Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) Year 1 has officially ended on October 13, 2026. Businesses using that coverage need to decide whether to purchase Year 2 or move their remaining computers to Windows 11. According to Microsoft’s commercial ESU schedule, Year 2 will last until October 12, 2027.
While your computers won’t stop working after these deadlines, the concern is whether they’ll keep receiving Windows security fixes afterward. By this time, you should be checking which office devices still need coverage and what’s preventing their upgrade.
Understand what ESU actually covers
Regular support for Windows 10 ended October 14 of last year. ESU gives enrolled computers access to critical security updates, which fix weaknesses attackers could exploit. However, ESU doesn’t add new features or restore general Windows support. They merely buy time to move away from an aging operating system while continuing to receive certain security fixes.
When you check your company devices, remember to keep the commercial program separate from consumer offers. Business licensing has its own terms, and personal-use enrollment options shouldn’t guide decisions about company-managed computers. Some specialized Windows editions also follow different support schedules, so check the edition before assuming the deadline applies.
Check which computers still need attention
Ask your IT provider for an inventory of Windows 10 devices, including laptops used remotely. Confirm that each device’s current ESU coverage is active rather than relying on purchase records alone.
For each computer, establish:
- Whether it meets Windows 11 requirements
- Whether essential software and connected equipment work with Windows 11
- What would prevent an upgrade or replacement before the deadline
Microsoft’s Windows 11 requirements include a compatible processor and TPM 2.0, a security component that helps protect sensitive information. Its PC Health Check app can assess hardware eligibility, but application compatibility needs a separate review.
A focused technology assessment can turn those findings into a plan with costs and completion dates.
Use ESU Year 2 only if you need extra time
Renewal may make sense when a critical application needs further testing or replacement equipment won’t arrive in time. Give each renewed computer a reason for staying on Windows 10 and a planned migration date.
Microsoft lists standard commercial Year 1 pricing at $61 per device, doubling annually. That makes Year 2 $122 per device under the standard pricing model. Confirm your actual quote and any qualifying entitlements with your licensing provider.
ESU is sold by coverage year, rather than in monthly increments. Businesses first entering the program in Year 2 must also pay for Year 1. Keep in mind that buying late doesn’t extend the published coverage period.
Before you decide, compare renewal with replacement costs. Paying for another year may be reasonable for a dependable computer with a temporary software obstacle. But if the machine already slows employees down or needs frequent repairs, consider replacing it.
Upgrade or replace computers with a workable schedule
Move eligible computers to Windows 11 after testing the software employees depend on. For devices that don’t qualify, plan replacements around workload requirements rather than choosing equipment solely by price.
Stagger purchases if necessary, but prioritize computers whose failure would interrupt essential work. Businesses concerned about upfront spending can explore hardware replacement options with predictable monthly costs.
Before rolling out changes across the business:
- Back up important data and test that you can restore it.
- Pilot the upgrade with a small group using everyday business applications.
- Schedule the remaining work around busy periods and provide brief employee guidance.
Verify coverage and assign responsibility
For computers staying on Windows 10, have IT confirm Year 2 licensing and activation using Microsoft’s ESU activation guidance. Then verify that updates install successfully. A license purchase alone doesn’t prove a computer is receiving protection.
Assign someone to track the remaining Windows 10 devices and follow up on migration dates. Treat renewal as part of a transition plan with a clear endpoint.
If you need help deciding which computers to renew or replace, contact NetQuest to review your Windows 10 environment and plan the next steps around your budget.
