Windows 10 end of support - what now? How to secure your Windows 10 operating system free of charge until October 2026

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Learn how to stay protected until October 2026 with the ESU program for Windows 10 - simple, free and transparent.

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windows 10, end of support, extended security updates, esu program, security updates, corporate customers, ewr free updates

What happens after the official end of support for Windows 10?

Official support for Windows 10 ended on October 14, 2025: Microsoft will no longer provide regular security or feature updates from then on. This means that anyone who continues to work with Windows 10 runs the risk that new security gaps will no longer be closed and the system will become more vulnerable.

Can I still get security updates for Windows 10 - and if so, how?

Yes, Microsoft offers a program called Extended Security Updates (ESU), with which Windows 10 devices can continue to receive critical and important security updates. However, these are explicitly not new functions or feature updates, but pure security and stability updates.

Does this offer apply to private users and corporate customers? What are the restrictions?

The situation has actually improved for private users in the European Economic Area (EEA/EEA): Microsoft has announced that the ESU updates will be offered free of charge, without certain additional conditions such as the activation of cloud backup being mandatory. However, the free version is only valid until October 13, 2026.

What exactly do I need to do to keep my PC protected with Windows 10?

• Make sure that your Windows 10 installation is at least version 22H2, otherwise ESU updates will not be possible.

• Go to the Windows Update settings and look for the entry to enroll in the ESU program ("Enroll now").

• For users in the EEA: It is sufficient to log in with a Microsoft account and activate the program - no cloud backup obligation.

• Please note: Free support ends on October 13, 2026, after which you should switch to a supported operating system.

Are there any important restrictions for the free Windows 10 update that I should be aware of?

Yes.

• The offer is only for private individuals and not for corporate customers.

• The ESU updates do not replace an upgrade to a more modern system. They are intended as a temporary solution, not a permanent one. In regions outside the EEA, conditions such as payment or activation of cloud backup still apply.
• Even with ESU, there are no more new functions or feature updates.

What is the most sensible thing I can do now as a home user of Windows 10?

If I were in your position - I use a private Windows 10 installation, I'm in the EEA - then I would activate the free ESU option to have meaningful protection until October 2026. At the same time, however, I would plan to switch to a modern operating system so that I don't suddenly find myself without protection when it expires.

What has changed for corporate customers and companies since the end of support for Windows 10?

Since October 14, 2025, Windows 10 will no longer receive regular feature or security updates. For companies, this means that systems without measures will be more vulnerable to new threats in the future. However, many companies will not be able to switch to Windows 11 immediately because certain hardware, software or internal processes are not yet compatible. This is why Microsoft is offering special security options for this transition period.

What are the main strategic options for companies now?

The most important recommendation from Microsoft is to switch to Windows 11 or a modern platform as early as possible. This reduces security risks in the long term, ensures up-to-date support and enables modern security functions such as improved kernel isolation or TPM-supported encryption. However, the switch requires a careful inventory, a review of hardware requirements and precise migration planning to avoid disrupting business operations.

How does the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program work for corporate customers?

For companies that need more time to migrate, Microsoft offers Extended Security Updates (ESU). This program continues to provide critical and important security updates for Windows 10 - but no new functions or feature updates. The ESU program is designed to run for three years and is intended solely as a transitional solution until a complete switchover has taken place. Companies can use it to close security gaps while they prepare for the migration.

How can companies acquire ESU licenses and what are the costs?

Companies can obtain ESU through Microsoft volume licensing programs or through authorized partners. The licenses are valid for one year and are charged per device. The price is around 61 US dollars per device in the first year and can increase in subsequent years. Licensing is centralized and updates can be rolled out via existing management systems such as Microsoft Intune or the Configuration Manager.

Are there special arrangements for virtual or cloud environments?

Yes, special conditions apply in some cases for cloud-based or virtual environments such as Azure Virtual Desktop or Windows 365. In these scenarios, Extended Security Updates can be provided automatically at no additional cost if the environment is operated in Microsoft's cloud infrastructure. For local or hybrid systems, on the other hand, ESU licenses must be purchased regularly.

What exactly do companies need to do to continue receiving security updates?

Companies should first check which devices are still being operated with Windows 10 and whether they meet the minimum requirements for Windows 11. For non-compatible devices, participation in the ESU program is recommended. To do this, the devices must have at least Windows 10 version 22H2 installed. After purchasing the ESU licenses, special activation keys are provided, which are stored on the devices. The security updates can then be distributed via WSUS, Windows Update for Business or endpoint management solutions.

What are the limits and risks of using ESU?

The ESU program is not a permanent solution, but a temporary safeguard. The costs increase with each additional year, while technical support is increasingly limited. In addition, the functional scope of Windows 10 remains frozen - there are no new security functions or improvements to the system architecture. Third-party providers could also gradually discontinue the compatibility of their applications, leading to additional risks.

What should corporate customers with PCs and Windows 10 plan now?

1. Upgrade to Windows 11 or a modern platform

Corporate customers should primarily consider migrating existing Windows 10 devices to Windows 11 or another modern platform as quickly as possible.

Advantages: "Native" support structure, new security features, more modern hardware and software requirements.
Disadvantage: Costs and effort for hardware compatibility, conversion of systems, business applications, drivers, etc.

2. Use of the ESU program for Windows 10

If an immediate changeover is not possible, there is the option of continuing to secure existing Windows 10 installations via ESU.

Key points:

• Corporate customers purchase ESU licenses via volume licensing programs.
• ESU only covers critical and important security updates - no new features, no bug fixes outside of security, and no general technical support.
• Pricing: For example, companies can expect to pay around US$ 61 per device in the first year of ESU.
• Duration: ESU is intended as a transitional solution - a maximum of three years after the end of support is possible.

3. Special scenarios: Cloud / virtualization

Special rules apply for certain cloud or virtual desktop environments:

There are indications that for virtual machines, for example with Azure Virtual Desktop or in the cloud, ESU could be offered at no additional cost.

Companies should check whether their environment (on-premises, hybrid, virtual) falls under this special rule and which license or contract structure applies.

4. What corporate customers need to do specifically

• Inventory: Which devices are still running Windows 10 (version, edition, hardware, compatibility)
• License check: Which Windows 10 editions are in use? What are the requirements for ESU licensing?
• Check contractual partners: ESU licenses must be obtained through appropriate Microsoft licensing programs / partners.
• Make migration decision: Set time frame, plan upgrade path or deploy ESU.
• Documentation: Create risk analysis (compliance, security, ongoing support)

5. Limitations and risks

ESU is not a long-term solution: companies should have migration as a goal.

Costs increase longer with each year of ESU.

Hardware or software may no longer be supported in the future - even with ESU.