Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10 will be available for three additional years after end of support, running from October 2025 until October 2028. Coverage is provided on an annual basis, with a separate cost per year and per device.

This means that organizations unable to upgrade immediately can purchase an ESU license each year to continue receiving only security updates. The program does not include new features, functionality improvements, or technical support from Microsoft.

In short, ESU provides a three-year extension with annual fees, giving businesses the time they need to plan their migration to Windows 11 or another supported platform. The indicative cost announced by Microsoft is $61 per device for businesses in the first year, doubling each subsequent year ($122 in the second year and $244 in the third), covering a total of up to three years after end of support. For consumers, the fee is $30 per device for one year, with no option for further extension.

 

Is the upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 free?

Yes, upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is free, provided that the computer meets the minimum system requirements. This means that if your PC has a compatible processor, TPM 2.0, Secure Boot enabled, sufficient RAM, and storage space, you can proceed with the upgrade at no additional license cost.

The upgrade is delivered through Windows Update, where a relevant notification will appear, or it can be performed manually using the Windows 11 Installation Assistant provided by Microsoft. If the organization uses Volume Licensing or has active Microsoft 365 / Windows Enterprise licenses, the transition is also covered without extra cost.

 

How can I check if my computer is compatible with Windows 11?

Microsoft has developed the PC Health Check tool, which automatically verifies whether a computer meets the requirements for installing Windows 11. The tool examines factors such as the processor type and generation, the presence and activation of TPM 2.0, Secure Boot functionality, available RAM, and storage capacity. If the check indicates that the system does not meet the requirements, some gaps may be addressed through hardware upgrades, while in other cases a full system replacement may be necessary.

For businesses with large numbers of workstations, the process can become more complex. In such cases, the IP Partners team can conduct a mass inventory and assessment to determine which systems are compatible, which require upgrades, and which need to be replaced—providing a clear roadmap for a smooth migration.

 

How can IP Partners help?

IP Partners supports businesses in their transition after the end of Windows 10 support through a comprehensive approach that includes system inventory, compatibility assessments, and upgrade planning. In cases where existing hardware does not meet the requirements for Windows 11, we also provide new workstations and laptops, leveraging our strategic partnerships as a Dell and Lenovo Gold Partner. This ensures a reliable, secure, and seamless migration that safeguards business continuity and prepares your IT infrastructure for future challenges.

Contact our sales team today to plan the next step in your ICT strategy.

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